Preferred Food Plot Shape
Filed under: Ask Grant
Dr. Woods,
I’ve always read and understood articles that state deer prefer long, winding lanes of food as opposed to large open areas of food plots. Have there been any studies to back this up and is there an “ideal” width for a food plot lane? I’ve always heard 15-30 yards, but was wondering if there is any data, other than personal observation to back this up. Also, are there any particular food plot shapes such as the classic serpentine shape that might attract more deer and game to use the plot?
Thanks!
Eric
Eric,
I’m not aware of any published research that reports the shape of plots deer prefer. Deer readily feed in large ag fields during daylight hours if there is minimal hunting pressure in the area. Conversely, deer rarely are observed feeding in large openings in areas with a higher frequency of hunting pressure. I believe managing hunting pressure is a better tool for observing deer during daylight hours than food plot shape. Serpentine-shaped plots are great for stalking game, if the hunting pressure is kept to a minimum. Ideally, deer can feed while being close to cover. Narrow plots provide that for deer. They also provide some advantages to hunters as narrow plots tend to channel the wind and reduce the swirling and wind eddy’s usually associated with larger openings. This alone is a huge advantage for hunters. Narrow plots will be the subject of an upcoming episode of GrowingDeer.tv — so stay tuned!
Growing Deer together,
Grant
