What forage should I plant in Vermont?

By Grant Woods,

  Filed under:

← Grant's Answers — Food Plots
Question
Hey Grant, I have several questions for you to answer/ give your input on. First, I have a landowner that owns about 100 acres, and we are planning on putting in a few food plots next year. I’m from Vermont so often we have cold, harsh winters that can last 6-7 months with below freezing temps and snow on the ground. Also, the plots are going in on powerlines with a lot of thick invasive species such as raspberry bushes. We also have a LOT of apple trees up the powerlines. I’m wondering what you would suggest planting, as right now I’m leaning towards clover. It needs to be a perennial because it is difficult to access because of lack of time and the rolling hills here in VT, so planting year after year would be a bit tricky. My other question is a bit more personal and it’s possible that you get asked this a lot, but maybe you don’t! It’s worth a shot. I’m 17 and about to go into college and I really need an upgrade, but don’t have a ton of money to spare. So I’m wondering what you do with your old bows as (I’m assuming) G5 provides you and your staff with new bows often. If you have any from past seasons that you’d be willing to ship out I’d gladly take one! If not, would you have any recommendations for a high-quality bow at an affordable price? Thanks so much! P.S. The easiest way to respond would be an email to me, maybe you respond that way anyways. Not sure because I haven’t done this before haha. Thank you for your time! -Jaxson

Jaxson,

Clover does tend to grow well in the northeastern states! However, clover requires more maintenance than most annual varieties.  Clover requires feeding (fertilizer) usually annually.  Clover also requires work to keep weeds out!  I often spray clover two or more times a year. Without proper fertilizer and weeding clover stands rarely last longer than a year or two.  

Malnourished forage doesn’t taste as good as healthy crops.  So no matter what you plant it will require some maintenance.  If the local habitat is poor deer will eat almost any crop.  The better the habitat the more selective (and healthier) deer will be!  I find forage soybeans much easier to care for than clover. Deer readily consume the forage during the summer and pods during the winter.  

Clover may be a good option for you!  However you need to plan on doing a soil test before you plant and adding the appropriate amount of lime and fertilizer.  Then plan on using herbicides to keep the weeds in check.  Otherwise it rare for clover to last more than a year or two.

Don’t overlook the apple trees!  Established apple trees are relatively easy to care for and improve.  Deer certainly are attracted to apple fruit!  It would be nice if you could care for a few apple trees and establish a food plot to provide food during more months!

I often host a sweepstakes at the end of the season for my bow.  Keep watching http://www.GrowingDeer.tv for more details!

Enjoy creation,

grant