Food plots in northern MN

[Jeremy (Yeti)]

Just wanted to know what food plot vegetation works best in northern MN.  I hunt about 35 miles south of Duluth, MN and have tried numerous things such as alfalfa, corn, and oats, so far alfalfa has proven to work best but I thought I would see what others input was on this topic.  Thanks!

[kingfisher1]

I would go try a mix of clover and alfalfa.  We have been using that for a few years with great results.  We also will plant sugar beets in august, and by the time they grow to the right size to eat, it's deer season, and the recent freezes of the time period will release the sugars in them, drawing the deer to them.

[Mayfly]

Just wanted to know what food plot vegetation works best in northern MN.  I hunt about 35 miles south of Duluth, MN and have tried numerous things such as alfalfa, corn, and oats, so far alfalfa has proven to work best but I thought I would see what others input was on this topic.  Thanks!

What is your plan for the food plot? Why are you planting it?

[Jeremy (Yeti)]

There's not much for food in the area and I'm mainly doing it to keep deer on the property and also to provide a late season food source for the deer.  The land is heavily wooded with the occasional acorn as a food supply, which has driven the deer to use the land as primarily a passing through section or at most a bedding area.  I am looking for away to keep them on the property as well as away to increase the ability to pattern the deer as they move through the land.  The land is strictly used for bow hunting and is not heavily pressured.

[Joe@deerhunters]

How much acreage can you commit to food plots?

You can not go wrong with a clover mix for long lasting as well as food through a good portion of the year.

You may need at least 5 acres minimum to provide winter food or it will be gone before winter sets in.

Turnips and beets will also last through the winter in quanity.

Best to have some perienals that you can count on providing food through out the year and some annuals for hunt plots and winter food

[Jeremy (Yeti)]

I would say we have atleast 10 acres to devote to plot land and thanks for the input.

[LandDr]

10 ac. is a good size...you can do a lot with that.

It was touched on above, but I will encourage it as well.  If you are planting perennials such as clovers, alfalfa, chicory, etc., you need to make sure you get the plot to a big enough size so that the deer don't graze it right down to the ground...which will stunt the root system and cause higher mortality of your plot (high risk of winter kill is a big one as well as tolerance of drought).  Usually 3 to 5 acres is a minimum with perennail plots but that is dependant on your deer population.

Brassicas on the other hand (rape, turnips, beets, etc.), can be planted in small plots as they are very starchy through the growing season and deer will leave them alone for the most part.  When they freeze, the start is converted to sugar...and that is why brassicas are a great fall attractant, especially up north.  Brassicas are also very easy to plant and easy to grow, often needing limited tillage and care.  I would recommend planting some time in August.  Trial and error will tell you what is best for your planting dates to fine tune it.

See the prior post on woody cover barriers and travel lanes as well and if the CP22 program or WHIP program might work for you as well.

Kyle, PLM
www.HabitatNOW.com