Moving beyond steadfast and readymade techniques, building food plots are a thing of the past. These traditional methods may be out-dated if you are a tad bit lazy and care only about a fast result, but if otherwise then it is a must-try.
Food plots are holistic and have an equal success rate as any other method. The only addition is that the effort you put in will be more – a lot more.
Food Plots are about creating a vegetative environment in your backyard or some other property where the deer can visit and feed on. This area will be something you can monitor and hence it is almost like having a deer within your visionary premise.
The first step in having the plot to sow seeds in. The next inevitable step is selecting the right kind of seeds and sowing them. Deers tend to like protein-rich food like kale, turnip, corn, and soya or nuts like chestnut or acorn or fruits like apple and pear. You can mix it all up in your plot and create a wholesome food plot – gets your purpose done as well as replenishes the land.
That is the very basics of having a food plot but there are more technicalities that you need to be aware of for better results. So here is a list of things to keep in mind while building your own food plot.
Area
The area of cultivation is pivotal. It needs to be far away from the roads, lights, and sounds and close to green fields or maybe an open water source. These factors will imitate a natural habitat and hence make a deer feel safe.
Vegetation
This is a rather lengthy process. It starts with first testing your soil for nutrients and making sure that the land is not susceptible to erosion or natural calamities and then choosing the best part of the land to cultivate in.
Make sure that this plot is segregated from other plots by some natural barrier and hence open but yet monitored.
Food preferences
Like already mentioned, keep in mind the food preferences of the deer and then choose your plantation. Make sure that it is protein-rich, nutritious, and also well mixed. Fertilize your land whenever needed.
Also, make sure that the land is not merely shrubs but has long grasses as well. Long grasses make a deer feel safe and hence it will feel more at home. So a good mix of trees, shrubs, and tall grasses would do.
Trails and Habits
Technology has now evolved enough to let you follow and track an animal without having to move from the comforts of your seats. Keep trail cameras to track the activities of your plot so that you can know which animals visit the area and at what time. You can plan everything according to these sightings.
Deer-friendliness
An extra effort won’t cost you much but will go a long way in terms of results. Make sure that you have a secure spot. Make sure that the area is free of dogs and other pets. Make sure that there is no man-made fence or walls that might tip the deer off. Basically, just make it feel natural and at home.