You ever have problems with the Rye getting stemmy or trying to make heads before deer season is over? I plant mine later and later each year because of this problem. Probably the difference in me being farther south and so close to sea level (400' average). What's your elevation up there? Rye seems to be what my deer prefer over wheat/oats
I have never had mine head out prior to deer season. I plant mine on ~ September 16 and the deer have been absolutely pounding it and it is about a foot tall right now. In all honesty, I could probably wait until October 1 to plant but I just don't like to do much around the house here acter October 1st. I shut down the trails and let the entire place just relax. No shooting, no 4 wheelers, no tractor, I'm the "Fall Nazi" as my wife calls me. But, there is a reason I hold 20+ deer through the entire season.
This is Abruzzi Winter Rye. Not your standard Rye. Also, it grows SUPER tall. Like 6 feet tall by spring and it provides a TON of cover for rabbits during the spring. Deer really like the fresh emerging Rye plus there are a bunch of white oaks up by my sawmill that provide several tons of food. Deer don't go hungry or thirsty here. Ever.
I got a strip of Purple top turnips planted up by the sawmill. The deer don't seem to be touching them but that is no surprise. It was a "Lee and Tiffany" pack on the clearance rack at Walmart and I suspect I had a 25% germination rate (which is fine).
