Food Plots in woods?

[Doug990]

Hey anyone out there with information on food plots for deer? I'm starting from scratch so any advice would be greatly appreciated. So much great advice and stories here. My wife refers to this as (my tractor **** site) Thanks Doug990 /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[gsganzer]

I don't know about the shaded woods, but if you have any clearings then a few rows of corn and some pumpkins/gourds do well. Both are easy to plant and easy to grow.

 

[RonR]

Just don't be plantin' none of that whacky tabacco!

Ron

 

[fishman]

Doug990,

I've planted some fall foodplots in my woods here in Texas with good success. I see you have a boxblade, so you should be good to go.

What I did: I shortened my toplink as much as possible and dropped my boxblade rippers all the way down. This allowed me to tear up the soil very easily, two or three passes did fine. If you have large tree roots, you won't want to hang them. Obviously, a disk would be better, but I'm talking about using what you have. I planted oats, as well as one of the commercial food plot mixes last year. After broadcasting, I ran the boxblade over one more time to settle the seed, but I dont' know that this was mandatory.

I wasn't all that impressed with the mix, but it did come up. The oats worked great (much like rye or wheat would do) and the deer ate it big time. Best of all with the oats, I had around a half acre of food plot and the cost was way less than $10.

Now I'm not saying this is the best way, as I am no expert, but it worked well for me. Combined my daughter and I harvested three deer last year.

 

[Doug990]

GS, Ron and Fishman, thanks for the info and there's no tobacco in my world. Doug990

 

[woodlot]

Doug, you may want to consider a soil test on that ground. The county extension can help you get that done. In our area of the state we can get some pretty acidic soil conditions so you may need to lime in order to have a healthy plot. Clover needs about 6.3pH. Also there is a company just north of Eau Claire that mixes food plot blends, Sorry I can't remember the name but I have seen a link to their web-site right here at TBN. I think AAA in spooner sells the mixes too. They may be able to help you choose a good mix, or the local co-op. Good Luck.

 

[woodlot]

Doug, I found it:

Megabuck

 

[Laminarman]

I say go simple. Above ideas certainly work. The importance of lime cannot be overstated. I'd scratch out a spot, lime and fertilize it and plant some mix that will grow well in your area. Brassicas are easier than clover. Sorghum is cheap and it draws turkeys. I used the Biologic Full Draw and it really built up the soil on my plot, which hadn't been farmed in twenty years. It's clover, brassica, wheat, some oaty things.. Good luck. It is GREAT watching wildlife hammer your food plots.

 

[MMM]

50/50 chickory/white clover mix works well for me. Both are perennials and present plots are 4 yrs old. I'll be reseeding mix with 75% clover this year as the chickory outlives clover and tolerates light discing due to deep root. Except for light cutting and light fertilizing in late spring, it's fairly maintainence free.

 

[Doug990]

Thanks again for all the info. You folks are great. Doug /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif