First off, I'm no expert at this but I've been dabbling a bit and learning as I go.
I probably have 1/3 of an acre in the woods that I'm planting between a gasline, a skid trail and a small clearing. Also got another 1/3 acre corner of a field. The woods stuffall has been leaf covered for awhile so I put down 800 lbs of ag lime. Messy stuff but way cheaper than the pelletized. Checked ph with a cheapo meter but not sure I trust it. It said around 6.5. A buddy says the 800 lbs I put down will be a big help.
I'll put clover and chicory on the more moist areas this springand wheat, turnips,winter oatsout in the early fall. Pretty new at this myself and still learning by trial anderror. Also getting bits and pieces from friends that havve learned the same way and are a year or two ahead of me.
Our lease in Illinois will be donewith a bit moreknowledge.The farmer has graciously provided time and equipment and we provide the seed and spray.We're putting in 24 acres in alfalfa in one big field. About8-10 acres of soybeans in 4 small plotsand winter wheat, winter oats and turnips along the field edges here and there.
We have one 1/2 acre plot we did last year in ladino clover in the woods that worked out well and have three more spots scoped out for this spring. Clover can do OK with 3-4 hours of sun per day
We're going to try Imperial Whitetail secret spot, chicmagnet and no plow mixes for our small plots this year.
If you dont have equipment, stay with the no till or no plow mixes that have coatings on the seeds to help with ph and germination. You can get by with a rake and some elbow grease with those.
Sportsmans guide,
www.sportsmensguide.com has several good Imperial whitetail seed mixes on sale right now. I figured it might be last years seed but some of the stufff I bought had to be back ordered and was brand new from the factory when I got it.
Got another idea I'm gonna try in the woods. I've learned froma deer control hunting program in suburbia that deer love hostas and that hosta does well in shade. They eat em right down to the ground in the fall on this one place I hunt.
I have access to a bunch of free hosta plants (mom) and am going to try starting a few patches in the woods.
The limited success I've had with small plots in the woods is that it helps steer the deer closer as they pass through but it's not likely to draw a lot in if they arent traveling through anyway. Smallclearing plots in staging areas are VERY effective for evening bowhunts so long as you dont pressure them too much.
anyone putting in food plots this year?
