Timing is crucial when it comes to planting food plots for deer. To maximize deer activity, nutritive value, and plot longevity, understanding the best times to plant certain crops and in relation to local and regional deer season calendars is essential.
Deer depend on high-protein, low-fiber foods for antler growth and milk production, and on high-carbohydrate foods for energy during fall hunting seasons. Therefore, planting a strategic mix of foods throughout the growing season can create attractive feeding areas that keep deer engaged year-round.
Spring Planting for Summer Nutrition
Spring is an ideal time to plant deer-friendly crops that will provide summertime nutrition, helping to fuel rapid fawn growth and support healthy antler development.
Focus on nutrients: Opt for high-protein, fast-growing legumes and brassicas that deer love, such as clovers, alfalfa, soybeans, and brassica blends (e.g., radish and turnip). These plants help maintain and even increase antler size, preparing bucks for the autumn rut.
Clover and Alfalfa
Cool-season clovers and warm-season alfalfa are perfect summer forages, as they grow rapidly and maintain high protein levels throughout the season. Plant them in early spring for warm-season regions (late-April to mid-May) and in late spring for cool-season regions (late-May to mid-June).
Blend clovers, such as crimson, aromatic, and red, with alfalfa to create diverse, attractive plots. Keep in mind that alfalfa takes 90-120 days to establish, but it can produce for up to three years, offering excellent long-term returns.
Soybeans and Brassicas
Plant soybeans in early to mid-spring (early-April to mid-May) for warm-season areas and mid- to late-spring (late-May to early-June) for cool-season regions. Soybeans are high in protein and provide excellent cover for fawns, attracting deer throughout the summer.
Brassica blends can be planted in spring after the danger of frost has passed. The fast-growing, high-protein plants encourage deer to visit and feed, preventing them from constantly destroying more desirable crops, like soybeans and clovers. Once brassicas bolt, they continue to provide bedding cover and continue to grow into autumn.
Late-Summer and Fall Planting for Hunting Seasons
Fall is another prime time to plant food plots, as it provides critical nutrition before and during hunting seasons, enticing deer to frequent your property.
Plant carbohydrates and proteins that will entice deer throughout fall and into late-winter, creating attractive hunting areas and helping deer meet their increased energy demands during the rut and winter stress.
Fall Cover Crops and Wheat
Plant cereal grains like winter wheat in late summer to early fall (July to September), depending on your region's climate. These plots support rapid fawn growth and provide valuable cover for hunting. Opt for high-protein varieties, such as wheat-rye mixtures or winter peas.
Consider planting cover crops, like high-protein clovers, chicory, or brassicas, as fall overseeding. These crops improve soil health, attract deer, and provide valuable late-season nutrition. Plant them in late fall (October to November) before the ground freezes.
Autumn-blooming Forage Brassicas
Autumn-blooming brassicas, such as annual ryegrass, forage radish, and brassica blends, can be planted in early to mid-fall (August to October) depending on your region's climate. These crops provide essential energy and protein from late fall into late winter, helping deer meet their nutritional demands during the rut and winter.
Their deep-rooting nature improves soil health by suppressing weeds, preventing erosion, and cycling nutrients. Plus, their hardiness and winter-kill resistance make them excellent choices for late-season feeding.
Consult local Extension Service agents and seed suppliers to determine the best crops for your specific soil types and climate, and fine-tune your planting strategy for maximizing deer activity on your land. Continuous observation, adaptation, and learning will create mature, nutrient-rich food plots that benefit both your deer herd and your hunting experience.