Imagine a scene: the crisp morning air, the sun just cresting the horizon, and a majestic buck steps into a lush, vibrant plot of green. He isn’t just passing through; he’s drawn here, consistently, because this isn’t just any patch of vegetation—it’s a carefully cultivated perennial deer food plot, a magnet for wildlife and a cornerstone of successful deer management. Food plots are an essential tool for landowners and hunters looking to improve deer nutrition, increase deer numbers, and enhance hunting opportunities. While annual food plots serve a purpose, perennial plots offer a compelling advantage: they provide a sustained, reliable food source year after year, requiring less maintenance and offering a long-term investment in the health and prosperity of your deer herd. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide, revealing the best perennial deer food plot options and providing practical advice for establishing and maintaining them to create a thriving habitat.
Why Choose Perennial Food Plots for Your Deer Herd?
Perennial food plots distinguish themselves from annual plantings through longevity and reduced management demands.
The Undeniable Benefits of Perennial Plots
Perennial food plots offer a wealth of advantages, making them a desirable choice for many landowners. First and foremost, they significantly reduce the amount of maintenance required compared to annual plots. You’ll spend less time tilling, seeding, and fertilizing each year, freeing up your valuable time for other land management tasks. This translates directly into cost-effectiveness. Over the long term, you’ll save money on seed costs, as perennial plants regenerate year after year. They also foster better soil health. With their extensive root systems, perennial plants help prevent erosion, improve soil structure, and increase water infiltration.
Perhaps the most significant benefit is that perennial plots provide a year-round food source for deer. Unlike annuals, which offer forage for a limited period, perennials offer consistent nutrition, even outside of hunting season. This helps deer maintain their health, especially during critical times like winter and late summer when natural food sources are scarce. The sustained food source and their constant presence establishes a pattern that deer can rely on, attracting deer over a longer period and making them consistent visitors to your land.
Perennial versus Annual Considerations
While annual food plots such as corn, soybeans, or wheat undoubtedly have their place, particularly for attracting deer quickly during hunting season, they come with drawbacks. Annual plots require annual tilling, seeding, and often more intensive fertilization. They can also be more susceptible to weed infestations and require careful management to ensure they reach maturity and provide adequate forage. Perennial plots, on the other hand, are often a better choice when you have limited time for management or when you want to create a sustainable, long-term food source for deer. If the primary goal is to provide year-round nutrition and a consistent food source with lower maintenance, a perennial plot is the superior option.
Top Perennial Food Plot Options to Entice Deer
Selecting the right perennial species is paramount for attracting deer and ensuring a successful food plot.
The Versatility of Clover
Clover is arguably the most popular and versatile perennial food plot option. It offers a trifecta of benefits: high protein content, excellent palatability (deer love it!), and the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it naturally. There are numerous clover varieties to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. White clover is known for its persistence and adaptability, thriving in a wide range of soil types. Red clover is a larger-leaved variety that offers excellent forage production. Ladino clover is a hybrid that combines the best traits of white and red clover.
Clover thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between six and seven. Regular mowing helps encourage new growth and prevent clover from becoming too stemmy. Fertilizing with phosphorus and potassium, based on soil test results, is essential for maintaining healthy clover stands.
The Sturdiness of Alfalfa
Alfalfa is another high-protein perennial legume that is highly attractive to deer. It is also known for its drought tolerance, making it a good choice for areas with limited rainfall. Alfalfa requires well-drained soil with a pH between six point five and seven point five. It is important to select an alfalfa variety that is adapted to your region and resistant to common diseases.
Alfalfa benefits from regular cutting or mowing to encourage new growth. Be careful not to mow too short, as this can damage the plants. Fertilizing with phosphorus and potassium is important for maintaining healthy alfalfa stands.
The Deep-Rooted Chicory
Chicory is a perennial herb that is prized for its deep roots, drought tolerance, and high mineral content. Deer are attracted to its bitter taste, and it provides a valuable source of nutrition, particularly during the summer months. Chicory thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between six and seven.
Chicory requires minimal maintenance. It can be mowed occasionally to control weeds and encourage new growth. Fertilizing with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, based on soil test results, is beneficial for maintaining healthy chicory stands.
Brassicas as Perennials?
While brassicas like kale, turnips, and rape are typically grown as annuals, they can sometimes persist into a second year, especially in milder climates. They are highly palatable to deer and offer excellent cold tolerance, making them a valuable addition to a perennial food plot mix. Choose varieties that are more likely to overwinter in your region.
Brassicas prefer well-drained soil with a pH between six and seven. They require adequate fertilization, particularly with nitrogen, to produce abundant forage. It’s important to note that brassicas can sometimes become overgrazed, so it’s best to use them in combination with other perennial species.
Additional Perennial Gems
Beyond the commonly used species, other perennial options deserve consideration. Birdsfoot trefoil, a legume similar to clover, offers good drought tolerance and persistence. Native grasses such as switchgrass and big bluestem, while not primarily for forage, provide valuable cover for deer and can offer some browse as well. Consider incorporating a mix of these species to create a diverse and resilient food plot.
