Winter can be tough for deer. Natural food sources become scarce, and they need all the energy they can get to survive the cold. That’s where food plots come in – a little planning can make a big difference in helping your local deer population make it through the winter. I’ve been managing food plots on my property for years, and it’s rewarding to see the deer thrive even when the snow is flying. We’re going to look at some of the best options to keep those deer bellies full and healthy during the harshest months.
Here’s a quick look at some top picks for winter food plots for deer:
- Whitetail Institute Winter-Greens: Great all-around choice for cold climates.
- Tecomate Max-Attract: Good for attracting deer from a distance.
- Evolved Harvest Winter Wheat: Budget-friendly and easy to establish.
- Barenbrug Winter Rye: Excellent cold tolerance and soil improvement.
- Eagle Seed Big Fellow Blend: High protein option for maximum growth.
Top 5 Best Food Plot For Deer In The Winter
1. Whitetail Institute Winter-Greens
Winter-Greens is a popular blend specifically designed to provide highly attractive and nutritious forage during the late season. It’s a mix of brassicas, grains, and clover that are selected for their cold tolerance and palatability. This means deer will keep coming back for more even when everything else is frozen solid.
Pros:
- ✅ Very attractive to deer, even in harsh winter conditions.
- ✅ Cold-hardy blend designed to withstand freezing temperatures.
- ✅ Provides a good source of protein and energy for deer during the late season.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit pricey compared to single-species options.
- ❌ Requires good soil preparation for optimal germination.
- ❌ May not perform as well in extremely wet or poorly drained areas.
Verdict: A solid choice if you want a proven and reliable winter food plot that deer will consistently use. Worth the investment if you want to maximize late-season attraction.
2. Tecomate Max-Attract
Tecomate Max-Attract is another blend aimed at drawing deer in from long distances. It combines various brassicas and other forage crops known for their strong aroma and taste. It’s designed to be highly palatable and provide essential nutrients to support deer health during the winter.
Pros:
- ✅ Formulated to attract deer from a wide area.
- ✅ Contains a variety of palatable and nutritious forage options.
- ✅ Can help improve deer body condition and antler growth potential.
Cons:
- ❌ May require more fertilizer than some other options.
- ❌ Success can depend on local deer density and competition.
- ❌ Can be susceptible to overgrazing if the plot is too small.
Verdict: A good option if you are looking to bring deer in from surrounding areas. It’s best suited for larger plots where overgrazing is less of a concern.
3. Evolved Harvest Winter Wheat
Winter wheat is a classic and economical choice for a winter food plot. It’s easy to establish, relatively inexpensive, and provides a reliable source of forage for deer. Winter wheat is also known for its ability to scavenge nutrients and improve soil health.
Pros:
- ✅ Very affordable and readily available.
- ✅ Easy to plant and establish, even for beginners.
- ✅ Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
Cons:
- ❌ Lower in protein compared to some other options.
- ❌ Can become less palatable as it matures and gets stemmy.
- ❌ May require reseeding in areas with heavy grazing pressure.
Verdict: A budget-friendly and simple option that can provide a decent amount of forage for deer. Best for those who are new to food plots or are looking for a cost-effective solution.
4. Barenbrug Winter Rye
Winter rye is an excellent cover crop that also provides good forage for deer. It’s extremely cold-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions. Winter rye is also known for its ability to suppress weeds and improve soil structure.
Pros:
- ✅ Exceptional cold tolerance, even in extreme climates.
- ✅ Can improve soil health by adding organic matter.
- ✅ Relatively low maintenance and easy to grow.
Cons:
- ❌ Can become unpalatable if allowed to grow too tall.
- ❌ Not as attractive to deer as some other forage options.
- ❌ May require mowing to maintain palatability.
Verdict: A great choice if you need something that can handle harsh conditions and improve your soil at the same time. It works well as part of a mix or as a standalone cover crop that deer will browse.
5. Eagle Seed Big Fellow Blend
Eagle Seed Big Fellow Blend is a premium blend designed to provide high-protein forage for deer during the fall and winter. It includes a mix of brassicas, clovers, and other legumes that are highly attractive and nutritious. This blend is designed to maximize deer growth and antler development.
Pros:
- ✅ High protein content to support deer health and antler growth.
- ✅ Contains a diverse mix of palatable and attractive forage options.
- ✅ Can provide a long-lasting food source throughout the fall and winter.
Cons:
- ❌ More expensive than some other options.
- ❌ Requires careful soil preparation and management.
- ❌ May not be suitable for very small food plots.
Verdict: If you’re serious about providing the best possible nutrition for your deer herd, this is a top-tier option. It’s an investment, but the results can be worth it.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right winter food plot depends on a few key factors. Here’s what to consider:
- Climate: Select varieties known to thrive in your specific region. Some plants are much more cold-hardy than others.
- Soil Type: Test your soil and choose plants that are well-suited to its pH and nutrient levels. A soil test is cheap and really takes the guesswork out of choosing the right seeds and fertilizer.
- Deer Density: If you have a lot of deer, you’ll need a larger plot or a more resilient forage. Overgrazing can destroy a small plot quickly.
- Budget: Prices vary widely. Winter wheat is cheap and effective, while premium blends cost more but offer enhanced nutrition and attraction.
- Planting Time: Most winter food plots should be planted in late summer or early fall to allow them to establish before the first frost.
- Maintenance: Consider how much time you’re willing to spend on mowing, fertilizing, and weed control. Some options are more low-maintenance than others.
FAQs
Q: When is the best time to plant winter food plots?
A: Late summer to early fall is generally the best time. This gives the plants enough time to establish a good root system before winter sets in.
Q: How do I prepare the soil for a winter food plot?
A: Start with a soil test. Then, clear the area of weeds and debris, till the soil, and amend it with lime and fertilizer as needed based on your soil test results.
Q: What size should my winter food plot be?
A: It depends on your deer density and available land. A general rule of thumb is to aim for at least 1-2 acres per 20-30 deer.
Q: Can I mix different types of seeds in my winter food plot?
A: Yes, mixing different seeds can provide a more diverse and nutritious food source for deer. Blends like Whitetail Institute Winter-Greens are designed for this purpose.
Q: How do I protect my winter food plot from overgrazing?
A: Plant a larger plot, use exclusion cages around young plants, or consider rotating different areas each year to give them a chance to recover.
Conclusion
Creating a winter food plot for deer is a rewarding way to support your local wildlife. By choosing the right seeds, preparing your soil properly, and managing your plot effectively, you can provide a valuable food source that helps deer survive and thrive during the harsh winter months. It’s not just about hunting; it’s about conservation and stewardship. I’ve found it incredibly fulfilling to watch the deer benefit from my efforts year after year.
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