Hunting Food Plot
Filed under: Ask Grant, Food Plots, Hunting Tactics
I own 57 acres in far western Kentucky. I only have 3 one acre fields to plant in late fall and winter food plots. Twenty acres are leased as row crops and the remainder is woods. I have done a browse cut of about 2 acres. What should I plant for a hunting food plot? I really enjoyed meeting you at the QDMA convention. It was my first time and I can’t wait until next year! Thanks for all you do to help guys like me. God Bless, Jeff
Jeff,
It may be worth considering some trading with the row crop farmer to have him leave a bit of the row crop standing, especially if he’s planted corn or soybeans. One factor that should be considered when deciding what to plant during the fall in plots designed to attract deer for hunting is what time of year you wish to hunt. Appropriately fertilized wheat germinates rapidly and provides palatable and quality forage during the early season. Brassicas can be mixed in, but may not become palatable until after a frost (mid to late season, depending on the year). Clover can be mixed in to provide quality forage during the spring, especially if you are a turkey hunter.
I’ll be planting a lot of wheat this fall. I’ve purchased my wheat already and am waiting on adequate soil moisture to plant. Remember that nitrogen (within reason) makes wheat grow and taste better. Don’t spare the nitrogen if attracting deer is your mission.
Growing Deer together,
Grant