Crafting Your Perennial Food Plot: A Step-by-Step Guide
Establishing a perennial food plot requires careful planning and execution.
Selecting the Ideal Location
Choosing the right site is the first critical step. Sunlight is essential for plant growth. Aim for a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. Soil drainage is equally important. Avoid areas that are prone to waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot and plant death. Accessibility is another key consideration. Choose a location that is easy to access with your equipment for planting and maintenance. Finally, consider the size of your food plot. A larger plot will provide more forage and attract more deer, but it will also require more resources to establish and maintain.
Preparing Your Soil for Success
Soil testing is a crucial step that should never be skipped. A soil test will reveal the pH level and nutrient content of your soil, allowing you to make informed decisions about amendments and fertilization. Most perennial food plot species thrive in a slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH between six and seven. If your soil is too acidic, you’ll need to apply lime to raise the pH.
Fertilizer recommendations should be based on your soil test results. In general, perennial food plots benefit from applications of phosphorus and potassium. Tilling or no-till methods can be used to prepare the soil. Tilling involves plowing or disking the soil to create a seedbed. No-till methods involve planting directly into existing vegetation, minimizing soil disturbance.
Planting Techniques for a Thriving Plot
Seeding rates vary depending on the species and variety you choose. Consult the seed packaging for specific recommendations. Planting depth is also important. Seeds that are planted too deep may not germinate, while seeds that are planted too shallow may dry out. The ideal planting time is typically in the spring or fall, depending on your region and the species you are planting. Spring planting allows the plants to establish themselves before the hot summer months, while fall planting allows them to overwinter and be ready to grow in the spring. Methods of seeding include broadcasting (spreading the seed by hand or with a spreader) and drilling (planting the seed with a drill).
Weed Control Strategies
Weed control is essential for establishing a successful food plot. Weeds compete with desirable plants for sunlight, water, and nutrients. 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 is another effective way to suppress weeds.
Maintaining Your Perennial Food Plot for the Long Haul
Once your perennial food plot is established, it’s important to maintain it properly to ensure its long-term success.
Regular Nourishment Through Fertilization
Regular soil testing is crucial for monitoring nutrient levels in your food plot. Fertilize according to the results of your soil test. Apply fertilizer in the spring or fall, depending on the species you are growing.
Strategic Mowing Practices
Mowing is an important part of perennial food plot maintenance. Mowing helps to encourage new growth, control weeds, and prevent plants from becoming too stemmy. Mow your food plot two to three times per year, depending on the species you are growing.
Continued Vigilance in Weed Management
Despite initial weed control efforts, weeds may still emerge in your food plot. Spot spraying with herbicides or hand weeding can be used to control weeds as they appear.
Reinforcing Growth Through Overseeding
Over time, bare spots or thinning areas may develop in your food plot. Overseeding with the same or complementary species can help to fill in these areas and maintain a dense, productive stand.
Rotational Grazing for Maximum Benefit
If feasible, consider implementing rotational grazing. This involves dividing your food plot into sections and allowing deer to graze only one section at a time. This allows the other sections to recover and prevents overgrazing.
Troubleshooting Common Perennial Food Plot Challenges
Even with careful planning and maintenance, problems can sometimes arise.
Addressing Poor Germination Issues
Poor germination can be caused by a number of factors, including improper planting depth, dry conditions, and poor seed quality. Make sure you are planting at the correct depth and that the soil is moist. If necessary, irrigate your food plot to provide adequate moisture.
Tackling Weed Infestations
Weed infestations can quickly overwhelm a food plot. Identifying the common weeds in your area and using appropriate control methods is essential.
Combating Overgrazing Concerns
Overgrazing can damage your food plot and reduce its productivity. Signs of overgrazing include stunted plant growth and bare patches of soil. Reducing the deer population or expanding the size of your food plot can help to prevent overgrazing.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Pests and diseases can also affect perennial food plots. Monitor your food plot regularly for signs of pests or diseases. If necessary, apply insecticides or fungicides.
In Conclusion: A Sustainable Investment in Your Deer Herd
Perennial deer food plots represent a sustainable and rewarding investment in your deer herd. They offer a consistent, year-round food source, require less maintenance than annual plots, and contribute to improved soil health. By carefully selecting the right species, preparing your soil properly, and implementing sound maintenance practices, you can create a thriving perennial food plot that will attract and sustain deer for years to come. Remember to consider the factors unique to your property and local deer population when making decisions about which forages to plant.
Take the tips and guidance outlined here and embark on the creation of your own exceptional perennial deer food plot. Witness the transformative impact on your land as you draw in and sustain a robust deer population, reaping the rewards of improved hunting and a thriving wildlife habitat. Building the best perennial deer food plot you can is a testament to your commitment to land stewardship and your passion for the outdoors.
