Unharvested, abandoned crops may provide added economic opportunities for producers. Although standing water has prevented producers from harvesting some crops in many parts of Mississippi, white-tailed deer and waterfowl will forage on these crops. Corn is often used as a high-energy food source for deer in supplemental food planting programs. Standing corn is very attractive to deer, especially in the late-season when the acorn crops have been depleted. Flooded grain and soybean fields can attract waterfowl in great abundance. However, no manipulation of any kind (e.g., disking, rolling, bush-hogging, burning, etc.) can be performed on unharvested crops if the cropland will be hunted for waterfowl in winter 2009-2010. If manipulated croplands are hunted for waterfowl, the hunters are subject to violation of baiting regulations and could suffer harsh penalties. It is legal, however, to hunt waterfowl amid flooded unharvested crops as long as the crops are not physically manipulated in some way.

Please refer to the following websites for more information:

http://www.fws.gov/le/huntfish/waterfowl_baiting.htm
http://www.fws.gov/le/pdffiles/09-30-04%20Buhl%20Web%20text%20Waterfowl%20Baiting%20Brochure.pdf

Also, specific questions regarding migratory waterfowl can be directed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, Jackson, MS, (601)965-4469.

Grains and soybeans that have been submerged may be more susceptible to spoilage, which may make those crops unattractive to waterfowl other than for purposes of providing cover and concealment. As long as the corn ears remain above water the corn should remain viable and attractive to wildlife.

Producers that have not considered leasing their property to hunters may be missing an opportunity for additional income, and minimize the economic loss due to flooding. If you are considering seasonal hunting leases, please review the Extension publication on hunting lease legalities.

To read the complete report, visit msucares.com