FOOD PLOTS & FEEDING

Food Plots & Feeding: Your Ultimate Resource for Wildlife Management

A successful hunt or wildlife observation experience starts with a healthy and attractive habitat. Our food plots and feeding supplies provide the essential nutrition and irresistible attraction to draw in deer, turkey, and other game, and keep them on your land. From high protein seed blends to long lasting mineral licks, you'll find everything you need to support a thriving wildlife population and increase your odds of a successful season.

Understanding the Essentials of a Successful Food Plot

Creating a successful food plot requires more than just scattering some seeds. It's a science that involves understanding soil health, plant nutrition, and animal behavior.

• Soil Preparation: The foundation of any great food plot is healthy soil. A soil test is the best way to determine your soil's pH and nutrient levels. Most food plot forages thrive in a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Lime and fertilizer can be used to amend your soil for optimal growth.
• Seed Selection: Choose seed blends that are appropriate for your climate, soil type, and goals. Consider planting a mix of annuals and perennials to provide year round forage.
  • Annuals: (e.g., brassicas, clover, oats) are fast growing and provide excellent forage for a single season. They are ideal for fall hunting plots.
  • Perennials: (e.g., clover, chicory, alfalfa) take longer to establish but can provide forage for multiple years with proper maintenance.
• Planting and Maintenance: Follow the planting depth and seeding rate recommendations for your chosen seed. Proper maintenance, including weed control and mowing, will ensure a healthy and productive food plot.

For the Trophy Buck Hunter:

Maximize your chances of harvesting a mature buck by creating a "kill plot" that is irresistible. Plant high protein brassicas and soybeans in a small, secluded plot near your stand. Use a powerful attractant like a dominant buck fogger during the rut to draw him in.

For the Land Manager:

Improve the overall health and carrying capacity of your land with a diverse food plot program. Plant large fields of perennial clover and alfalfa to provide year round nutrition. Supplement with mineral sites to provide essential nutrients for antler growth and herd health.

For the Weekend Warrior:

Don't have a lot of time or equipment? No problem. Our no till and throw and grow seed blends are designed for easy planting with minimal effort. These blends are perfect for creating small, effective hunting plots in remote locations.

Food Plot Seed Comparison

Choosing the Right Attractant:

• Mineral Licks: Provide essential minerals for antler growth and overall health. Best used year round.
• Granular Attractants: Highly attractive scents and flavors that draw deer in from a distance. Ideal for pre season scouting and during hunting season.
• Liquid & Gel Attractants: Can be poured on the ground, on stumps, or used to refresh mineral sites.
• Sprays & Foggers: Used to create scent trails and mock scrapes to attract bucks during the rut.

Best Practices for a Thriving Food Plot

• Location, Location, Location: Choose a location that receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day and has good drainage. Consider access for planting and hunting.
• Weed Control: A weed free seed bed is crucial for success. Use an herbicide to kill existing vegetation before planting.
• Mowing: Mowing perennial plots can help control weeds and stimulate new growth.
• Don't Overhunt Your Plots: Be mindful of wind direction and entry/exit routes to avoid spooking deer.

What Our Customers Are Saying

"The Whitetail Institute Imperial No-Plow is a game changer. I planted it in a remote area with minimal equipment and had deer in it all season." - Mark R., Wisconsin

"BioLogic's Deer Radish blend is like a magnet for bucks in the late season. I've never seen anything like it." - Sarah T., Minnesota

"The Sweet Molasses Mineral Block from Evolved is a staple on my property. The deer love it, and I've seen a noticeable improvement in antler size." - John D., Iowa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to plant deer food plots?

The best time to plant depends on the type of seed you are using. Annuals like brassicas and oats are typically planted in the late summer or early fall. Perennials like clover and chicory can be planted in the spring or fall.

How much deer food plot seed do I need per acre?

Seeding rates vary by seed type. Always check the product packaging for specific recommendations. As a general rule, you will need between 5-10 pounds of seed per acre for most blends.

How do I establish a successful deer food plot?

A successful food plot starts with a soil test. Amend your soil with lime and fertilizer as needed. Create a weed free seedbed, and follow the recommended planting depth and seeding rate. Proper maintenance, including weed control and mowing, will help ensure a healthy and productive plot.

What are the different types of deer food plot mixes available?

There are a wide variety of food plot mixes available, each designed for a specific purpose. Some common types include:

• Protein Blends: High in protein to support antler growth and overall health.
• Attraction Blends: Designed to be highly palatable and draw deer in from a distance.
• No-Till Blends: Easy to plant with minimal equipment.
• Throw and Grow Blends: Can be broadcast directly onto the ground with no tilling required.

What are some alternative methods to attract deer besides food plots?

Mineral licks, granular attractants, and liquid or gel attractants are all effective ways to attract deer. Scent sprays and foggers can also be used to create scent trails and mock scrapes.