Paoutdoorsman

To the PA hunters out there, my step-dad and i are going to put in some food plots on my parents land this year, and other than imperial whitetail clover, was wondering what would be a good food source not only to attract deer, but also to help with their overall size. The Marcellus drilling in our area is messing up the woods, and the deer aren't behaving as they normally do. Any help on the matter would be appreciated.

Soilman

Clover makes a great spring-fall food plot. Since it is a perennial, soil sampling will help keep it growing stronger and longer. You will also want to consider site prepration and weed control. You may need to lime the soil, and clover takes a good amount of potash as well. White clovers are great, and they do not have to be special brands advertised on TV.

Once the temperature gets into the mid-20's, clover goes dormant. Some good choices for late-fall and winter include winter rye (my favorite since it will survive winters and green up in very early spring), oats, peas, and brassicas. These can all be mixed together for a variety as well. You may want a spring-fall clover plot, and a fall-winter plot to ensure the deer have a food supply for more days of the year.

Deer with a good food supply on fertile soil will naturally be bigger animals.

Ben / PA

First question, what kind of "land" are you planting on and what's around it? Are their crops nearby?