Tips on Making Good Food Plots for Deer Hunting

Deer plots are essential to catching that prized buck.

Making a good deer plot is a science that requires effort from the hunter and the combination of foods that are attractive to a deer throughout the year. Luckily, having a good plot can have great results with a healthy and plentiful amount of targets. You may have to spend some time being a farmer before you can become a hunter, but the results will be worth it.

Find a Proper Plot.

Healthy soil is the first step to healthy crops and thus healthy deer. No matter how big of an area of land you have, if the soil is not rich with nutrients, then the crops will not grow. Before moving forward make sure that the you have appropriate crops for the weather conditions and soil type in your hunting plot.

Choose the Proper Crops

If you have enough rainfall and land, it is best to plant a variety of crops that will be attractive to deer in all seasons. There are better crops for different seasons, and it is important to have a crop for all seasons. Crops like winter wheat and rye along with milo and even clover are good for fall/winter crops. Warmer seasons allow more options, but the higher protein crops like corn, alfalfa and soybeans are most beneficial to deer.

Split the Plot

If you have a moderate deer population, and you want to plot for the whole year, the best option may be splitting your plot in half. Chose a crop like clover that grows copiously and frequently for a utility plant that can last during the harsher months. Alfalfa is also a good choice but tends to brown in the hotter months quicker than clover. Corn is a great source of protein for deer and is one of the most attractive crops for deer. It is also great during summer months, and working with clover or alfalfa provides food year-round. If you have the room, add some soybeans because they are a great source of protein and will make the feeding during the summer months that much better.

Properly Fertalize your Plot

Contact the local agricultural agencies to determine the typical pH level in your soil and the type of fertilizing needed. Fertilize in spring with a combination of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous. Make sure to contact an expert before fertilizing to avoid killing your crops.

References

• Food Plots: The Ultimate Food Plot