October 28, 2019

Wildlife Food Plot Update

In March, we posted an article called Innovative Planting Techniques for Deer and Other Wildlife. The aim of this project was to increase the wildlife population on our property by planting specific crops to attract wild animals, and sustain them throughout the winter.

Sticking to Our Plan

As mentioned in our previous article, the most important components of our plan are observable access for our family, privacy, and year-round forage for the wildlife.

The access and privacy part was no problem. We cleared a field right up back that’s completely hidden by forest. We used a chisel plow and a rake to prep the soil, and a spreader to lay down lime to optimize the soil pH for planting.

The field we used for our wildlife food plot

The next thing we needed to figure out was what animals want when trying to forage for food. After a little research, the answer became pretty clear.

Animals like things sweet. If you think about natural wildlife habits, it makes sense. Deer love to raid apple orchards, rabbits will devour red clover, birds will pillage berry bushes, and coons, well coons will eat just about anything.

We took this basic knowledge of animal habits, and with a little research we created a unique plan for a food plot that we thought would work well.

How We Planted Our Wildlife Food Plot

First, we used our spreader to cast an even layer of sugar beet and forage turnip seeds. These crops are very attractive to deer and other wildlife because of how sweet they are.

Next, we planted rows of soybeans throughout the field using a two-row planter. A key benefit of soybeans is that they will provide deer with a great protein source moving deep into autumn.

We also planted a large area of red clover in the adjacent field, as this is highly attractive to deer and other wildlife. We planted the clover separately from the other plot because it needs to be mowed to maintain the tender shoots that the deer love. (The other crops don’t require mowing.)

We originally planned to plant clusters of sweet corn around the field as well, but ultimately decided against it. We may re-visit the idea next year though!

Wildlife Food Plot Update

Fast forward to the end of October, about six months from when we originally started planting our food plot, and let’s see how things are going.

The sugar beets grew like crazy and the deer are loving them! Check out all of the all of the bites taken out of them.

Our sugar beets are dug up and partially eaten

The beets will be an excellent source of nutrition all winter for the deer, as they’ll be able to dig them up out of the ground once everything freezes over.

Animal Sign in the Wildlife Food Plot

In addition to the numerous bites taken out of the sugar beets, there is also deer sign all over the place including deer scat and big tracks.

Along with the sugar beets, we’ve also continued to put feed corn up in the field like we did throughout the winter and spring. Now, with the sugar beets readily available, the feed corn doesn’t seem to be as popular, but it’s still attracting some visitors.

We found some scat in the feed corn and it was just loaded with animal hair. This makes us think we have some predators making themselves at home up there as well. (probably coyotes, they’ve been really vocal lately)

Will We Hunt the Food Plot?

Though we do hunt various game, this isn’t our top priority. The ability to build a habitat for wildlife, where we can observe and provide a sanctuary for nature and its processes, is extremely rewarding in itself.

This year, we have no plans on hunting the food plot. Our only goal for the year is to establish the habitat and attract wildlife to our land. The more welcoming we make it, the more apt animals are to return, and even make the area around the food plot their home.

Plans for the Future

We are considering building a couple of observation towers around the field so we can take in the magic of the wildlife as they enjoy the food plot.

We may also expand the plot in the field adjacent field. Since we aren’t using that space for much, there’s no reason not to.

We are extremely happy with the progress of our wildlife food plot, and love to see all the animal sign around it. Our plan is working well and we will continue to improve the habitat as we observe and learn. I’m sure we’ll make some adjustments next spring when we begin planting again but for now, we’ll enjoy what we’ve accomplished so far.

If you have any questions or comments about what we’re up to, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can drop a comment below or email us!

Take care,

Cody

Thistle Downs Farm