Are you tired of the annual ritual of tilling, seeding, and praying for rain, only to watch your deer food plots wither and fade before hunting season even arrives? There’s a better way to provide consistent, high-quality nutrition for your deer herd and create a thriving habitat that draws in those trophy bucks you’ve been dreaming of. The answer lies in perennial food plots – a long-term investment in your land and the health of your deer population.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to establish and maintain the best perennial deer food plots. From understanding the benefits and challenges, to selecting the right plants, preparing your site, and implementing effective maintenance strategies, we’ll cover all the bases. The key to a successful perennial deer food plot is selecting the right plants, site preparation, planting techniques, and ongoing maintenance, and we will show you how.
Understanding Perennial Food Plots
What exactly are perennial food plots? Unlike annual crops that need to be replanted every year, perennials are plants that live for multiple seasons, providing a continuous source of forage for your deer. Think of them as a lasting investment in your deer management strategy.
Perennial food plots offer a wealth of benefits for both the land and the deer. One of the most significant advantages is cost-effectiveness. While the initial investment in seed and site preparation may be higher than with annuals, you’ll save money in the long run by eliminating the need to purchase and plant seeds every year. You’ll also be saving yourself countless hours of labor.
Beyond the financial benefits, perennial food plots contribute to a healthier ecosystem. Their extensive root systems help to control soil erosion, improve soil structure, and increase water infiltration. This, in turn, creates a more resilient and productive environment for all types of wildlife. Furthermore, a well-planned perennial food plot can attract a wider variety of wildlife species, enhancing the biodiversity of your property.
However, perennial food plots also come with their own set of challenges. The initial establishment phase can be demanding, requiring careful site preparation and planting techniques. Weed control is crucial, especially during the first year, to prevent unwanted vegetation from outcompeting your desired plants. Ongoing maintenance, including mowing and fertilization, is necessary to keep your plots healthy and productive. Finally, overgrazing can be a concern, particularly in areas with high deer densities. Careful management and rotational grazing strategies can help to mitigate this issue.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Perennial Plants
Selecting the right perennial plants for your deer food plots is essential for success. Several factors should be taken into account, starting with your regional climate and soil conditions. Understanding your hardiness zone is crucial for choosing plants that can withstand the winter temperatures in your area. Different plants thrive in different climates, so choosing the right plants will contribute to your success.
Soil pH and drainage are also important considerations. Most perennial food plot species prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (around six to seven). Poorly drained soils can lead to root rot and other problems, so it’s important to choose plants that are adapted to your soil type.
Deer preference and nutritional needs should also guide your plant selection. Deer are attracted to plants that are palatable and high in protein and digestible energy. Clovers, for example, are a favorite among deer and provide a valuable source of protein, especially during the spring and summer months.
Sunlight availability is another key factor. Some perennial plants, such as alfalfa, require full sun to thrive, while others can tolerate partial shade. Choose plants that are well-suited to the amount of sunlight your food plot receives.
Finally, consider your desired planting season and timing. Some perennial plants are best planted in the spring, while others do better when planted in the fall. Choose a planting time that aligns with your local climate and the specific requirements of the plants you’ve selected.
Top Perennial Plants for Deer Food Plots
Now, let’s dive into some of the best perennial plants for attracting and sustaining deer in your food plots.
Clovers
Clovers are a cornerstone of many successful perennial food plot strategies. White clover is a popular choice due to its ability to spread and tolerate heavy grazing. Red clover is another excellent option, providing high-quality forage and nitrogen fixation in the soil. Alsike clover is more tolerant of acidic soils and can be a good choice for areas with less-than-ideal soil conditions. Clovers are highly palatable to deer and offer a significant source of protein. Proper planting and maintenance, including mowing to encourage new growth, are essential for keeping your clover plots thriving.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is another high-protein perennial legume that deer love. It requires well-drained soil and full sun but can provide a significant amount of forage. Management practices such as fertilization and weed control are crucial for maintaining a healthy alfalfa stand.
Chicory
Chicory is a perennial herb that is highly attractive to deer, particularly during the summer months. It is drought-tolerant and can provide a valuable source of minerals. Chicory thrives in well-drained soil and full sun.
Birdsfoot Trefoil
Birdsfoot trefoil is a perennial legume that is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. It is less palatable to deer than clover or alfalfa, but it can still provide a valuable source of forage, especially in areas where other legumes struggle to grow.
Perennial Grasses
Don’t overlook perennial grasses, either. While they may not be as high in protein as legumes, they can provide valuable ground cover and forage. Orchardgrass, timothy grass, and fescues are all good options for perennial food plots. Mixing grasses with legumes can create a diverse and resilient food plot that provides year-round benefits for deer.
