Planting food plots is the single most effective way of attracting, growing, and keeping wildlife on your property. You should strive to have a spring, summer, fall and winter food source on your property to keep the wildlife coming year round. Whether it’s your first time or you have been planting for years, the following steps will ensure you maximize your food plot potential.

 

STEP 1: Begin the Thought Process

Create a Common Goal for the Food Plot

  • What type of animal are you looking to attract?
  • Consult Your Seed Professional
    • Use seed that is adapted to your climate zone.
  • Ask for Recommendations
    • Find out how other plots are growing and the success and failure of the mixtures.
  • Select a Mixture
    • With the information gathered, choose a mixture suited for your area.

STEP 2: Food Plot Area & Composition

 

5% to 10% of Total Acreage

  • A minimum of 2% of total acreage for noticeable effect.

Consisting of Food Plots, Fruit Trees, Shrubs, and Native Vegetation

  • Lime and fertilize according to soil tests.

Promote Cover for Wildlife

  • When the cover is limited, increase it by planting and cutting.

Step 3: Obtain a Topographic and Aerial Map of Property

If an open area is not available:

  • Create one on a southern face to maximize sunlight.
  • Select an area with the best soil and good drainage.
  • Avoid natural seeps and spring areas.

If there is an open area:

  • If there are straight edges, create barriers by hinge cutting trees, planting trees, or using berry bushes.
  • Make use of logging roads.
  • Daylight the roads for maximum sunlight.
  • If getting logged, ask them to make roads wider/larger.

Step 4: Determining the Site

 What to Keep in Mind When Selecting a Plot Site

  • Make sure the plot gets at least 8 hours of sunlight.
  • Consider erosion possibilities.
  • Determine wind direction for stand placements.
  • Deer are more secure entering a plot with irregular lines.
  • Soil sample & apply what is recommended.
  • Work soil for seeding. Make sure it is a firm seed bed prior to planting.

Size of Plots

  • Less than 2 acres.
  •