Introduction
Imagine the gobble of a mature tom echoing through the dawn woods, a sound that sends shivers down the spine of any dedicated hunter. Or picture a hen gracefully leading her clutch of poults through a lush meadow, providing them with vital nourishment for healthy growth. These are the scenes that food plots can help create. They are more than just areas of planted crops; they are vital components in supporting thriving wild turkey populations. Food plots act as supplemental feeding stations, providing turkeys with essential nutrition throughout the year, increasing hunting success, and contributing to the overall health and well-being of these majestic birds.
A food plot is simply an area of land cultivated and planted with specific crops to attract and sustain wildlife. For turkeys, these plots serve as supplemental feeding areas, offering a concentrated source of food that can be especially crucial during lean seasons or in areas with limited natural food availability. The benefits are manifold, ranging from improved body condition and reproductive success to increased hunter opportunity. But to truly reap these rewards, it’s essential to understand the intricacies of turkey diet, proper plot planning, and ongoing maintenance.
Understanding Turkey Diet and Nutritional Needs
The wild turkey is an opportunistic omnivore, meaning its diet shifts depending on the season and what’s readily available. Understanding these seasonal variations is the foundation of designing an effective food plot strategy.
Seasonal Diet Variations
In the spring, as the breeding season kicks into high gear, turkeys need a diet rich in protein and energy to support reproduction. Hens require ample protein to produce healthy eggs, while toms need energy to fuel their demanding courtship displays. Insects become a primary food source during this time, especially for rapidly growing poults. These tiny turkeys require a high-protein diet for development. Seeds, newly sprouted grasses, and forbs (broadleaf plants) also contribute to their spring menus.
Summer sees a continuation of the focus on protein for poults, along with an increased reliance on fruits, berries, and succulent vegetation. Young turkeys are growing rapidly, needing plenty of nutrition to develop strong bones, muscles, and feathers. As the heat of summer intensifies, turkeys will seek out shaded areas with access to water and a variety of food sources.
As autumn approaches, turkeys begin to shift their focus towards carbohydrates and fats to prepare for the colder months. Seeds, grains, and mast crops (hard fruits and nuts, such as acorns) become increasingly important. Turkeys bulk up in preparation for winter, storing energy reserves to survive periods of food scarcity. This is also a crucial time for hens to build up their body condition before entering the winter months.
Winter presents the greatest challenge for turkeys. Food becomes scarce, and energy expenditure increases to maintain body temperature. Turkeys rely heavily on stored fat reserves, supplemented by any remaining seeds, grains, and mast crops they can find. Evergreen foliage can provide a minimal food source, while tubers and roots exposed by snowmelt can be valuable supplements. In regions with heavy snowfall, turkeys may struggle to find adequate food, making winter food plots especially beneficial.
Importance of Protein, Carbohydrates, and Fat
Turkeys need a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, and fats for optimal health and reproduction. Protein is essential for tissue growth and repair, especially for young birds and breeding hens. Carbohydrates provide energy for daily activities and reproduction, while fats serve as long-term energy reserves and support vital bodily functions.
Planning Your Turkey Food Plot
Before you start planting, meticulous planning is crucial for ensuring the success of your turkey food plot. Several factors must be considered, including site selection, soil preparation, and planting timing.
Site Selection
Choosing the right location is the first step. Turkeys prefer food plots near wooded areas or thickets, providing them with easy access to cover and escape routes. Sunlight is essential for plant growth. So select areas with sufficient sunlight. Soil drainage is also important. Turkeys do not typically use plots in areas that get flooded or remain muddy for extended periods. Finally, water availability can be another consideration.
Soil Testing and Preparation
Conducting a soil test is essential for determining the nutrient content and pH level of your soil. Soil tests allow you to identify nutrient deficiencies and adjust pH levels. For many crops, the ideal pH range is slightly acidic, typically between six and seven. If your soil is too acidic, you can apply lime to raise the pH. Based on your soil test results, you can develop a customized fertilizer plan to meet the specific needs of your chosen crops.
Timing is Everything
Timing plays a pivotal role in the success of your food plot. Consider planting in spring, fall, or even both. Spring planting allows you to establish warm-season crops that can provide food and cover throughout the summer and fall. Fall planting allows you to establish cool-season crops that can provide food during the winter and early spring. Regional consideration should also be taken into account. The length of the growing season, the average rainfall, and the prevalence of pests and diseases can all influence your planting choices.
Top Plant Choices for Turkey Food Plots
Selecting the right plants is essential for attracting and sustaining turkey populations.