Perennial Forbs
Consider incorporating some perennial forbs (broadleaf plants) into your food plot mix as well. Plantain and dandelions, while often considered weeds, can provide valuable minerals and nutrients for deer.
Site Preparation and Planting
Proper site preparation is crucial for the success of your perennial food plots. The first step is soil testing. This will help you determine the pH and nutrient levels of your soil and identify any amendments that are needed. You can obtain a soil testing kit from your local extension office or agricultural supply store.
Clearing and preparing the site involves removing existing vegetation and creating a smooth, firm seedbed. This can be done through tilling or no-till planting methods. Tilling involves plowing or disking the soil to break it up and incorporate any organic matter. No-till planting involves planting seeds directly into the existing vegetation without disturbing the soil.
Soil amendments, such as lime and fertilizer, may be needed to improve the soil conditions for your chosen plants. Lime is used to raise the soil pH, while fertilizer provides essential nutrients for plant growth.
Planting techniques will vary depending on the species you’re planting. Seeding rates and methods should be carefully followed to ensure proper germination and establishment. Timing of planting is also important.
Maintenance and Management
Once your perennial food plots are established, ongoing maintenance is essential for keeping them healthy and productive.
Weed control is a constant battle, especially during the first year. Mowing is an effective way to control weeds and encourage new growth. Herbicide use can also be necessary, but it’s important to use selective herbicides that will kill weeds without harming your desired plants. Hand weeding is another option for small plots or areas with particularly stubborn weeds.
Fertilization is needed to replenish the nutrients that are removed by grazing deer. Timing and application rates will vary depending on the specific nutrients your soil is lacking.
Mowing strategies can be used to promote new growth and prevent plants from becoming overly mature. When and how often you mow will depend on the specific plants you’re growing and the desired results.
Over-seeding can be used to fill in thin areas and maintain a dense stand of vegetation. This is typically done in the fall or early spring.
Rotational grazing, if possible, can help to prevent overgrazing and maintain the health of your food plots. This involves dividing your food plot into smaller sections and rotating the deer between sections to allow the vegetation to recover.
Regular monitoring of plant health is important for identifying and addressing potential problems early on. Look for signs of disease, pest infestations, or nutrient deficiencies.
Designing a Successful Perennial Food Plot
The size and shape of your perennial food plot can influence its effectiveness. The ideal plot size will depend on the size of your property and the number of deer you’re trying to attract. Shape can maximize the edge and sunlight, increasing diversity and forage production.
Location and accessibility are also important considerations. Place your food plots near bedding areas and water sources to increase deer utilization. Make sure the plots are easily accessible for maintenance activities.
Creating a diverse planting mix, combining different plants for year-round attraction, is a great way to create something for the deer year-round. Deer utilize different types of forage at different times of the year.
Consider planting in stages, establishing a base and adding variety over time, for a long-term approach.
Finally, consider incorporating security cover around your food plots to provide safe access and escape routes for deer. This can be accomplished by planting shrubs or allowing native vegetation to grow along the edges of your plots.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with the best planning and preparation, you may encounter problems with your perennial food plots.
Poor germination can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor seed quality, improper planting depth, or dry soil conditions. Weed infestation can be controlled through mowing, herbicide use, or hand weeding. Overgrazing can be prevented by limiting deer access to your food plots or implementing rotational grazing strategies. Soil compaction can be alleviated by tilling or adding organic matter to the soil. Pest and disease issues can be addressed with appropriate treatments.
Case Studies/Examples
Let’s look at some real-world examples. In the Midwest, a farmer successfully established a perennial food plot using a mix of white clover, alfalfa, and chicory. By carefully managing the plot and providing regular fertilization, he was able to attract and hold a significant number of deer on his property.
In the Southeast, a landowner created a successful perennial food plot by planting a mix of red clover, birdsfoot trefoil, and perennial grasses. The plot provided a valuable source of forage for deer throughout the year and helped to improve the overall health of the deer population.
Conclusion
Perennial deer food plots are a valuable tool for deer management, providing a consistent source of high-quality nutrition and contributing to a healthier ecosystem. By carefully planning, preparing, and maintaining your food plots, you can create a thriving habitat that attracts and sustains deer on your property for years to come. Remember the key to a successful perennial deer food plot is selecting the right plants, site preparation, planting techniques, and ongoing maintenance.
We encourage you to implement these strategies and see the positive impact they can have on your deer herd. Have you had experience with perennial food plots? Share your own experiences or ask further questions in the comments below! Your contributions can help other landowners create successful deer food plots and improve the health of our deer populations.
