The Critical Importance of Late Season Food Plots
The woods are quieter now. The frenzied energy of the rut has subsided, and the landscape is starkly different than it was just a few weeks ago. The vibrant greens of summer and the fiery hues of autumn have faded, replaced by the browns and grays of late fall and early winter. Crops are harvested, browse is increasingly scarce, and the once-abundant acorns have largely disappeared. But where are the deer now? This is the question on every hunter’s mind as the late season approaches.
As natural food sources dwindle and the first frosts bite, late season food plots become magnets for whitetails. These strategically planted areas offer a crucial lifeline for deer, providing a readily available and highly palatable food source precisely when they need it most. A well-planned and executed late season food plot can be the key to a successful hunt and a healthier deer herd, increasing your chances of bagging that trophy buck. This article will cover the best plant choices, site preparation secrets, and management strategies for maximizing your late season food plot success, transforming your property into a late-season deer haven.
The importance of late season food plots cannot be overstated. They are a critical tool for attracting and holding deer on your property during a time when other food sources are scarce. Consider the natural progression of the seasons. The abundance of summer gives way to autumn, but even then, there’s a relative wealth of options for deer. Acorns blanket the forest floor, browse is readily available, and agricultural crops often remain unharvested.
However, as winter approaches, this changes dramatically. Agricultural fields are stripped bare, leaving little behind for deer. The available browse thins out under the weight of snow and frost. Acorns, once plentiful, are either consumed or buried under a blanket of snow. This leaves deer with limited options, increasing their reliance on any available supplemental food sources. This is where late season food plots shine.
Deer need more calories to stay warm and maintain body condition during the cold winter months. The demands of simply surviving in harsh weather tax their energy reserves. Pregnant does have even greater nutritional needs as they prepare to carry their fawns through the winter months. A reliable food source, like a well-established late season food plot, can significantly improve their chances of survival and ensure the health of the herd.
Furthermore, hunting pressure increases during the late season. Deer, seeking refuge from the disturbance, are often pushed into areas with reliable food sources. By providing a high-quality food plot, you are essentially creating a sanctuary that attracts deer and keeps them on your property, offering excellent hunting opportunities.
In summary, late season food plots provide several key benefits: a readily available food source when natural options are limited, increased caloric intake for deer during the winter months, a safe haven from hunting pressure, and improved herd health and survival rates.
Superior Plant Choices for Late Season Food Plots
Selecting the right plants is crucial for late season food plot success. You need species that are cold-tolerant, palatable, and capable of providing a significant amount of forage during the critical winter months. Several plant families stand out as excellent options.
Brassicas: The Late Season Workhorses
Brassicas, a diverse family of plants including kale, turnips, rape, and radish, are arguably the best choice for late season food plots. These plants are incredibly effective at attracting and holding deer due to their unique characteristics. First, they are highly palatable, especially after a frost. The freezing temperatures trigger a process that converts starches into sugars, making the plants even more appealing to deer. Second, they are incredibly cold-tolerant, capable of withstanding freezing temperatures and providing forage well into the winter months.
Turnips are a particularly popular choice within the brassica family. They produce both a bulb and leaf growth, providing a dual food source for deer. The bulbs offer a carbohydrate-rich energy source, while the leaves provide essential vitamins and minerals. Rape is another excellent option, known for its rapid growth and high palatability after a frost. Kale is a hardy and nutritious choice, capable of withstanding even the harshest winter conditions. Radish is not only attractive to deer but also helps improve soil health, breaking up compacted soil and adding organic matter. When planting brassicas, follow recommended seeding rates and fertilize according to soil test results. Optimal planting times typically fall in late summer to early fall, allowing the plants to establish themselves before the first frost.
Cereal Grains: Reliable and Nutritious
Cereal grains, such as winter wheat, oats, rye, and triticale, offer another excellent option for late season food plots. These plants are relatively easy to establish and provide a reliable source of forage throughout the winter months. Winter wheat is known for its exceptional cold hardiness and palatability, making it a favorite among deer. Oats are another popular choice, attracting deer early in the season and providing a good source of energy. Rye is a valuable soil-building crop that can also provide forage for deer. Triticale, a hybrid of wheat and rye, combines the best qualities of both plants, offering excellent cold hardiness and palatability. As with brassicas, proper fertilization is essential for optimal growth. Plant cereal grains in the late summer or early fall to allow them to establish before winter.
Legumes: A Supporting Role
While legumes, such as clovers and alfalfa, are typically more suited for spring and summer planting, some winter-hardy varieties can persist into the late season and provide a valuable food source. However, establishing legumes in the late season can be challenging. Consider frost seeding clover into existing plots in late winter for spring growth.
The Power of Planting Mixes
Consider using seed mixes that combine different plant types. Planting mixes offer a diverse and resilient food source, ensuring that deer have access to a variety of nutrients and forage throughout the late season. A mix of brassicas and cereal grains can provide a balanced diet and maximize the attractiveness of your food plot.
