I did a search and found an old thread from Cody on the subject, but thought I would bring it up again. Having never planted sunflowers, I know very little about them as an attractant. The only experience I have with them is while in ND this past New Year's I drove around quite a bit with my nephew and they had cut sunflower fields around there. Every evening there were tons of deer out in them. So, will deer browse them down while they are growing, like beans? Or will they leave them alone? We're not looking at planting a ton of them, just about 6-12 rows around the outside of some of the other plots. Unless they are a great late season attractant, then I would maybe test about an acre of them in a new plot to see what happens.
Dan, Ours got destroyed!!! They are very easy to plant and grow though, which is why we're actually planting some this spring/summer (in spots we'll till under come fall plantings). I bet ours never even got above 4 inches tall it seemed. That though was only on a spot maybe 1/8acre in size...so that played a big part too. I've never heard of people having them come late season, but it's possible I guess depending on how much browsing they recieve. If you're looking at circling the plot with them for a sight barrier, I'd recommend a type of sorghum. Will grow pretty much to some degree no matter soil quality and provides a late season food source with their seed heads.
They plant sunflowers for doves out here. The deer don't seem all that interested in them. Probably because there's tons of corn and beans around.
It is true, I tell people all the time, you gotta be aware of the food sources in your area and which are preferred by the local deer. This can play a large factor in whether to make one crop your primary versus a secondary (side dishes). I'd always recommend trying something new to anyone if you have atleast an 1/8 acre nook to try it in...you'll find out quickly how preferred it is for the deer in the area.
So, do you think they will eat the heads if they make it to seed? The thing with our area is that there are only a few fields within about .5 mile of our property that aren't ours. Once they are harvested, all the food (besides browse) is on our property. Here's a breakdown of what's on it. I'll have to do up a map sometime so you can see it as well. On our 400 acre chunk...... 9 and 18 acre fields that we rent out. This year they are planting alfalfa in both fields and it will be there for a few years at least. 7 acres that we will plant half with corn and half with soybeans. 3/4 acre of clover adjoins that field. Though, I may have to turn it over and re-plant it this fall. 1/4 acre of clover about 100 yards from that field as well. 7 acres apx that will be split 4/corn and 3/soybeans. Its a 10 acre field, but I think 3 of it may be too wet to plant this spring. Time will tell. There will also be 5 other food plots ranging from 1/8 acre to 1 acre that we are going to plant various things in as well. I thought that I would plant an acre of sunflowers, if I knew they would last late into the season and hold into winter some. Our biggest concern isn't late summer or fall food, as we will have plenty of it. The goal here is to put the larger food plots into a food that will provide a winter food source to keep the deer on our property and help them make it through. Since there will be no other real winter food sources around us (besides browse), its our goal to put in as much as we can.
I don't think the deer would get the seeds before the birds do. I plant sunflowers for the chickens to hang out in and while the chickens will jump up to peck out seeds from low droopy heads, mostly the finches, sparrows and blackbirds clean the heads out. Unless you're going to hunt doves, sunflowers are probably a waste of time for you.
This is a possible outcome, but you never know unless you test it. The birds were never given the chance to devour the heads as we had the shoots gobbled up before they had this chance.
My deer eat the sunflowers as soon as they sprout leaves. One of their favorite foods. They have a hard time growing in my plots. I'm trying the Heartland annual food plot mix this spring and will see if I can get enough of them growing to actually make heads.
Honestly, at this time, no. We have a ton of bedding on the property and its actually the least of my concern right now. I know some about food plotting, but not a ton. I love hearing your comments and thoughts. Keep on typing and I'll keep on reading!
The little bit of sunflowers I tried in a plot came up about 6 inchs and the deer ate them down. They re grew and they got tall and the deer ate the leaves. I am going to try more this year. I would try them for sure. Keep us updated.
Dan When I planted sunflowers the deer devoured them just before they were ready to turn to seed. Good luck.
