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Old 08-27-2005 | 07:07 AM
  #3  
WBowhunt
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 128
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From: West Virginia
Default RE: food plots

We have planted a couple different varieties of plots on a farm behind our house. First and foremost on any plot you intend to plant is to get the soil tested. No matter what brand you go with, if the soil ph is low, which in most places it is, no seed will not grow to its potential. Being you are looking at planting in the woods you are also going to need to look for a seed variety that will work with limited sun. Be careful of all the craze with the braisics and chickory. Research I have done on plots show that most deer only really feed on these types late in the year and only because alot of other plots are going dormant.
The other question is are you planting just to attract during the hunting season, or are you planting to improve your deer herd. There is a big big difference here. If you are looking to just plant to hope to attract during the hunting season, look at some of the annual varieties that sprout fast and are attractive to deer. Whitetail institute makes one called secret spot, which can be planted in locations with limited sun and has a quick growth and seems to be attractive to deer. but here again, make sure you prep the seed bed first.
If on the other hand you are looking at doing both, helping the herd with better qaultiy food and hoping to attact during season, then spend the extra money now and do it right, get the soil tested, prep the soil right, add the proper fertilizer and seed with a perrenial, Clover or alfala are probably your best bet, but a little concerned with the Oak stand. Also be aware, both clover and alfala make nitrogen, so if you fertilize these, look for one designed for alfala that has a low first number such as 2-30-10. The other thing you will want to look at if you are trying to improve your herd is adding some type of mineral supplement. This is not only for Bucks to grow bigger racks, but helps the entire herd as Does need minerals to produce better milk for their fawns and fawns will use it to grow better bone and muscle.
I could go on and on about this as there is allot to planting a food plot it really all depends on what you are trying to accomplish with your plot. Hope this helps a little
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