Facts from the Field 2009 An exclusive 4 season trail camera study of food plots and their effect in Ontario hunting strategies This program is brought to you by:            Ontario Monster Whitetails Magazine proudly presents a brand new 2009 Facts from the Field program. Back by popular demand, this year's series has new twists and turns that will allow every reader an in-depth look at Ontario's deer herd, food plotting strategies and trail camera techniques. It is our goal to once again show that the use of these products will not only create a healthier deer herd but also a more rewarding hunting experience even when abundant agriculture is present.    As Mother Nature finally released her icy grip, as the deer are leaving wintering yards, as does are seeking safe havens to drop fawns and bucks are dividing into bachelor groups to seek cover, feed and cultivate antler growth, it's prime time to introduce this years program. The corner stones that a whitetail's world revolves around remain constant year after year. Come spring, the deer separate into various social groups in search of optimal nutrition and cover from predation. As the seasons change, so do the habits of these magnificent animals but they continue to rely on these basic principles. This study will run from now until the Winter issue in 2010 and will bring you along every step of the way.    Last season we conducted an in-depth, four season study of the Beasley Brothers whitetail herd using food plots and trail cameras to help concentrate our focus for the fall season. The program was so successful for us, and the feedback so positive from our readers, that we have been waiting anxiously to introduce a new twist this year.    Our goal for 2009 is to optimize this program and gain the maximum benefits for you, the reader. To accomplish this task we felt that we needed a program not isolated to our area alone, but one that stretched throughout the whitetails range in Ontario. We hand-picked 3 of Ontario's more passionate whitetail hunters to join us in conducting the 2009 Facts from the Field study. All of our participants are not just hunters but are also land managers who spend much of their leisure time working with whitetails and trying to improve their habitat. In the following pages we will introduce you to Joe Dampier, James Vanos, and Lee Nilsen.    We chose three of the leading food plot companies to participate with us so that you can see the value that these companies bring to the table and the diversity that geography and seed options offer. We are thrilled to introduce Backyard Wildlife Products, Whitetail Institute of North America, and Mossy Oak Biologic as sponsoring seed companies and Trail 'N Security Cameras as our trail camera sponsor.    Throughout this program, each participant will take the proper steps in surveying the individual needs and goals for food plots in their area. Decisions will be based on concepts such as: nutritional gaps, supplemental nutrition, doe lactation, antler growth, concentrating deer activity, winter forage, additional cover, etc. Site location will be critical as each hunter will dive into the topography of their landscape and analyze the timber, fields, funnels and bedding areas that their deer call home. Each area will need a sound decision making process on how the food plot will affect travel, bedding and feeding patterns and importantly the accessibility to hunt that area. Treestand locations, wind directions, neighbouring fences and visibility to roadways will all have to be considered long before the actual hunt.    Once these choices have been made each hunter will take soil samples that will be tested at the lab to determine the pH of the soil. In turn, results will provide the knowledge needed for proper utilization of fertilizer's and lime concentration to maximize forage.    Depending on each hunters survey of their land and needs, a schedule will be implemented for when each different plot will be planted. Machinery, implements and dirty hands will be engaged in a multi-season program that will transform each area into a whitetail mecca.    We will continue to bring you all the latest successes, struggles and real-life processes that this rewarding challenge offers. You will see hundreds of trail camera photos that will survey the plots and surrounding area 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Online stories and photos will also be available to help bring the full picture to life.    As many of you know, hunting is much more than just the kill. This program is an educational article to assist us in becoming land managers and stewards of the property we hunt. Join with us in creating a whitetail heaven in your own neck of the woods by planting food plots and conducting your own camera surveys. We know you will fall in love with this year-round activity and we promise it will be more rewarding than you ever imagined.    Please contact the sponsoring companies or us for any questions on how to get your own plots started and don't delay! This site will be receiving constant updates until late winter so please check back soon for more updates. NEXT PAGE CLICK HERE to meet the participants