Want to keep deer coming back to your property all year long? Then a well-planned food plot is crucial. Forget just planting something and hoping for the best. You need a strategy that provides consistent nutrition through every season. This means choosing the right mix of plants that mature at different times, offering a buffet of tasty and healthy food for the deer. Let’s explore some top food plot options that can attract and sustain deer herds year-round.
Product Overview / Quick Summary:
- Whitetail Institute Imperial Whitetail Clover: Long-lasting perennial clover blend known for high protein content.
- Evolved Harvest Throw & Grow: Easy-to-plant annual mix designed for quick establishment in various soil conditions.
- Barenbrug Bare-Inburger: Durable and palatable forage blend suitable for grazing and browsing.
- Tecomate Monster Mix: Combination of annuals and perennials providing both immediate and long-term food sources.
- Whitetail Institute Winter Greens: Specifically formulated for late-season attraction and cold tolerance.
Top 5 Best Food Plot For Deer Year Round
Whitetail Institute Imperial Whitetail Clover
Imperial Whitetail Clover is a top-tier perennial clover blend, famous for its longevity and high protein levels. It’s designed to attract and nourish deer for up to five years after planting, making it a solid long-term investment for your property. This clover is known for its exceptional palatability and ability to withstand grazing pressure.
Pros:
- ✅ Lasts up to 5 years, reducing replanting frequency.
- ✅ High protein content promotes antler growth and overall deer health.
- ✅ Highly palatable, attracting deer consistently.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires well-drained soil and a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0.
- ❌ Can be more expensive than annual options.
- ❌ Needs proper weed control to thrive.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a long-term, high-quality food source and are willing to invest in soil preparation and maintenance, Imperial Whitetail Clover is an excellent choice.
Evolved Harvest Throw & Grow
Evolved Harvest Throw & Grow is a super convenient annual mix that’s designed for easy planting, even in less-than-ideal conditions. This blend is perfect for those hard-to-reach spots or areas where you don’t have heavy equipment. It establishes quickly and provides a fast source of food for deer.
Pros:
- ✅ Easy to plant – requires minimal soil preparation.
- ✅ Quick germination and establishment.
- ✅ Works well in shaded areas and poor soil conditions.
Cons:
- ❌ Only lasts one season – needs replanting annually.
- ❌ May not provide as much biomass as other options.
- ❌ Can be susceptible to heavy grazing pressure due to its palatability.
Verdict: Throw & Grow is ideal for hunters who need a quick and easy food plot solution, especially in remote or challenging locations. It’s a great option for supplementing existing food sources.
Barenbrug Bare-Inburger
Barenbrug Bare-Inburger is a premium forage blend known for its durability and palatability. It’s designed to withstand heavy grazing and provide a consistent food source for deer throughout the year. This blend includes a mix of grasses and legumes that offer a balanced diet for deer.
Pros:
- ✅ Excellent grazing tolerance.
- ✅ High palatability, attracting deer and other wildlife.
- ✅ Provides a balanced diet with a mix of grasses and legumes.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires good soil drainage.
- ❌ May need periodic mowing to maintain optimal growth.
- ❌ Can be more expensive than some other forage blends.
Verdict: Bare-Inburger is a solid choice for landowners looking for a durable and palatable forage blend that can withstand heavy grazing pressure and provide a consistent food source.
Tecomate Monster Mix
Tecomate Monster Mix combines annuals and perennials to provide both immediate and long-term food sources for deer. This blend is designed to attract deer quickly with its palatable annuals while establishing a lasting food base with its perennial components. It’s a versatile option for creating a comprehensive food plot.
Pros:
- ✅ Offers both immediate and long-term food sources.
- ✅ Attracts deer quickly with palatable annuals.
- ✅ Provides a diverse food base with a mix of plants.
Cons:
- ❌ Requires careful planting and maintenance to ensure both annuals and perennials thrive.
- ❌ Can be more complex to manage than single-species plots.
- ❌ May require more initial investment due to the diverse seed mix.
Verdict: Monster Mix is a great choice for hunters who want a comprehensive food plot that provides both immediate attraction and long-term sustainability. It’s suitable for those willing to invest time and effort in managing a diverse planting.
Whitetail Institute Winter Greens
Whitetail Institute Winter Greens is specifically designed to attract deer during the late season when natural food sources are scarce. This blend is formulated to withstand cold temperatures and provide a highly palatable and nutritious food source during the winter months. It’s an excellent option for keeping deer on your property throughout the hunting season.
Pros:
- ✅ Specifically designed for late-season attraction.
- ✅ Cold-tolerant and provides food during winter months.
- ✅ Highly palatable and nutritious for deer.
Cons:
- ❌ Primarily a late-season food source – doesn’t provide year-round benefits.
- ❌ Requires planting in late summer or early fall.
- ❌ May not perform well in areas with mild winters.
Verdict: If you’re focused on attracting deer during the late season and need a cold-tolerant, highly palatable food source, Winter Greens is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for hunters who want to keep deer on their property throughout the winter.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right food plot for deer can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Think about what you want to achieve, how much time you can dedicate, and what your land is like. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
- Consider Your Goals: Are you looking for a quick fix or a long-term solution? Annuals provide fast attraction, while perennials offer sustained nutrition.
- Assess Your Soil: Different plants thrive in different soil types. Get a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels. This will help you choose plants that are well-suited to your land.
- Evaluate Sunlight: Most food plot plants need at least six hours of sunlight per day. Consider the amount of sunlight your plot receives when selecting your seed mix.
- Think About Maintenance: Some food plots require more maintenance than others. Perennials often need mowing and fertilization, while annuals need replanting each year.
- Consider Your Budget: Food plot seed can range in price. Factor in the cost of seed, fertilizer, and equipment when planning your food plot.
- Mix It Up: For a truly year-round plot, plant a combination of spring, summer, fall, and winter varieties. This will give the deer a consistent food supply, no matter the season.
- Don’t Forget Water: Make sure your plot has access to water, either through rainfall or irrigation.
When I first started with food plots, I made the mistake of not doing a soil test. My plants struggled, and I didn’t understand why. After testing the soil and amending it, my food plots thrived. Learn from my mistake and start with a soil test!
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to plant a food plot for deer?
A: Planting times vary depending on the type of seed. Spring planting is common for clovers and other perennials, while late summer or early fall is best for winter greens and brassicas.
Q: How do I prepare the soil for a 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 based on the soil test results.
Q: How much seed do I need per acre?
A: Seeding rates vary depending on the type of seed and the planting method. Always follow the recommendations on the seed package.
Q: How do I control weeds in my food plot?
A: Use a combination of pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides. Mowing can also help control weeds and promote growth of desirable plants.
Q: Can I mix different types of seeds in my food plot?
A: Yes, mixing different types of seeds can provide a more diverse and balanced food source for deer. Choose seeds that have similar planting requirements and growth habits.
Conclusion
Creating a year-round food plot for deer requires careful planning and consideration. Choose the right mix of plants, prepare your soil properly, and maintain your plot diligently. By doing so, you can attract and sustain deer on your property throughout the year, providing them with a healthy and consistent food source. With the right approach, you’ll not only benefit the deer but also enhance your hunting opportunities. It’s an investment in the land and the wildlife that call it home.
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