Food Plot Basics

There is no doubt about it, food plots draw deer and for that matter holds deer where you want them to be. What do we need to know and do when it comes to preparing our food plots?

First food plots work best in secluded areas not only in helping to make the deer feel safer but also allowing you a degree of privacy when you spend your hunting days over a food plot.

It is best to plan on several small plots instead of just one big plot. This will provide you with more stand locations for hunting and viewing the deer in your area. This will also lessen the competition for food and spread the deer out over the managed areas that you have set up.

A good measure on food plots is to have three acres of food plots per 100 acres of habitat. It is wise to consider the density of the total deer population as well when making this decision.

Place your food plot areas with cover on two or three sides. There is a good chance that the cover areas around your food plot area may well become bedding areas to deer using the food plot. Plan on placing your plot where it will get from three to five hours of sunlight per day.

Your food plot can be planned depending on what equipment you have available to you. If you use the no till method it works well to use Roundup on the site at least ten days prior to planting to reduce weed intrusion.

Take soil samples from various areas in your food plot. Samples should be four to six inches deep. Mix the samples together in a bucket and then place them in a plastic bag to have the soil tested. Send the samples to the people that are advising you on what to use on your food plot for their advice.

Choose your seed types on the advice of the company that tested your soil and is advising you on your food plot.

Periodic mowing is often prescribed to stimulate new growth and supply increased protein to the deer that is much needed for nutritional development and antler needs. Mowing also helps to reduce weeds in your plots.

Lime and soil fertilizer should be applied on advice based on your soil testing. Fertilizer should be applied at least twice a year in the spring and again in late summer.

Food plots will increase the deer in your area giving you increased harvesting opportunities.

The best time to plant your food plots is when the soil in your region reaches 55 degrees. This temperature will insure the best germination.

If you are not taking advantage of food plots you should take a closer look at this tool in not only harvesting deer but giving your deer a chance to reach their maximum potential in trophy development. The nutritional needs and rack development are going to pay off in quality deer for you to harvest and manage. There are countless seed companies out there that provide seed strictly for food plots. Try contacting some of these companies and find out what you can do in your own hunting area to utilize food plots.




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