DIY Food Plots: Attracting Game to Your Hunting Property

Did you know that a small half-acre clearing on a 240-acre hunting property can support an estimated 20-30 deer¹? This surprising fact highlights the significant impact that strategic land management can have on wildlife populations. Food plots are a game-changer for hunters looking to attract and retain game on their property.

By implementing DIY food plots, we can create a sustainable hunting environment that benefits both wildlife and hunters. These plots provide year-round nutrition, increase antler growth, and improve overall deer health². Even on a modest budget and with limited equipment, small food plots can make a substantial difference in wildlife management and hunting success.

Food plots offer more than just a quick fix. They're a long-term investment in your hunting property, providing a reliable food source that can attract deer even during years with low natural food production. For instance, in seasons with unusually low acorn crops, a well-planned food plot can be a lifesaver for local deer populations¹.

Effective land management through food plots can significantly enhance your hunting experience. By creating these nutritious havens, we can influence deer movement patterns, potentially increasing sightings from 15-20 different deer during rifle season to encountering herds of 30 or more near property borders¹. This not only improves your chances of a successful hunt but also contributes to the overall health of the local wildlife ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

• Food plots can support a substantial deer population on relatively small areas
• DIY food plots improve deer health and antler growth year-round
• Even small plots can be effective with limited resources
• Strategic placement influences deer movement and hunting success
• Food plots provide a reliable food source, especially during low natural production years
• Proper land management enhances both wildlife health and hunting opportunities

Understanding the Importance of Food Plots

Food plots play a crucial role in wildlife management and sustainable hunting practices. We'll explore how these carefully cultivated areas benefit wildlife, enhance natural browse, and create a thriving ecosystem for hunters and animals alike.

Long-term benefits for wildlife

Food plots offer a consistent source of nutrition for various wildlife species. They can significantly boost the carrying capacity of the land, supporting healthier and more abundant animal populations. In fact, an acre of natural deer habitat typically produces about 200 pounds of deer feed annually, with only half being consumed without damaging the habitat³. By implementing food plots, we can dramatically increase this yield.

The nutritional value of food plots often surpasses that of natural vegetation. While natural habitat averages 11% protein year-round, agricultural crops in food plots can have a warm-season average protein level of 25%³. This nutritional boost can lead to improved body condition, better antler growth, and increased survival rates for wildlife.

Enhancing natural browse

Food plots complement and enhance the natural browse available to wildlife. By strategically planting a variety of grains and legumes, we can provide extended food availability throughout different seasons. For instance, wheat can offer browse for deer from early fall through spring, while buckwheat planted as late as July can produce seeds by September⁴.

To maximize the benefits of food plots, it's recommended to dedicate 5-10% of open lands on hunting properties to these areas⁴. This approach ensures a balanced ecosystem where wildlife can thrive without overexploiting natural resources.

Creating a sustainable hunting environment

Food plots are instrumental in creating a sustainable hunting environment. They help attract and retain wildlife on the property, improving hunting opportunities while maintaining ecological balance. With proper management, food plots can support higher wildlife densities without damaging the natural habitat.

Consider the following benefits of food plots for sustainable hunting:

• Increased wildlife populations
• Improved animal health and size
• Extended hunting seasons
• Reduced pressure on natural vegetation

By implementing responsible food plot strategies, it's possible to support two to three times as many deer as natural habitat alone, while preserving the quality of the surrounding ecosystem³. This approach not only enhances hunting experiences but also contributes to long-term wildlife conservation efforts.

In conclusion, food plots are a valuable tool for enhancing wildlife nutrition, improving natural browse, and creating a sustainable hunting environment. By carefully planning and managing these areas, we can support thriving wildlife populations while ensuring responsible and productive hunting practices.

Selecting the Right Location for Your Food Plot

Choosing the perfect spot for your food plot is crucial for attracting game and ensuring a successful hunting season. We'll explore key factors to consider during the location selection process.

Considering Terrain Features

When scouting for the ideal food plot location, pay attention to terrain features that influence deer movement. Look for natural travel corridors, ridges, and valleys that deer frequently use. Satellite images, aerial photos, and topographical maps can be invaluable tools in identifying these features and selecting optimal locations for food plots⁵.

To maximize the effectiveness of your food plot, aim for areas that receive sunlight throughout the day. This ensures optimal tonnage production per square foot, providing ample food for wildlife⁵. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight is necessary, but 8 hours is preferable for robust plant growth⁶.

Proximity to Bedding Areas

Locating your food plot near bedding areas increases the chances of attracting deer during legal hunting hours. Ideally, harvest plots should be within 300-400 yards of a good bedding area⁵. Keep in mind that plots closer to bedding areas may require smaller equipment or hand tools for preparation, especially if they're in timber or thick cover⁵.