Mastering Site Preparation and Planting Techniques
Proper site preparation and planting techniques are essential for establishing a successful late season food plot.
Unlock Soil Secrets
Start with a soil test. Soil testing provides valuable information about the pH and nutrient levels in your soil. This information will guide your fertilization strategy and ensure that your plants have the nutrients they need to thrive. Amend the soil as needed to achieve a pH range that is optimal for the plants you are growing.
Conquer the Weeds
Weed control is crucial for establishing a healthy food plot. Control weeds before planting using herbicides or tilling. Tilling can also help break up compacted soil and prepare a seedbed.
To Till or Not To Till?
Consider the pros and cons of tillage versus no-till planting methods. Tillage can improve seed-to-soil contact but can also disrupt the soil structure and lead to erosion. No-till planting minimizes soil disturbance but may require more weed control.
Timing is Everything
Plant seeds at the correct depth and timing. Seed depth and planting time will depend on the plants you are growing. Consult seed packets or local agricultural extension offices for specific recommendations.
Nourish Your Plot
Proper fertilization is critical for maximizing plant growth and forage production. Apply fertilizer according to soil test results and plant needs.
Effective Management and Maintenance
Once your food plot is established, you need to manage and maintain it to ensure its long-term success.
Constant Vigilance
Monitor your food plot for deer usage and signs of problems, such as disease or pests. If you notice any issues, take action to address them promptly.
Supplementary Support (Optional)
Consider supplemental feeding as a complementary strategy, but remember that food plots should be the primary food source. Check local regulations regarding supplemental feeding.
Shield Your Investment
Use fencing to protect young plants from overgrazing, especially in high-deer-density areas. Fencing can help ensure that plants have a chance to establish themselves before being heavily grazed.
Location, Location, Location: The Key to Attracting Deer
The location of your late season food plot can significantly impact its effectiveness.
Proximity Matters
Position your food plot near bedding areas. Deer are more likely to use a food plot that is located close to their bedding area.
Water is Essential
Consider locating your food plot near water sources. Access to water can increase the attractiveness of your food plot, especially during dry periods.
Travel Corridors
Position your food plot along known deer travel routes. This will increase the chances that deer will encounter your food plot while moving between bedding areas and other feeding areas.
The Power of Sunlight
Choose sites with adequate sunlight for optimal plant growth. Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.
Accessibility Considerations
Consider the accessibility of the plot for hunting and management. Choose a location that is easy to access for planting, fertilizing, and hunting.
Late Season Hunting Strategies Around Food Plots
A well-placed food plot can significantly improve your late season hunting success.
Strategically Positioned Stands
Place your stands in strategic locations near your food plots, considering wind direction and deer movement patterns. Pay attention to the prevailing winds and set up your stand so that the wind is blowing in your face or across your side.
Hunt at the Optimal Time
Hunt food plots during early mornings and late afternoons. These are the times when deer are most likely to be feeding in food plots.
Be Stealthy
Minimize hunting pressure around food plots to avoid spooking deer. Avoid over-hunting the same area and rotate your hunting locations to minimize disturbance.
Ethical Hunting Practices
Hunt ethically and responsibly. Always follow fair chase principles and respect the animals you are hunting.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with careful planning, you may encounter some challenges when establishing and maintaining your late season food plot.
Address Poor Germination
Poor germination can be caused by several factors, including improper planting depth, poor soil conditions, or weed competition. Ensure that you are planting at the correct depth, amend the soil as needed, and control weeds effectively.
Control Weed Infestations
Weeds can compete with your desired plants for resources and reduce the productivity of your food plot. Use herbicides or other weed control methods to keep weeds under control.
Manage Overgrazing
Overgrazing can damage plants and reduce their ability to provide forage. Use fencing to protect young plants from overgrazing or reduce the deer population in your area.
Improve Soil Conditions
Poor soil conditions can limit plant growth and reduce the productivity of your food plot. Amend the soil with organic matter and fertilizer to improve its fertility and drainage.
In Conclusion: A Winter Feast for Wildlife
Late season food plots are not just a way to attract deer for hunting; they are an investment in the health and well-being of your local deer herd. By providing a reliable source of food during the critical winter months, you can help deer survive the harsh conditions and thrive for years to come. From selecting the best plant choices to mastering site preparation and management techniques, every step is essential for success. This guide offers the insight to ensure your late season plots become a magnet for game.
Now, take action! Plan your late season food plot now, choosing the best plants for your area and preparing your site for planting. With a little effort, you can transform your property into a late-season deer haven, increasing your hunting success and contributing to the health of your local deer population. Imagine the satisfaction of knowing that you are providing a vital resource for wildlife and enhancing your hunting experience at the same time. The rewards of a well-managed late season food plot are immeasurable, both for you and for the deer that rely on it.
