Introduction
The allure of a mature buck stepping into view, or the sight of a majestic bull elk feeding undisturbed on your land, is a dream shared by many landowners and hunters. While luck plays a part, consistently experiencing these moments hinges on providing high-quality, year-round nutrition for your target species. This is where the concept of a “Big Beasty Food Plot” comes into play. Far beyond the typical small clover patch, a Big Beasty Food Plot is a strategic, large-scale forage area designed to significantly impact the health, population, and behavior of wildlife on your property.
This article serves as your comprehensive guide to planning, creating, and maintaining a truly impactful food plot, one that goes beyond simply attracting animals – it holds them, nourishes them, and contributes to a thriving ecosystem. Whether you are a seasoned land manager or just starting out, understanding the principles of a Big Beasty Food Plot can revolutionize your wildlife management efforts and improve your hunting success. This is not a small undertaking. It requires a commitment to planning and execution, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
Why Go Big? The Benefits of a Big Beasty Approach
The fundamental question is: why invest in a large food plot when a smaller one might seem easier and more cost-effective? The answer lies in the multifaceted benefits that a Big Beasty Food Plot offers, benefits that translate into a healthier, more robust wildlife population and improved hunting opportunities.
First and foremost, a larger food plot dramatically increases the carrying capacity of your land. Carrying capacity refers to the number of animals that a given area can support. A small food plot, even if it’s incredibly productive, can only sustain a limited number of animals. A Big Beasty Food Plot, on the other hand, provides significantly more forage, allowing you to support a larger population of deer, turkey, elk, or other target species.
Another critical advantage is reduced grazing pressure. Think of it this way: a small patch of clover will be heavily grazed by even a few deer, potentially leading to stunted growth, reduced yields, and even complete devastation of the plot. A larger plot, however, can withstand heavier grazing pressure, allowing the plants to mature and provide a more consistent food source throughout the growing season. This is especially important during periods of stress, such as drought or late winter.
The increased acreage of a Big Beasty Food Plot opens the door to improved nutrition. You’re no longer limited to planting just one or two crops. You can create a diverse mix of forages that provide a balanced diet, ensuring that your wildlife are getting the essential nutrients they need for optimal health, antler growth, and reproduction. This diverse approach also creates a more resilient food source, as different plants have different tolerances to weather conditions and grazing pressure.
Beyond just food, Big Beasty Food Plots offer enhanced security cover. Larger plots provide more bedding and hiding areas, which is particularly crucial for mature bucks, does with fawns, and other vulnerable animals. The increased cover makes them feel safer and more secure, encouraging them to spend more time on your property. This security is a key component in holding game on your land.
This leads directly to the benefit of holding power. A well-designed Big Beasty Food Plot, particularly one that provides late-season forage, can keep animals on your property for extended periods, even when food sources are scarce elsewhere. This can be a game-changer during the hunting season, as it increases your chances of encountering mature animals. Furthermore, providing a reliable food source during the harsh winter months can significantly improve the survival rates of young animals.
Big beasty food plots can also facilitate the creation of travel corridors. Strategic placement of these plots can link fragmented habitats, encouraging wildlife movement and increasing genetic diversity. This is especially important in areas where habitat loss and fragmentation are major concerns. By connecting isolated pockets of habitat, you can create a more cohesive and resilient ecosystem.
Finally, larger plots naturally create a more consistent food supply. They are less susceptible to localized weather extremes or the impact of heavy grazing. You can often divide the plot into sections to create a rotational grazing plan.
Planning Your Big Beasty Food Plot: Key Considerations
Creating a successful Big Beasty Food Plot requires careful planning and attention to detail. There are several key considerations to keep in mind before you even turn the first shovel of dirt.
Site Selection
Site Selection is paramount. The ideal location for your food plot will depend on a variety of factors, including sunlight, soil type, drainage, water source, proximity to cover, and accessibility for equipment.
Sunlight is essential for plant growth, so choose a site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Ideally, you should get eight to ten hours.
Soil type and drainage are equally important. Conducting a soil test is a must to determine the pH and nutrient levels of your soil. Most food plot crops prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around six to seven). If your soil is too acidic, you will need to apply lime to raise the pH. Good drainage is also crucial, as waterlogged soil can stunt plant growth and even kill your crops. Terraces can help with this.
Access to a water source is another key consideration, especially if you live in an area with unpredictable rainfall. Having the ability to irrigate your food plot during dry periods can make the difference between success and failure.
The plot’s proximity to cover is also important. Locate your food plot near bedding areas, travel routes, and other areas that provide security for wildlife. This will encourage animals to use your food plot more frequently.
Consider accessibility for equipment. Can you easily get tractors, ATVs, and other equipment into the area? If not, you may need to clear a path or make other modifications.
Finally, consider the existing vegetation. What’s currently growing in the area? How difficult will it be to clear and prepare the site for planting?
Size and Shape
Size and Shape are vital elements. Forget the notion of a postage-stamp-sized plot. For a truly impactful Big Beasty Food Plot, size matters. While the ideal size will depend on your property size and the number of animals you’re trying to support, a good starting point is at least five acres. On larger properties, consider plots of ten acres or more. Think about planting two smaller plots on your land to allow for some crop rotation.
Consider the plot’s shape. While a simple rectangular plot is easy to create, irregular shapes are often more effective at attracting and holding wildlife. Irregular shapes provide more edge habitat, which is the transition zone between different habitat types. Edge habitat is highly attractive to wildlife, as it provides a variety of food sources and cover. Consider a figure-eight shape or a meandering design that follows the contours of the land.
Forage Selection
Forage Selection is where your knowledge of the local wildlife truly comes into play. Choosing the right crops is essential for providing a balanced diet and attracting your target species. Consider your local deer populations.
Think about seasonal considerations. What will provide food in the spring, summer, fall, and winter? A well-planned food plot will offer a year-round food source.
Consider nutritional value. Prioritize high-protein, high-energy forages. These forages will help your wildlife stay healthy and strong.
Factor in palatability. What do the animals in your area prefer to eat? Do some research to find out which crops are most attractive to your target species.
Consider resilience. Choose drought-tolerant, cold-hardy varieties that can withstand the challenges of your local climate.
Consider mixing crop types. Monocultures (single-crop plantings) can be effective, but diverse mixes often provide a more balanced diet and are more resilient to pests and diseases.
Budget and Resources
Budget and Resources are always a factor. Creating a Big Beasty Food Plot requires an investment of time, money, and effort. Before you begin, carefully consider your budget and the resources you have available. Consider equipment such as a seed drill.
Consider initial costs. These include seed, fertilizer, lime, and equipment rental.
Consider ongoing maintenance costs. These include mowing, spraying, and re-seeding.
Factor in your time commitment. Creating and maintaining a Big Beasty Food Plot will require a significant time investment.
Finally, consider your access to equipment and labor. Do you have the necessary equipment to prepare the site, plant the crops, and maintain the plot? Do you have enough labor to complete the tasks? If not, you may need to hire someone to help you.
Moving Forward
Creating a Big Beasty Food Plot isn’t just about planting a large field; it’s about strategic habitat management. By carefully considering site selection, size, shape, forage selection, and your budget, you can create a truly impactful food plot that benefits both wildlife and your hunting success. The planning stage is crucial. This article has covered the preliminary factors in developing your land into prime food plot land. Next, we need to consider the implementation. Stay tuned for more details regarding planting, maintenance and advanced techniques that can provide the edge needed to take your land from good to legendary.
