Well it is that time of the year and hunters across the land
are busy planting their annual food plots. I think it is worth noting that food
plots used during the hunting season do little to promote antler development
(in most areas, the antlers are fully formed by hunting season). It is
important to remember that deer and other wildlife need nutrition year round.
That means for big racks, you should provide plenty of protein, minerals and
other supplements year round. Antler growth in deer is phenomenal. In fact deer
antlers can grow up to ½ inch per day. Of course the amount of antler growth
depends upon nutrition, genetics and age. Some biologist suggest that deer can consume up to 6 pounds
of food each day.
Food plots are extremely useful during hunting season. With
a shooting house or box stand, you can sit out of the weather and view deer and
turkey. During turkey season, the gobblers will often enter the field and put
on a real show as they strut around. For deer it is a great place to
concentrate the herd and during the rut you might even see something worth
shooting!
Now…what to plant? Many of the ‘feed and seed’ stores can help
you make a selection. Also, a great resource is the Department of Natural
Resources and Conservation Service. You can even take in boxes with soil
samples and they can help with fertilizer and lime recommendations. Following
is a link to a planting chart.
Get those food plots planted and get outside and enjoy the
great outdoors!
For information on buying or selling LAND, contact G. Kent
Morris, RF, ALC
at (706) 457-0090
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