When selecting a location, consider factors similar to those used for choosing treestand spots. Wind direction, hunting pressure, and deer movement patterns all play crucial roles in determining the best placement for your food plot⁷.

Accessibility for Planting and Maintenance

While proximity to bedding areas is important, don't overlook accessibility for planting and ongoing maintenance. Field edge plots often offer advantages in terms of easier preparation and more space⁶. However, placing food plots near the center of your property can limit visibility to neighboring hunters and increase the likelihood of attracting game⁵.

“A well-designed food plot considers deer travel patterns, strategic access for hunting, layout shape for funneling movement, and optimal ambush tree placement.”

The size and number of food plots depend on your property's characteristics. For an 80-acre property, consider 1-2 feeding plots in fields and 3 smaller plots in wooded areas⁶. Strategic placement based on property size, topography, access, surrounding properties, and habitat is key to creating effective harvest plots⁶.

Remember, successful food plots require a well-thought-out plan. Match seed varieties to soil conditions, plot size, browsing pressure, and climate to ensure your food plots thrive⁷⁶. By carefully considering terrain features, proximity to bedding areas, and accessibility, you'll be well on your way to creating an attractive and productive food plot for wildlife.

Soil Testing and Preparation

Soil testing is a crucial step in creating successful food plots. It helps us understand the pH levels and nutrient content of our soil, allowing for proper fertilization and soil amendments. Let's dive into the process of soil testing and preparation to ensure our food plots thrive.

To start, we need to collect soil samples. We should take 8 to 12 cores for every acre of the area we plan to improve, focusing on the top six inches of soil⁸. It's best to gather 5 to 10 individual samples from each plot to get a good representation⁹. Using a soil probe helps maintain consistent depth and provides more accurate results⁸.

Once we have our samples, we can send them for professional analysis. In Missouri, for example, a soil analysis test costs about $15 through the county extension office⁹. The results will provide valuable information on pH levels, nutrient content, and fertilizer recommendations.

Understanding Soil pH and Fertilization

Ideal soil pH for food plot species typically ranges from 6 to 7⁹. If our soil pH is off, we might need to apply lime. Keep in mind that lime applications can take 3 to 6 months to fully take effect⁹. Depending on the soil condition, we may need to apply 1 to 2 tons of lime per acre or even more¹⁰.

Fertilizer recommendations are usually reported in pounds per acre for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). A 50-lb bag of 10-10-10 fertilizer contains 5 actual pounds each of N, P, and K⁹. To fulfill these recommendations, we might need to apply specific amounts of different fertilizers, such as 152 pounds of TSP and 176 pounds of ammonium nitrate per acre¹⁰.

Ongoing Soil Management

It's important to test our food plot soil every 2 to 3 years and keep detailed records of lime and fertilizer applications⁸¹⁰. This practice helps us track changes in soil chemistry over time and make informed decisions about future amendments.

By following these soil testing and preparation steps, we can create a strong foundation for our food plots. This careful approach will lead to better seed germination, improved plant growth, and ultimately, a more attractive environment for wildlife.

Choosing the Best Food Plot Seeds

Selecting the right seeds for your food plot is crucial for attracting and sustaining wildlife on your property. We'll explore how to choose seeds that provide year-round nutrition and adapt to your local climate.

Seasonal Varieties for Year-Round Attraction

A successful food plot combines warm-season and cool-season crops to ensure continuous food availability. Warm-season plots are vital for deer's nutritional needs, helping bucks gain weight, increasing fawning success, and supporting more deer overall¹¹. These plots typically include high-protein forages like lablab, peas, clover, vetch, alfalfa, and chicory¹¹.

Cool-season plots, on the other hand, provide energy during fall and winter. Corn, various grains, and green plots of oats, wheat, rye, and triticale serve as excellent energy sources and attractants¹¹. Legumes and chicory remain active in winter, offering both high-protein nutrition and energy for deer¹¹.

Nutritional Value for Wildlife

When choosing seeds, consider their nutritional value for wildlife. BioLogic's Non-Typical product, for instance, offers exceptional leaf production tailored to whitetails' needs¹². Some food plot enthusiasts have found success with specific blends:

• Tecomate Max-Attract 50/50 and Monster Mix, designed to balance grains, legumes, and chicory¹¹
• Iron clay peas and crimson clover, highly attractive to deer, hogs, and turkeys¹³
• Rye grain, chicory, and various clover varieties¹³

Hardiness and Adaptability to Local Climate

Choose seeds that can thrive in your local conditions. BioLogic conducts tests in both northern and southern hemispheres to understand how their products perform across different regions and with various animals like mule deer and whitetails¹². When selecting seeds, consider these factors:

1. Soil type and pH levels
2. Average rainfall and temperature
3. Length of growing season
4. Local wildlife preferences

Remember, successful food plots often depend more on proper seedbed preparation, fertilization, and planting timing than on specific seed brands¹³. By focusing on these aspects and choosing seeds suited to your local environment, you can create a thriving food plot that attracts and nourishes wildlife year-round.

