Food plot help.

[nwmndeerhunter]

I am planning on making a small food plot for deer. I am located in northwest Minnesota. There are lots of deer in the area, i see them all the time around but they just don't go insight of my stand cause there is nothing there for them. Just wanted advice on when to plant so it wont be eaten before rifle season but will have time to completely grow. and would like to know what to plant

Thanks

[ray634]

What size of plot do you have in mind? Feeder plot or just a kill plot? How much field prep work are you prepared/capable of doing? Soil conditions? How far to farm fields? How heavily wooded? There are a lot of factors to consider.

[beeker]

you'll have to experiment with what will grow in your area and what the deer will eat. first step is find out what the crops are around you and do something different than your neighbors.. why would they mess with your little food plot when there is a field of corn across the street? just as an example. personally I like turnips..

also consider your equipment (4wheeler, tractor, brush cutter, chainsaw,weedwacker) what you have available and the  time to clear an area.. 

[nwmndeerhunter]

I have a 4 wheeler and lots of equipment. I am willing to do plenty of work. There is a large not farmed field near the woods i am planning the plot. Woods isn't very dense. Just looking for a small plot. also the spot i'm looking at is within 30 feet of a pond. Im thinking clover or maybe alfalfa. Would like recommendations on when to plant so its ready in the fall. Just something to give them a reason to come insight. They always hang around in the woods about 200 yards away on my neighbors land about which im not allowed to go on.

[beeker]

if it hasn't been planted in a while.. you'll need to till/cut/mow.... which ever you have equipment for.. and then spray it... then about 2weeks later.. spray it again.. or it's all for not.. then sow your seeds and drag it... I have done it ealry like end of may.. and I've done it 2nd week of august.. all have grown all have been eaten to some extent.  with the turnips I will reseed as the pot needs it.. adn just drag it lightly. and it seems to work. not sure if that would work with alfala.. personally.. I don't like clover.. they don't seem to like it by me

[nwmndeerhunter]

Thanks for the advice beeker. Just out of curiosity what part of minnesota are you from. I think i will try turnips and maybe put some different plants in it as well.

[beeker]

i hunt in mcgrath. best thing you can do is experiment.. never know what will set those deer off

[dakids]

We had really good luck with a mix of oats and rye grain.  Mow it, spray it, and throw the seeds.  We just buy the horse feed oats.  7.00 for a 50 pound bag and we get great germination.  Our mix never got over 4 inches tall.

[deadeye]

Food plots are great and may draw some deer in your area.  However, I think the real solution getting deer to hang around is cover.  What can you do to create some heavy bedding cover on your property?  This may take a few years and involve cutting mature trees to allow more brush cover.

[nwmndeerhunter]

There is lots of thick bedding areas. but most are deeper into the woods onto my neighbors land about 60 yards off of my land. There are trails and beds galore in the woods. they just have no reason to go insight of my stand because there isn't anything for them, hence the food plot.

[ray634]

For the first year you may want to do the oats/rye to get the ground opened up. Then next year you can work it again and establish a more permanent plot.
Alfalfa will last longer than clover if it is kept mowed on a regular basis. Also it helps to lightly drag it every couple years to reduce weeds and generate new growth.
Another thing you should look at is making a mineral lick. This not only draws the deer to your property but helps the health of the herd too.

[jkjkoda]

Start with a mineral station if water is close that's where they will head next put food plot in route to the. Water  both will help deer find your plot Oates mixed with chicory

My 2 cents

[deadeye]

Great idea, jkjkoda!  Spend some time checking on the best location to start a mineral lick.  Make sure the deer have a more natural travel route to the lick and that the lick is in a secluded protected area. Don't expect to hunt over the mineral lick, however, after it's established, there will be obvious trails to and from the area.

[jkjkoda]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHITETAIL DEER HOMEMADE MINERAL MIX RECIPE
Ingredients: Makes 200 lbs. for about $40.00

1 part Di-calcium phosphate, this is a dairy feed additive bought at feed stores.
Comes in 50lb Bags you need one bag.

2 parts Trace mineral salt, the red and loos kind without the medications.
Comes in 50lb Bags you need two bags.

1 part Stock salt, ice cream salt.
Comes in 50lb Bags you need one bag.


Directions:

-Use a 3 pound or similar size coffee can to use as your measure for each part of the mix.

-Mix all together well but not until read to use, keep ingredients separate until ready to put to use.

-Dig or tear up a circle in the soil about 36 inches wide and about 6 inches deep. 

-Mix your mineral mixture with the soil.

Maintenance:

-Replenish in 6 months with fresh supply of mineral, and then each year there after.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I use a mix like that, plus some "buck jam" for some instant sweat smell
The key is once done stay out!!! This is now a sanctuary put cameras around potential entry points
To watch for activity entry has to be very limited

good luck

 

[beeker]

sounds like something I need to try. thanks jkjkoda

[Cody Gruchow]

i just buy the trophy rocks, thats what i do personally and the deer love them. that will help draw them towards your stand.  i do some small kill plots in thicker areas that seem to work out well. i plan on widening them this year. anyone have any pointers for a new plot? on what to plant?