With pumpkin season still a good bit of time away, we still wanted to talk about the activities going on at the farm. Even though it is off season right now, with winter’s chill still in the air and spring just around the corner, things are still going on. We, like many other farms, offer visitors the chance to go on pheasant and dove hunts during the offseason and after harvest times. If you have never taken part in spring time pheasant hunts on the farm, you are missing out!
It’s All About the Diet
Most people are curious about why we would offer a hunting opportunity during our “off-season” but the answer is really quite simple. On the farm, things are always happening. We have awesome soil which attracts bugs, earthworms, and more during the summer months. During the winter, roots, seeds, berries, and other things are at the top of the list for hungry pheasants and doves. We have an abundance of those as well.
That makes our farm, and others like it, a feast for these birds. However, it isn’t always a good thing. If they aren’t controlled, we may not be able to grow during the next season. These birds, although beautiful creatures are animals that reproduce quickly and seem to attract friends. Since they are not opposed to eating young sprouts, we couldn’t up losing half our crop if we don’t try to keep a handle on them. This is why we offer hunts to anyone who wants a good hunting experience for doves and pheasants.
Get In On Our Next Hunt
If you are interested in hunting on our farm, you are more than welcome. We do encourage you to contact the farm closest to you to see if and when a hunt will be available. Just know that most farmers want to know you will be safe about the hunt. Even on large farms, you will want a gun that works properly and a truly good scope. If you are lacking either one, there are still options. You could even check here for a budget scope option that will ensure you see clearly what you may be aiming for. We are sure that there are also some pretty good rifles out there at an affordable price as well, but this depends on what you are hoping for.
Why Join the Hunt?
It has been proven that in some areas, such as Minnesota, pheasants and doves are often choosing farmlands over their natural habitat. It is believed that the tall corn stalks and such provide more shelter from predators, which means that they can stay there safely. In many ways, this is good and bad. It is the catch 22 we often hear about. In the wild, pheasants can live for less than three years on average before preditors capture them. With farms, they can thrive longer, but it still can take a toll on the farmers who rely on produce to earn a living.
Most people think that the only time they should visit a pumpkin patch is during the fall. When it comes time for Jack o’ Lanterns and fall colors. If this is the way you have always thought of it, we encourage you to take another look at your local patch. Many pumpkin patches offer all types of things to do during every season of the year. They have winter activities and snow carriage rides through lavish decorations during the winter months and more activities than you can imagine during their “summertime fun at the patch” festivities.
Pumpkin planting season is the month of May. They are then ready to harvest in October, which makes them the perfect holiday delight. What you may not consider is that throughout the year, children and adults can take an interest in learning about agriculture at their local pumpkin patch.
Who doesn’t love spending time on the farm? The summer is the best time of all. It is before the crops come in, so you may miss out on sampling fresh ears of corn, pumpkin pie, and other things. However, this does not take away from all you can learn.
The fall is a time of amazing beauty. Leaves change colors. Fall fruits dot the land with bright splashes of color. A gentle breeze can send colors soaring through the air. The problem is, this air that looks so beautiful with colorful leaves blowing in it holds hidden danger. It comes in the form of chills and germs, which makes it virtually important for people to stay healthy during the harvest season. As fall takes the world by storm again, let us focus on ways that you can stay healthier.
Many people love the fall. It means cooler temperatures which can be a reprieve from summer’s unending heat. However, others dread the fall because it means that their health will fall along with the leaves. For some, allergies are the culprit and for others, it is some of the nastiest words in the English language that brings them down. Words like: Influenza, the common cold, meningitis, and more. Why does the fall tend to trigger such nasty thoughts and outbreaks? There are two speculations on this matter.
There are several things you can do to keep cold germs from making a home in your body. They include things like washing hands and face frequently, taking probiotics, rest more, avoid smoking or drinking, and exercise often. These things will not guarantee to completely block the common cold or flu, but they can help. Most colds are spread through contact with the eyes, nose, and mouth. Washing often will slow it down. Exercising will keep your heart pumping and keep cold germs from taking up residence. Probiotics ensure you have enough healthy bacteria to keep germs from getting the best of you.
People may go to town to sell their farm produce, but 90% of the time, the produce was grown outside of the city. Take pumpkins, for instance. You would not see a pumpkin field in the middle of town. In most cases, pumpkins are grown in rural areas located out of the city limits where they can be fields of pumpkins instead of just a row. Pumpkin patches, which are extremely popular around the fall season and Halloween, are also located in these remote areas, which can make powering them quite a challenge.
When growing pumpkins, you will have not just a plant in the field. One pumpkin vine can spread out away from the original stem or plant. A single plant can produce 4-5 pumpkins on the vines that extend up to 50ft off of it. If the pumpkin patch grows miniature pumpkins, each of their single plants could produce up to a dozen or so pumpkins.
Pumpkin patches are known for growing pumpkins and allowing people to come and pick their own. However, it is often more than just a day for pickin’ pumpkins. Most of the time, there are activities for the kids to enjoy while looking for, “The Great Pumpkin”. There may be stages for music performers, lights scattered around, and more. All of these things require a power supply, which may be limited when in a further off the grid location.
Fall festivals and pumpkin patches are loads of fun. Corn mazes have always been a popular pastime because it means haunted trails and so much more. Kids and adults love it, but farms that host these events must always keep evolving to draw people to their gate. In some cases, it also means that they have to focus on a higher class pumpkin patch that can appeal to the adults as much as to the kids.
When thinking about a pumpkin patch, corn mazes and hayrides are probably your first thought. These are two of the most common features. However, there are also select events that have fun things for the kids that may include:
One trend for bringing parents to the pumpkin-y fun is car shows. A lot of farms will have a large car show out front for the parents to enjoy while their children go off to play. Lots of food options are also available now whereas it used to be mostly burgers/dogs and fries. At some festivals, you can enjoy meat on a stick or any number of other treats. Ice cream flavors galore are also a family-friendly food item.
Autumn is one of the greatest seasons of the year. There are so many bold, beautiful colors to see. The temperatures are mild, if not a little on the cool and refreshing side of things. It is truly splendid, but what makes it even better is the many fall carnivals that are held throughout the world. One of the biggest examples of this Pumpkinland in Iowa, but there are many others.
Imagine walking through a corn maze or taking a hayride through a field. Playing in dried corn kernels while you nibble on tasty bites watermelon. There are games for kids and friends waiting to be made by parents. Some festivals may also have a petting zoo for kids to enjoy when they get worn out of walking through mazes.
If the fresh fruits are not enough, most fall festivals have local vendors that provide a variety of local favorites. Fresh, garden treats such as jams or jelly made with fresh strawberries. Popcorn and baked goods are readily available to you.