By carefully considering seasonal varieties, nutritional value, and adaptability, you can create a diverse and effective food plot that supports wildlife throughout the year.

DIY Planting Techniques for Food Plots

Creating your own food plot can be a rewarding experience. We'll explore some effective DIY methods and planting techniques to get you started. Let's dive into the equipment needs and best practices for successful food plots.

When it comes to plot size, smaller is often better. Aim for plots around ¼ to ½ acre, measuring about 50 to 75 yards long by 30 to 40 yards wide. This size is manageable for DIY enthusiasts and still attractive to wildlife¹⁴¹⁵.

For planting, timing is crucial. Labor Day weekend is an optimal time for most food plots. A mix of oats, radishes, turnips, and clover works well, using about ¼ pound of each forage per acre¹⁴.

Essential Equipment for DIY Food Plots

To get started, you'll need some basic equipment:

• Hand-held sprayer for herbicide application
• Metal rake for soil preparation
• Handheld spreader for seed distribution
• Lighter for controlled burns (if necessary)

These tools are sufficient for small-scale DIY projects and don't require a significant investment¹⁴.

No-Till Planting Techniques

No-till methods are gaining popularity for their simplicity and effectiveness. For these plots, choose seeds with a planting depth of ½ inch or less. Cereal grains and brassica blends are excellent choices for late summer or fall planting in no-till situations¹⁶.

To prepare the area, use a glyphosate solution applied with a backpack sprayer to eliminate competing vegetation. This step is crucial for giving your food plot seeds the best chance to thrive¹⁶¹⁵.

Seed Selection and Planting

When selecting seeds, consider blends designed for easy establishment and long-term browsing. Clover blends are popular choices, offering good nutrition and requiring minimal maintenance over several years¹⁵.

For successful germination, ensure good seed-to-soil contact. After spreading seeds, use a rake to lightly cover them. With proper rainfall, you should see sprouts within a few days¹⁴¹⁶.

Fertilization and Maintenance

Proper fertilization is key to a thriving food plot. Apply a basic 10-10-10 fertilizer at planting time. For ongoing care, plan to fertilize clover plots each winter and mow them in summer¹⁴¹⁵.

By following these DIY planting techniques and equipment recommendations, you'll be well on your way to creating attractive and nutritious food plots for wildlife on your property.

Maintaining Your Food Plot Throughout the Year

Creating a food plot is just the beginning. Year-round maintenance ensures your plot remains attractive and nutritious for wildlife. Let's explore key strategies to keep your food plot thriving.

Weed Control Strategies

Weeds compete with desired plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Implement these weed control tactics:

• Mow regularly to prevent weed seed production
• Use selective herbicides for broadleaf weeds
• Apply mulch to suppress weed growth
• Hand-pull weeds in small plots

Summer can be stressful for deer due to dry weather and poor quality food. Effective weed control ensures your plot provides high-quality nutrition when it's most needed¹⁷.

Fertilization Schedules

Proper fertilization is crucial for plant health and wildlife nutrition. Follow these steps:

1. Conduct soil tests annually
2. Apply lime as needed to adjust pH
3. Use fertilizers based on soil test recommendations
4. Time applications for maximum benefit

Bucks need high-quality food during summer for antler growth, while does require nutritious food for pregnancy and fawn rearing. A well-planned fertilization schedule supports these needs¹⁷.

Monitoring and Adjusting for Wildlife Preferences

Wildlife preferences can change throughout the year. Stay adaptable with these tips:

• Use trail cameras to track deer activity
• Observe browse patterns and adjust plantings accordingly
• Rotate crops to maintain soil health and variety
• Consider planting perennial crops for year-round green food¹⁸

Keeping detailed records on food plots helps track crop performance, wildlife sightings, and harvest data for ongoing improvement¹⁸. This data-driven approach ensures your food plot remains effective year after year.

“Planning is crucial for year-round food plots, requiring soil testing, lime, and fertilizer recommendations for both cool and warm season crops.”

Remember, summer food plots are vital for wildlife during breeding, nesting, and raising young¹⁷. By maintaining your plot throughout the year, you're creating a sustainable hunting environment and supporting local wildlife populations.

Enhancing Natural Browse Around Food Plots

Food plots are valuable, but we can't overlook the importance of natural browse in our land management strategy. By enhancing the areas surrounding our food plots, we create a more diverse and nutritious environment for wildlife.

