Food Plot Planning
As the April showers are starting to approach us, it is time to start planning for more than just May flowers. I start planning for my 2024 food plots now. Somethings to ask yourself:
If you’re new to food plots - Where will the best spots to plant?
What is needed for soil improvements? Are soil tests necessary?
What food sources are you competing with this year? Is there near by agriculture?
What’s your goal for your plot? Keep deer in your area or “kill plot”?
What are you planting? What attracted the deer in the past?
My plan for the 2024 season is to build off my current series of food plots. I’m hunting an area without near by agriculture to my goal is to keep or attract the deer to my area. I essentially want destination food sources. Last year I established three 1-acres food plots. Here was the plan for those three:
Plot 1 - Provide a safe place for the deer, a secluded plot that I wouldn’t even hunt. I want the deer to have a place that they are not bothered.
Plot 2 - Trial Plot, I’ll use this spot to hunt days that do not have ideal weather conditions. I utilized a hay bale blind on this plot.
Plot 3 - Observation Plot. This plot was right where three valleys met, I had no idea where the deer would be approaching it. I placed a box blind on the hillside overlooking this plot. I would come to find out this is where I should have had a stand hung for archery season.
So how can I build off those? and what do I plant? Plot 1 and 2 I plan to not touch as far as size or cover adjacencies. Plot 3 is my where I want to make additional improvements. Above I mentioned, I should have had a stand there. I was still learning the area, I was hesitant to just get aggressive and jump in there. This year, I know where I need to be. I want to improve access to the plot, I want the deer to feel comfortable. I have a small grass field adjacent to Plot 3. My plan is to put something in that adjacent field that provides cover and food, like a sorghum.
Last year all three plots were planted in BigTine Buck Brunch, the deer seem to love the purple top turnips around me. The BigTine buck brunch is one of my favorite no-till food plot mixes. I plan to utilize that in all 3 of my plots again.
If you’re thinking about food plots or looking for better results, soil testing is critical. You have to give back what you take. I typically hit my plots with pelletized lime right away when the snow melts. Based on soil testing results I will come back in the summer months and fertilize as necessary to build up that soil.
If you haven’t started your plan yet, no worries. You still have time!
Food Plot Equipment & Seed Recommendations
