In my area, everything is crop land with some trees land and pastures that follow creeks and rivers where it isn't suitable for farming. The deer share pasture grass, salt licks and mineral feeders with the cattle and then can hop over the fence to help themselves to corn soybeans, alfalfa and wheat. What kind of food plot could possibly compete with this buffet? Is there something specific that deer will choose over all other choices? On a side note, It's also hard to hunt food sources in early and late season because they are literally everywhere. Sent from my Z10 using Tapatalk
How big of a plot are you looking to put in? If you have an acre or two to devote to a plot give them something they like already. Maybe Alfalfa or soybeans. Maybe since the deer have such an abundance of feed available during the late spring, summer, and fall you should consider a plot that would help during Oct, Nov, and Dec. Go for late season soybeans, winter wheat, radishes and turnips.
As of now, I have no plans. Just looking for ideas. For fall and winter forage they already have corn stover/grain that the combines missed winter wheat, and alfalfa that was too short to cut before the freeze. Along with some grass still left in the pastures. The protein value in all of it is low but they can licks on the cow's protein supplement. I'm thinking that putting in a food plot around here would be a waste of time. I'm just looking for someone to confirm my suspicion or maybe tell me what the deer version of cat nip is that I can plant. Sent from my Z10 using Tapatalk
I live in Central IL and every patch of timber is surrounded by corn and bean fields. Even though there still may be corn and beans left in the field and maybe some alfalfa left if you plant a lush green food source that the deer can access in November and December they will hit it. You could also plant beans and let them stand though the winter. As far as the deer catnip you would need to talk to other hunters in your area and see what they plant and what the deer might prefer. I know my plots at our Indiana property that have radishes and winter wheat in them have been getting hammered!
I never thought of that. I could plant a spot of winter wheat in august so it would be taller and better than anything out in the fields. Throw in some turnips or radishes that can't be found anywhere else around and I have some potential for a late season hot spot. Sent from my Z10 using Tapatalk
Last year was my first for plots. I converted an old hog pasture into a Brassica plot, containing 2 types of Turnips, Radishes, and Rape. The deer ate the tops, but not many of the bulbs. I cut a few open, and they eventually ate them, but didn't devour them. I just don't think they knew fully what they were, and they weren't trained to be feeding in this spot daily. This year I put in a cereal grain mix of Rye, Wheat, Oats, Radishes, and Red Clover. Year 2 the deer have adapted better. This spring I will kill all of the above, but the Clover. Then in August I will disc it all under and go back to Brassicas. Hopefully with keeping the buffet out there 365 days, the deer stay in the area for the duration and become comfortable there. If you hunt around on some other forums, you'll hear this method called the "LC Mix". I have 185 acres of corn and soybeans, but my plot is secure and the deer use it to stage until early fall. Once the crops are gone, only remains and my plot are left. I feel like security of the plot is the #1 factor with hunting them. This spring I will hopefully embark on some small little plots deep inside heavy cover as well as starting to introduce a few fruit trees.
And it's a lot of work also. Make sure you do it by the book, and in the long run, it'll save you a bunch of time. Soul test, lime, and fertilize. One big mistake I made with my Brassicas last year was not supplying enough Nitrogen to them. Here's one of the hit list bucks munching on some grains this year while out cruising for does. Notice my ground blind I set out for my dad in the background.