Natural browse plots play a crucial role in defining deer movements and can significantly increase the attractiveness of your land when combined with a solid food plot program¹⁹. On a 40-acre parcel, 4 to 6 natural browse plots can enhance the interior bedding area's appeal to deer¹⁹.

Improving Nutritional Value

To boost the nutritional value of natural vegetation, consider these techniques:

• Soil testing and fertilization: This investment can dramatically increase the productivity and attractiveness of natural browse plots¹⁹.
• Selective fertilization: Applying fertilizer to native areas enhances plant nutrition, making them more appealing to wildlife²⁰.
• Regular cutting: Maintain the effectiveness of natural browse plots by cutting shrubs when they reach head-high¹⁹.

Promoting Plant Diversity

Diversifying plant species in natural browse areas is key to providing balanced wildlife nutrition. Here are some effective methods:

• Controlled burns: Fire can create better plant diversity and increase nutrient levels in browse species²⁰.
• Shallow tillage: Strip disking stimulates the growth of early successional native plants²⁰.
• Mowing: This promotes early successional growth, especially when combined with disking or burning²⁰.
• Timber Stand Improvement (TSI): Reducing tree density increases the availability of browse species²⁰.

Balancing Food Sources

While food plots are highly productive, natural browse areas are essential for a balanced habitat. Deer consume 6-8% of their body weight daily, and a managed forest yields about 1,000 lbs of food per acre, compared to a summer food plot's 8,000 lbs²¹. On a 100-acre farm, 11 acres of food plots would be needed to match the forage production of 89 acres of non-agricultural land²¹.

“By enhancing natural browse, we're not just feeding wildlife – we're creating a sustainable ecosystem that supports their overall health and behavior.”

Through thoughtful land management practices, we can create a harmonious blend of food plots and enhanced natural browse areas. This approach not only provides diverse nutrition for wildlife but also creates strategic advantages for hunting and observation²¹.

Combining Food Plots with Other Attraction Methods

Food plots are a powerful tool for attracting game, but their effectiveness can be amplified when combined with other attraction methods. Let's explore how to create a comprehensive strategy that maximizes the appeal of your hunting property.

Strategic Use of Mineral Sites

Mineral sites play a crucial role in attracting and retaining deer on your property. These sites provide essential nutrients that deer need for antler growth and overall health. Place mineral licks near the edges of food plots to encourage deer to linger in the area. This strategy not only attracts deer but also helps distribute their feeding patterns across your property.

Incorporating Water Sources

Water sources are vital for wildlife and can significantly increase the attractiveness of your property. Create small ponds or water holes near your food plots to provide a complete habitat. Deer need water daily, so having it close to their food source will keep them coming back. When planning water sources, consider natural drainage patterns and ensure they're easily accessible to wildlife.

Creating Travel Corridors

Travel corridors are essential pathways that connect different areas of your property. They allow deer to move safely between bedding areas, food plots, and water sources. To create effective travel corridors:

• Clear narrow paths through dense vegetation
• Plant attractive forage along these paths
• Ensure corridors lead to and from your food plots

By implementing these strategies, we can create a more appealing environment for deer. Balancing food plots with mineral sites, water sources, and travel corridors is crucial for successful habitat improvement and consistent deer usage²². This approach not only attracts game but also provides them with a complete ecosystem that meets all their needs.

Remember, diversity in your food plots is key. Planting a mix of crops with varying protein levels can provide year-round nutrition. For instance, winter peas and soybeans offer high protein levels of 25-30%, while oats provide 15-18% protein²³. This variety ensures that deer have access to essential nutrients throughout different seasons.

By combining these attraction methods, we create a property that not only draws deer in but keeps them coming back. This comprehensive approach to wildlife management enhances your hunting opportunities and contributes to the overall health of the local deer population.

Conclusion

DIY food plots are a game-changer for attracting wildlife to your hunting property. By creating a diverse mix of plants, including clover, chicory, brassicas, and grains, we can provide year-round nutrition for deer and other game animals²⁴²⁵. These plots not only supply essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and phosphorus but also create a sustainable hunting environment that benefits both wildlife and hunters²⁵.

Success in food plot management requires careful planning and ongoing maintenance. Selecting the right location, preparing the soil, and choosing appropriate seeds are crucial first steps. Proper management can keep food plots productive for over three years, making them a cost-effective investment for hunters²⁶. Regular tasks like mowing, weed control, and fertilization are essential for maintaining healthy plots that attract and retain game²⁵.

To maximize the effectiveness of food plots, we should combine them with other attraction methods. Installing water sources near plots, creating travel corridors, and using trail cameras to monitor wildlife activity can significantly enhance our hunting success²⁴. Remember, wildlife management is a dynamic process that requires continuous learning and adaptation. By staying informed and adjusting our strategies, we can create thriving food plots that improve our hunting property's appeal to game animals year after year²⁴.