like you said, you have your way.... i have mine, my point here is to show you that just because we have different routes doesnt mean that i dont have the utmost respect for the habitat and the animals that i provide for.
I understand that and wasn't implying anything different.
However it is hard to sit here and describe the entire issue with type. When I say harsh winter I don't just mean cold. In mississippi harsh winters come when the acorn crops are almost none existant. Or when browse is old and not palletable for game.
We plant Peanuts and Cowpeas in the summer months. Peanuts are the best for protein at nearly 14%. You'll not get that out of rye, wheat, cowpeas or anything else. Harsh is when the food source is depleted to the degree the deer have a hard time finding it. Just how much browse do you think is availible right now? I saw a doe eating green off of a evergreen the otherday. When they do that then you know times are hard.
To focus on QVM the way the state people have presented it you will need to change the land considerably. Fertilize natural growth? well just how much and for how long. Fertilzer will deplete rapidly after first season so are you going to go around to all the areas and redo it each year to promote growth? Are you able to open the canopy to allow needed sunlight through. Remove undergrowth of unwanted hard and soft woods. Lot to think about and unless you have the equipment in place to do it you'll put out alot of effort for little return in my opinion.
Again this is just my thoughts others think different and their methods may be more profound.