Vet Judy

Deer food plot Myths

            Today, let’s debunk some of the more popular myths about deer food plots.

Myth #1:         Food Plots Are Planted to Raise Carrying Capacity

            I’ve noticed that this claim really irks wildlife management professionals.  That’s because it’s how many deer food plots were marketed to hunters by companies wanting to profit off the sale of non-native plants, generic plans, and other one-size-fits-all packages.

            Responsible food plots are planted to enhance the habitat for existing wildlife.  Remember: for whitetails, it’s cover—not food—that’s the most important part of the habitat.  Properly planted food plots use natural elements for cover and maximize the interface needed to ease the deer into the food plot. See article for more information on cover and interfaces HERE.

Myth #2:         Non-native Plants are Key to a food plot’s Success

            It’s true: some of the key plants in a well-designed food plot won’t be found growing in the native landscape.  (I’ve never spotted wild soybeans growing on my ranch!)  However, food plots are about more than just planting tasty, nutritious crops.  Proper food plot design integrates the plot into the landscape, and utilizing existing native plants, shrubs and trees is critical to easing the deer into your plot.

Myth #3:         The Right Crop Mix Means You Can Just Go Out and Plant It

            With the beginning of spring, it’s tempting to get your hands dirty and dig up the deer food plot that you’ve been thinking about planting.  Just as food plots aren’t “quick fixes” for guaranteeing a great deer harvest during hunting season, the right crop mix isn’t a “quick-fix” for the food plot.  You’ll need to take time to position your food plot in the right place, according to prevailing wind patterns, natural cover, and perimeter trails.  A soil test is an essential investment for long-term food plot planning.  There are also pesky things called “weeds” that have been underestimated more than once by food plot planters. Don’t want to lose your efforts on weeds read this article: http://www.diydeerfoodplots.com/articles/trophy-whitetail-deer-hunting.html

            deer food plots, like other good things, do not come quickly and easily.  Be sure to resist those myth-makers that would try to convince you otherwise.