I'm looking at planting a fall planting of oats. Anyone know how soon the deer will start hitting them after they are planted and then how long will the deer continue to hit them?

They will be on them a week after germination. You want to plant them late as possible so they do not get tough. For me in NC, I like early/mid October planting.

we dont put our oats in until about mid september here in bama.... season opens 0ct. 13 or so every yr

If it's a really small plot (maybe 60x20 ft), will the deer keep them trimmed down so they stay young?? I'm thinking of putting them in about a month before bow season opens, too soon or about right?

i would say thats about right... i wouldnt be too afraid to wait even another week or so if your cofident you will get some rain. Dont worrry about if the field is lush and green all over, the deer will start using it as soon as the first bit of grass starts coming up.. the field not bein full at first can actually play to your advantage as a bow hunter, the deer will concentrate on the part of the field with the most grass when its not completely filled with grass and you can rele tell where they are gunna be in there and set up for a chip shot.

Too soon IMO, wait until two weeks before at the earliest. The deer (or mowing) keeping them short is not the same as keeping them tender.

I usually plant mine around the first of sept if there is enough moisture in the ground.

I plant mine in late August/early Sept.

Same here: i plant mine right after a good rain.

Where do you get them? I've never planted oats. Southern States?