I'm an Alabama hunter as well. Food plots at times can be a nice place to catch a buck, but I would tell you to find your acorns. Look for your White Oaks first. They will be the most desirable food in our part of the country. If you find these nuts, then you will see high numbers of deer. Food plots are good for late season or when bucks are cruising for does in the rut. I don't know what kind of land you hunt, but keep in mind that those big mature bucks will lay in the thickets 95% of the year. Pine thickets or clearcuts are where I have the most success. Bucks will move through both of these during daylight hours.