Although it hasn’t felt like it in recent weeks, fall will be here before we know it. Many landowners and recreationists like to plant food plots for wildlife in the fall. I’d like to share some thoughts on cool-season food plots, specifically for white-tailed deer. Many of these are from Dr. Craig Harper’s book “A Guide to Successful Wildlife Food Plots.”
Since deer need nutrition throughout the winter and early spring when little forage may be available, planting a variety of cool-season forages that peak in production at different times will be a good idea. Keep in mind that some forages germinate and grow very quickly, while others are slower to establish but provide considerable nutrition once they do.
For example, an annual mixture of crimson clover, arrowleaf clover, Austrian winter peas, and wheat or oats will attract deer as well as any mix available, and will last over a wide range of dates. The crimson clover will germinate quickly and produce quality forage early in the season, while the arrowleaf clover will last several weeks later then the crimson, extending the grazing season into the early summer months.
If you prefer a perennial plot that does not have to be replanted each year, avoid the temptation to plant perennial cool-season grasses such as tall fescue and orchardgrass. White-tailed deer do not prefer them, and other wildlife such as bobwhite quail can’t use them because it severely limits their mobility. Instead, look at perennial legumes such as red clover or ladino white clover.
Weed control will be critical as cool-season food plots are vulnerable to a number of weeds. Preemergence herbicides are worth looking into, but establishing fast growing annuals such as wheat or oats can also provide competition to suppress weeds.
Selective post emergent herbicides can be used to control undesirable grasses and broadleaf weeds in food plots. If you prefer not to use herbicides, mowing before weeds go to seed can set them back and promote increased forage growth.
Finally, it is a good idea to monitor the success of your plot by using exclusion cages. These cages, usually about 4 feet in diameter and 5 or 6 feet tall, can be made of chicken wire or livestock panels. This will allow you to see what your plot would have looked like with no deer pressure. If there is lush growing forage inside the cage and bare dirt around the outside of it, then you have a deer population problem.
Food plots won’t replace habitat management as the best means of managing wildlife, but they are a tool that can be used to increase the wildlife carrying capacity in an area.
If you want more recommendations on food plots and other methods of improving the wildlife habitat on your property, I hope you will make plans to join us at our August 7 Lunch and Learn at the Smith County Chamber of Commerce. Michael McCord, TWRA Wildlife Habitat Biologist will be on hand to discuss “Managing Your Property for Wildlife.”
Lunch will be available for only $5, but you must RSVP by calling UT Extension at 617-735-2900 by Monday, August 5 so we will have plenty of food. We hope to see you there!
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