Gamekeeper: A Thorough Guide to Purposes and Plants
In the world of hunting, the gamekeeper is a crucial element. But what is the purpose of your gamekeeper? Do you want to attract certain types of game such as deer or game birds? Or is it more important for you to provide cover and a food source? Maybe you want a gamekeeper that is attractive in spring or in fall and winter? Whatever your requirements, it’s essential to make these considerations first, as most gamekeepers contain specific plant varieties that are particularly good for certain purposes.
For example, some plant varieties will flower and attract a wide range of insects that pheasants will enjoy in spring and throughout the summer. At the same time, pheasant and partridge chicks also need good spring cover from predators. It would therefore be advantageous to choose a plant mix specifically formulated for birds.
If, on the other hand, you want to make a game keeper for deer, there are also a number of things to consider. Do you want an attractive game eater in the spring, or do you want good food sources in the fall and winter? This will typically require different plant mixtures. Among deer, there are also differences in preference for different plants and varieties. For example, roe deer will have clear favorites that red deer are less attracted to.
Focusing on the gamekeeper looking good at certain times of the year, e.g. May 16 or September 1, can be a strategy. But the problem is that at these times you are feeding your territory when natural food sources are at their peak. Therefore, you may want to choose planting mixtures that can be sown later, such as in July-September. In this way, attractive food items are added to the territory at a time when the natural index of food items is declining. Then you give a boost to the game when they really need it!