VIDEO: Diary of a Dirt-Bag: How Your Food Plot Soil Gets Tested

If you send off samples of your food plot soil for lab testing, you already know the benefits. You’ve seen the report that tells you exactly what type of fertilizer and how much of it to apply, as well as how much lime to adjust the soil pH. When you fill those soil-sample bags with dirt and drop them at your county extension agent’s office or in a mailbox, have you wondered where that dirt-bag is going or what will happen to it when it gets there? To find out how your food plot soil gets tested, click here.

QDMA Seeking Intern for Education and Outreach Department

QDMA is offering a six-month internship that will run from July 1 to December 31, 2017. The intern will work with the Education and Outreach Department on research, education, advocacy and certification program issues. To learn more, click here.

Last Chance for National Youth Hunt Nomination

Wednesday, May 31 is the deadline to nominate a deserving youth to participate in QDMA's 2017 National Youth Hunt. Any QDMA member or QDMA Branch may nominate a youth for this event. To be consistent with the spirit and intent of the QDMA National Youth Hunt, we give priority to youngsters who are NEW to hunting and who would otherwise not have much opportunity to participate in the outdoor sports. For additional information or to nominate a youth, click here.

Cabela’s Meindl Men’s Gore-Tex Surround Hunting Boots

• Rugged micro-suede-leather and nylon-mesh uppers
• GORE-TEX Surround technology for 360-degree climate comfort
• Waterproof yet breathable design
• Molded EVA midsoles cushion your feet for comfort
• Durable rubber outsoles for ground-gripping traction

All-around comfort for your feet. The Men's GORE-TEX Surround Hunting Boots from Cabela's and Meindl feature rugged micro-suede-leather and nylon-mesh uppers that are engineered with GORE-TEX Surround technology, which offers 360-degree climate-control comfort for your feet. They're highly breathable without compromising waterproof integrity, so your feet stay dry and comfortable, even in warmer temperatures. Rubber toecaps resist wear. Molded EVA midsoles cushion each step. Durable rubber outsoles provide ground-gripping traction over tough terrain.

Ht: 9”
Avg. wt: 2.75 lbs./per pair.
Color: Brown.
MSRP: $250

A majority of last week’s respondents said this Wisconsin buck is 4.5, and we agree that the characteristics in this photo point strongly to 4.5 years. His neck size and overall body size put him beyond 3.5, and he’s got a flat stomach and back with no apparent “sway,” which argues against 5.5-plus. One footnote though: It’s a Christmas Eve, post-rut photo. He could have already lost some of his belly and muscle mass during the rut, possibly making him look 4.5 instead of 5.5-plus. But, let’s assume he’s 4.5 on Christmas Eve. He’s almost made it through hunting season at this point. Next season, he’ll be a minimum of 5.5 and should get a green light on any hunter’s list.
 

Here's a New Age This! Buck

Preston Rook got this photo of a Kansas buck on November 13, during the peak of the rut.

What's your age estimate for this buck? To cast your vote:

       Submit Your Age Estimate Here

We'll publish the results in our next QDMA e-newsletter, along with a new buck for you to age. 

If you need to brush up on buck age characteristics before you make your estimate, read this article. 

To submit photos for Age This!, here's how.