Introduction
Wild turkeys, magnificent birds with their iridescent feathers and gobbling calls, are a cherished part of the North American landscape. They are not only a joy to observe but also a vital component of the ecosystem, helping to control insect populations and serving as a food source for various predators. For hunters, the pursuit of the elusive turkey is a thrilling challenge, and for wildlife managers, the health and abundance of turkey populations is a key indicator of habitat quality. One of the most effective methods to improve turkey populations and increase hunting success is through the establishment of well-planned turkey food plots.
The creation of turkey food plots offers several advantages. They provide a reliable and concentrated food source, supplementing the natural diet of wild turkeys and helping them thrive. This supplemental feeding can be particularly crucial during periods of scarcity, such as winter, when natural food resources are limited. Moreover, turkey food plots help to concentrate turkeys in a specific area, making them more accessible for observation and hunting purposes. By strategically placing plots, you can potentially lure turkeys away from problem areas, such as gardens or agricultural fields, and create a more controlled and manageable environment.
Understanding Turkey Food Preferences
The success of your turkey food plots hinges on understanding the dietary needs of these birds. They are opportunistic eaters, consuming a wide range of food items depending on the season and availability. Their diet is broadly categorized into seeds, insects, forbs, grasses, and fruits. They’ll often target invertebrates like grasshoppers and caterpillars, providing a crucial protein source, and also consume seeds of various plants, berries, acorns, and insects.
Spring Food Needs
In spring, turkeys emerge from winter with a need to replenish energy reserves after the cold months. They actively forage for fresh shoots, emerging insects, and any remaining seeds from the previous season. Young turkeys need a protein-rich diet to support their rapid growth, making insects a crucial component.
Summer Food Needs
During summer, turkeys continue to feed on insects, but they shift towards consuming a greater variety of seeds, berries, and fruits as they become available. Hens with poults will particularly benefit from abundant insect populations to support both their own and their offspring’s needs.
Fall Food Needs
As fall arrives, turkeys must build up fat reserves to prepare for the leaner winter months. Acorns, seeds from various grasses and forbs, and remaining insects become critical food sources. Additionally, standing food plots are valuable at this time.
Winter Food Needs
Winter presents the greatest challenge for turkeys. Snow cover and frozen ground often limit the availability of natural food sources. Food plots that can provide readily available grains and seeds become vitally important for survival.
Knowing the seasonal requirements helps in making the best planting choices for your turkey food plots. These plots should offer a diverse array of nutritious options to meet their changing needs.
Choosing the Right Plants for Your Food Plot
Choosing the right plants for your turkey food plots is a crucial step. A variety of species, planted strategically, ensures year-round availability of forage and provides the broadest nutritional profile.
Spring Food Plot Choices
In spring, the ideal food plots should include plants that provide fresh, tender growth and attract insects. Clover is an excellent choice. Varieties such as white clover and red clover are readily consumed by turkeys and provide a good source of protein. They are also relatively easy to establish and maintain. Alfalfa is another high-protein option, but it requires more careful management. Oats are a quick-growing, nutritious annual that can be a valuable early-season food source. Similarly, wheat can be another great spring crop.
Summer Food Plot Choices
Summer food plots need to offer a consistent food supply to sustain turkey populations. Sunflowers are a great choice as turkeys eagerly consume the seeds. Soybeans are another great option as they provide high-protein seeds and attract insects. Corn is a popular choice offering large amounts of food. Sorghum can also be planted as a good source of seeds.
Fall and Winter Food Plot Choices
Fall and winter present unique challenges. The goal is to provide high-energy food sources that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Winter wheat is a reliable option that offers both seeds and green forage. Winter rye, also a hardy grass, is excellent for providing cover and food. Brassicas, such as rape and radishes, are becoming a staple for many turkey food plots for the cold season. They provide a high-energy food source. Chicory is another perennial forage option, growing well with other crops and offering high nutritional value.
Considering mixtures of several species makes for diverse diets. Seed blends for turkeys, combining several carefully selected plants, can be purchased. These are designed to offer multiple benefits.
Planning and Preparing Your Food Plot
The overall design and establishment of your turkey food plots require thoughtful planning and preparation. The right location, soil type, and planting techniques can make or break your plot.
Site Selection
Site selection is the first, and arguably most important, consideration. Choose locations that receive adequate sunlight. Ideally, plots should be situated in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal plot is often in open areas, such as abandoned fields or forest openings. Access to a water source is an additional benefit. Consider soil conditions. Conduct a soil test to determine the pH, nutrient levels, and soil texture. This will guide your decisions about soil amendments. The size of your plot depends on the size of the area you have and the turkey population. Plots as small as a half-acre can still offer a benefit.
Plot Preparation
Effective land preparation is key to success. Start by clearing the area of any existing vegetation. Mowing, burning, or using herbicides can achieve this, depending on the existing plant cover and your preferred approach. Soil testing results guide the application of soil amendments such as lime to adjust the pH and fertilizers to add nutrients. Tilling the soil will create a suitable seedbed.
Planting Techniques
Employing proper planting techniques is essential for maximizing germination and growth. Broadcasting involves spreading seeds evenly over the soil. Drilling involves using a specialized planter to place seeds at a consistent depth and spacing. Following the manufacturer’s planting recommendations is necessary. Pay close attention to the recommended planting depths, spacing, and planting times for each species.
Maintaining Your Turkey Food Plot
Maintaining your turkey food plots is an ongoing process that requires diligent effort. Regular weed control is essential to prevent unwanted plants from competing with your desired forage species. Pre-emergent herbicides can prevent weed seeds from germinating, while post-emergent herbicides target existing weeds. Mowing can also be used to manage weed growth and encourage the growth of your food plot.
Fertilization is crucial for promoting plant growth and maximizing yields. Always apply fertilizers based on soil test results. Timing of fertilizer applications is important and can vary depending on the specific plant species and the growing season.
Protecting your plots from pests and wildlife is important. Fencing is a useful solution for controlling deer damage. Using repellents or other methods can also deter unwanted pests.
Plot rotation is important for soil health and overall productivity. Rotating your plots by planting different species each year will help to prevent the depletion of soil nutrients. Cover crops can improve soil health, reducing erosion.
Best Practices for Turkey Hunting and Management
Understanding the best practices for hunting turkeys requires knowledge of how to manage and make effective use of your turkey food plots.
Start by scouting your food plots regularly to monitor turkey activity. Look for signs of feeding, such as tracks, droppings, and feather. Using a game camera can assist in tracking activity. Consider hunting around food plots. Because food plots concentrate turkeys, they offer excellent hunting opportunities. When hunting near your plots, be mindful of the surrounding cover and the prevailing wind direction.
Successful land management should involve managing a variety of food sources and habitat improvements, such as creating water sources and providing roosting areas. Always be mindful of the regulations in your region and follow all applicable hunting laws.
Conclusion
Creating successful turkey food plots is a rewarding endeavor that can significantly enhance the quality of your hunting experience and contribute to the health of turkey populations. By implementing these best practices, you can attract and sustain wild turkeys on your property, providing them with the resources they need to thrive.
