Locust trees and late season

[Hymie3]

Just sharing what I have observed the last few years especially for late season hunters. I have an area that I get to hunt behind my place and I stopped getting pictures all together on the hardwood rise where I have a stand. I decided to move my camera down to a low area where two trails come together by a water source. Just a few hours after I moved the camera it started blowing up. I knew they used this area but it seems like every deer around here has moved to it. The one key l have observed every year is the locust tree bean pod. I get pictures with the deer munching on them for a few weeks til they are all gone. Happens every year late season. I have read that they really like them after they turn hard and crunchy in late season. I can back that up. If you are struggling right now maybe find one of these trees and give it a go. Anyone else noticed this?

 

[deerhunter10]

Yup they eat them.

 

[7mmWSM]

Yes I've noticed that quite a lot. I always called them Honey Locust. The trees have a lot of thorns on them. Deer love them.

 

[TNTreeman]

They do eat them. Never figured if it was bc they really like them or out of necessity . I've watched them eat Osage oranges as well. Do they like them or just eat because there isn't much left….

 

[backyardtndeer]

I have never put a cam on them, but I know they eat them. That looks like a pretty good buck.

 

[7mmWSM]

They do eat them. Never figured if it was bc they really like them or out of necessity . I've watched them eat Osage oranges as well. Do they like them or just eat because there isn't much left….

Where I've noticed it we had a mix of ag fields, CRP, and foodplots. Plenty of food for the deer already but like with acorns they ate them regardless.

 

[Ski]

They love locust pods in late season. Pure sugar. They hit them just as hard as acorns or persimmons except in December and January. Unfortunately mine didn't have any this year due to the drought.

 

[Snake]

They do eat them. Never figured if it was bc they really like them or out of necessity . I've watched them eat Osage oranges as well. Do they like them or just eat because there isn't much left….

I've often wondered about those ...I've seen them busted open with something eating them . I've been told they don't eat those unless they are starving ????

 

[knightrider]

I've often wondered about those ...I've seen them busted open with something eating them . I've been told they don't eat those unless they are starving ????

Nope, they love them! I left three in one of my little kill plots just for late season draw. From middle of December until their gone a deer wont stop or put its head down in the wheat and rye until it reaches the locust trees

 

[Urban_Hunter]

There's a cluster of them on our farm in smith county and they get hammered this time of year

 

[Ski]

I've often wondered about those ...I've seen them busted open with something eating them . I've been told they don't eat those unless they are starving ????

Next time you get a chance, open one up. It's a slimy yellow paste of pure sugar. I suspect that's why they're called "honey" locust. There's not much in there but the deer devour the entire shell and all to get it.

 

[Snake]

Next time you get a chance, open one up. It's a slimy yellow paste of pure sugar. I suspect that's why they're called "honey" locust. There's not much in there but the deer devour the entire shell and all to get it.

I was actually talking about the Osage oranges which I call Hedge Apples ....I know they eat the locust bean/fruit .

 

[7mmWSM]

I was actually talking about the Osage oranges which I call Hedge Apples ....I know they eat the locust bean/fruit .

I always called them horse apples. I've seen them broken up but never knew if they were eating or was coons and possums doing it. I've never seen a deer myself on them.

 

[PossumSlayer]

Must have some nutrients they crave this time of year

 

[Ski]

I was actually talking about the Osage oranges which I call Hedge Apples ....I know they eat the locust bean/fruit .

Ah gotcha. Yeah the hedge apples are wonderful fruit! You just gotta use your fingers to peel off the outer shell like an orange

 

[Snake]

Ah gotcha. Yeah the hedge apples are wonderful fruit! You just gotta use your fingers to peel off the outer shell like an orange

Nah no thanks .

 

[Snake]

I do know one thing about the locust trees ....you had better watch your four wheeler/ SxS those thorns will do a number on your tires .

 

[shelbydeer]

I do know one thing about the locust trees ....you had better watch your four wheeler/ SxS those thorns will do a number on your tires .

Yes and dont ride too close to one and have a branch hit you! Those thorns are nasty!

 

[yellalinehunter]

Ah gotcha. Yeah the hedge apples are wonderful fruit! You just gotta use your fingers to peel off the outer shell like an orange

When you know it's gunna be a lemon flavor they really aren't bad.

 

[yellalinehunter]

When you know it's gunna be a lemon flavor they really aren't bad.

I was thinking y'all were talking about a trifoliate orange