Legumes
Legumes, such as clovers, alfalfa, soybeans, and cowpeas, are excellent choices for turkey food plots because they are high in protein and provide valuable forage. Clovers, including white clover, red clover, and crimson clover, are particularly attractive to turkeys due to their palatability and ease of establishment. Alfalfa is another excellent choice because it is drought-tolerant and can provide forage throughout the growing season. Soybeans and cowpeas are warm-season legumes that provide a high-protein food source for turkeys during the summer and fall.
Grains and Grasses
Grains and grasses, such as wheat, oats, rye, corn, and sorghum, offer different benefits to turkeys. Wheat, oats, and rye are cool-season grains that can provide cover and a food source during the winter and early spring. Corn and sorghum are warm-season grains that provide a high-carbohydrate food source and excellent cover for turkeys during the fall and winter. Native grasses, such as little bluestem and Indian grass, are valuable for creating nesting habitat and attracting insects, which are an important food source for poults.
Forbs
Forbs, such as sunflowers, chicory, and native wildflowers, can enhance the diversity and attractiveness of your food plot. Sunflowers provide seeds that are highly palatable to turkeys, while chicory offers nutritious forage throughout the growing season. Native wildflowers, such as black-eyed susans and coneflowers, attract pollinators and beneficial insects, further enriching the food web within your food plot.
Mast-Producing Trees and Shrubs
Mast-producing trees and shrubs, such as oaks, American beautyberry, and dogwood, are long-term investments that can provide a valuable food source for turkeys for many years to come. Oaks, especially white oaks and red oaks, produce acorns that are a staple food for turkeys during the fall and winter. American beautyberry provides berries that are attractive to turkeys, while dogwood provides berries that are consumed during the winter.
Creating a Seed Mix
When creating a seed mix, consider the specific needs of your local turkey population, the time of year, and the conditions of your planting site. A good spring seed mix might include clovers, alfalfa, and sunflowers. A good fall seed mix might include wheat, oats, rye, and corn.
Food Plot Maintenance
Proper maintenance is essential for ensuring the long-term productivity and attractiveness of your turkey food plot.
Weed Control
Weed control is critical for preventing unwanted plants from outcompeting your desired crops. Pre-emergent herbicides can be applied before planting to prevent weed seeds from germinating. Post-emergent herbicides can be used to control weeds that have already emerged. Mowing techniques can also be used to control weeds and promote desirable plant growth.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing can replenish nutrients that are depleted by plant growth and leaching. Apply fertilizer based on your soil test results.
Mowing and Bush Hogging
Mowing and bush hogging can help manage plant height and encourage new growth. Mowing can also help control weeds and promote the spread of desirable plants.
Controlling Pests and Diseases
Be prepared to address pests and diseases that may threaten your crops. Monitor your food plot regularly for signs of insect infestation, fungal diseases, or other problems. Take appropriate action to control pests and diseases to protect your investment.
Rotational Cropping
Rotational cropping can help prevent soil depletion and disease buildup. Planting different crops in the same area each year can break pest and disease cycles, improve soil health, and provide a more diverse food source for turkeys.
Enhancing Food Plots for Turkeys
Simple enhancements can make a huge difference.
Creating Brush Piles
Creating brush piles provides cover and escape routes for turkeys.
Leaving Standing Grain
Leaving standing grain during harvest can provide a valuable winter food source, especially during periods of heavy snow. This can be a particularly effective strategy in areas with limited natural food availability.
Controlled Burning
Controlled burning can be a valuable tool for stimulating new growth and improving habitat. However, consult with your local wildlife agency or natural resources department before conducting a burn, as regulations may vary.
Water Sources
Ensure that turkeys have access to water, especially during dry periods. Providing a simple water source, such as a small pond or a water trough, can greatly benefit turkey populations.
Dusting Areas
Turkeys also need areas to dust themselves for parasite control. Loose soil or sand provides a place for turkeys to rid themselves of parasites.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Before establishing a food plot for turkeys, it is essential to check your local game laws and regulations. Also, promote responsible land stewardship and ethical hunting practices. Consider the potential impacts on non-target species.
Conclusion
Food plots for turkeys are not just about planting crops; they are about creating sustainable habitats that support healthy and thriving wild turkey populations. They are a testament to the power of proactive conservation and a commitment to ensuring the future of these magnificent birds. By investing time, resources, and a bit of careful planning, you can create a valuable resource that benefits both turkeys and hunters alike. So, are you ready to take the plunge and transform your property into a turkey paradise? Contact your local wildlife agency and make it happen!
