2005 Food Plot Ideas (WI)
Hello, I need some ideas from my fellow hunters. I just received permission to plant a 2-acre field in southern Wisconsin as a food plot this coming spring. I do not have a picture of the field, but I’ll try to describe it to you. The field is a on a hilltop. From east to west, it’s about 50 yards wide and from north to south, it’s about 200 yds long. The west and north edges of the field run along a wooded finger. There’s a brushy fence line on the east side with a neighbor’s crop field on the other side. There’s a 12 acre field along the south boundary that’s going to be it’s second year of CRP. Unfortunately, this field will be mowed again next year after August 1st to meet the CRP requirements. The open south boundary does allow a lot of sunshine throughout the day, so lack of sunshine will not be a problem. I’d like to offer a high protein food source that attracts and holds deer year around yet keep the neighbors on the east side of me from reaping the rewards of my hard work and money spent. I’d also like to add some cover and food for the local pheasants on my 2 acres. Here’s my plan as of right now (very subject to change). Split the field in three section (20yds x 200yds, 10yds x 200 yds, and 20yds x 200yds). The outside 20x200 sections may be planted in clover (one Biologic and one Whitetail Imperial). The middle section may be planted in corn and left standing until spring. I may also plant something (not sure what) between the rows once the corn gets a jump-start, so it’s thick enough for the wildlife to use it as cover. I’m also looking into Whitetail Imperial’s new Power Plant mixture, Nature’s Own Upland Game Bird mixture, and some warm-season prairie grasses. Has anyone ever planted any of these? Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions for my food plot? I’ve planted a few food plots in the last five years, but they have all be less than ½ acre. This is my attempt at a large-scale foot plot and I want to make sure that I do it right. Please let me know what you would do. Thanks!