I've been thinking of planting some sort of fruit trees in a couple of spots in the woods where I hunt to create an attractant for deer in the future. What kind(s) should I consider - apple, persimmon, anything else?
I'm betting it would take a persimmon tree 20+ years growth before it would start bearing decent enough fruit to hunt over it. Early in the season, there's always plenty of corn and soybeans planted nearby that the deer eat.
Any suggestions?
For fast fruit, apple or pear trees would work. I think the dwarf trees fruit faster, but don't live as long. You have to have sunlight for fruit trees so they have to be in the open with plenty of light. Plus they need to be caged to keep the deer from browsing and rubbing them.
Ever heard of a sawtooth oak? I planted several on my farm 5 years ago and this is the first year they've made acorns. And the deer vacuum them up. I've seen deer walk through 2 acres of peas just to get to the sawtooths.