Are you an avid deer hunter looking to attract and retain quality deer on your property? Creating a food plot is an excellent way to improve your hunting experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a food plot to keep deer on your property all season.
Evaluate Your Hunting Property and Deer Patterns
- Understand Deer Movement: Assess the local scene, considering the deer’s home range, which can vary from a square mile to 15 square miles[1].
- Print a Topographic Map: Mark all food, water, and bedding habitats inside your estimated deer travel circle.
- Diversify the Diet: Plant high-quality forage unavailable nearby to attract deer.
Select the Best Location
- Choose Long, Skinny Plots: These are excellent for attracting deer during daylight hours[2].
- Avoid Visibility: Plots should never be visible to roads and neighbors.
Plant Deer Forage for Year-Round Feeding
- Provide Consistent Forage: Deer eat 365 days a year, so keep a steady stream of nutritious forage available year-round[1].
- Use Four Main Categories of Forage: Perennials, warm-season annuals, cereals, and brassicas.
Create Security to Increase Daytime Movement
- Design L-Shaped Plots: These provide deer with security[2].
- Minimize Human Traffic: The more you frequent a food plot, the less chance deer will utilize it.
Don’t Skip the Soil Test
- Test the Soil: This helps prepare an optimum growing environment[2].
Stand Placement on the Food Plot
- Consider Wind Direction: Set up at least two stands on the plot to accommodate the wind direction[3].
Best Time to Hunt a Food Plot
- Afternoons are Best: Early season sees much activity, but as the season progresses, consider hunting stands off the plot[3].
Conclusion
Creating a food plot for deer hunting is more than just planting crops; it’s about understanding deer behavior, selecting the right location, and providing consistent forage. By following these guidelines, you can create a successful food plot to enhance your hunting experience and keep deer on your property all season.
For personalized assistance and more information on farm and land purchases in Middle Tennessee, feel free to contact us. Our team of experts is here to help you every step of the way.
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