food plots

triton

triton

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With our hunting area changing more and more for different reasons. I was thinking on trying something like this to help out. I know nothing about doing this at all. So any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. I would not have a big area to do this as it is just a clearing in the bush. So I don't know if certain things would do better in a small area or what. Thanks guys.

Dave.
 
some provinces don't allow food plots, its considered baiting. it would have to be a harvestable crop and has to be harvested every year.

check with your local CO regarding food plots.
 
triton said:
With our hunting area changing more and more for different reasons. I was thinking on trying something like this to help out. I know nothing about doing this at all. So any advice or suggestions would be appreciated. I would not have a big area to do this as it is just a clearing in the bush. So I don't know if certain things would do better in a small area or what. Thanks guys.

Dave.
Click to expand...

Hello there,

We just tried a food plot in a section that had already been cleared, but we did not do any soil tests to determine the viability of planting what was selected. There is a DVD from Bishop Seeds that outlines the preparation and planning needed for a successful food plot. I would suggest that as a starting point because there is some work involved to have a successful area that attracts deer on a regular basis.

One thing to keep in mind besides soil condition is the actual location of the crops. They should be close to cover or on the fringes of an opening. Also the seed mixture should contain annual seeds that generate food opportunities all through the growing season so the animals get used to visiting that area. And you do want to stick with a mixture that reflects the natural vegetation for that climate region and soil characteristics.

Any attempt to plant a food plot also promotes a healthy conservation attitude, because although the hunter may benefit two weeks out the year, many other animals besides deer benefit all through the growing season.

Good luck in your efforts to improve your hunting area.

Private Skidmarks:)
 
Several threads on the subject, not too much interest here.
The plot in the picture looks like a petting zoo most evenings now with the snowfall, turkey, deer, rabbits, squirrels, birds


From a previous thread:

Deer, Turkey and all the wildlife in the area have been using the foodplot. Makes for a pretty cool place to sit in the evening.
We had used a seed blend, 15 different strains to avoid the over grazing issue. In the spring they ate the clover, alfalfa and chicory. Late summer until now they have been hitting the cabbage type stuff, kale etc. After frost they should switch to the sugar beets.
We figured in 1.2 acres we have about 2 tuns of food, 15 deer eating about 5lbs per day could destroy things in about 2 months, hasn't been an issue yet as the deer are hitting a soy bean field near by at night and still using traditional forages.
So far it's been worth it and I can only see it getting better, we hope to get 5years out of this plot. 2 days work in the spring was a hell of alot easier and cheeper than buying feed and getting it out there for the season. More benefital for the whole property as well.

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The more "natureral " the better stick to local "native " varieties .
check with local laws .use reputable seed free or moxious weeds as you could cause more damage than help the local enviroment.
The higher the wild life ratio/ acre the higher the desease ratio
 
Natural... get's you nowhere.... same old same old the deer can eat anytime anywhere... same thing if you are surrounded by grain crops... no sense planting corn!
If you want results then plant something that is not in the area... close to cover and bedding... put in a good size plot half an acre is nice! Brassicas and perenials work well a good mix that feeds all year long.
Chilly and I saw the deer in the food plot last night and the Turkeys in there this morning.
Bishops works good... whitetail institute has some great mixes. I planted corn and then put whitetail clover and turnips back... now that the snow is here the plot is getting hit really hard... they think it is candy!
 
BIGREDD said:
Natural... get's you nowhere.... same old same old the deer can eat anytime anywhere... same thing if you are surrounded by grain crops... no sense planting corn!
If you want results then plant something that is not in the area... close to cover and bedding... put in a good size plot half an acre is nice! Brassicas and perenials work well a good mix that feeds all year long.
Chilly and I saw the deer in the food plot last night and the Turkeys in there this morning.
Bishops works good... whitetail institute has some great mixes. I planted corn and then put whitetail clover and turnips back... now that the snow is here the plot is getting hit really hard... they think it is candy!
Click to expand...

Are there different types of mixes that will do better in lower light. Where I will be planting are smaller clearings in the middle of the bush. Thanks for the tips!

Dave.
 
As long as the canopy is opened-up so that the sun can get through directly
to your plot. Bishop's has worked well for me in both Muskoka & Parry Sound.

Soil analysis & seed bed prep is everything. Correct any soil ph imbalance
(usually application of agricultural lime on acid soils) and make sure that you follow planting instructions. Can't get over how much the deer go after chicory.
 
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