Whitetails 365

Whitetails 365

Should you Plant a Spring Food Plot

By Aaron McKinney

Planting spring food plots can be a key factor in setting deer hunters up for success in the fall and winter. A lot of times, hunters focus solely on fall food plots. If you’ve lived in Iowa long, you know our August and Septembers can be dry, which can cause food plot failure. By planting a variety of crops and strategically managing food plot resources, hunters can create a habitat that attracts deer and provides the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development. Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a novice, planting spring food plots can be a fun and rewarding way to improve your chances of success in the field. So, if you’re looking to improve your hunting game and attract more deer to your property, consider planting a spring food plot.

What to Plant Now
We’ve all been there, waiting for corn to be picked, so the deer will have less habitat, and flock to the bare field for a few weeks. Why not plant you own corn or standing grain food plot?

Corn
Corn is a popular choice for deer food plots due to its stellar attractive value and palatability to deer. According to the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA), corn is one of the most commonly used crops in deer food plots, with over 1.5 million acres planted each year in the United States. One of the reasons why corn is a good choice for deer food plots is its high carbohydrate content. Deer need carbohydrates for energy, and corn provides a readily available source.

There is no doubt, deer are attracted to the taste and smell of corn, and will often prefer it over other food sources. This makes it an effective way to draw deer to a specific area and keep them coming back. While it may not be the best choice for all situations, it can be an effective way to attract and support deer populations in areas where natural food sources are limited.

Soybeans
Soybeans are becoming an increasingly popular choice for deer food plots due to their high protein content, appeal to deer, and the benefits they provide to the soil. According to various studies and research, soybeans have become one of the most sought-after deer food plot crops in the United States. Unlike corn, the growth stages will determine attractiveness to deer. One of the reasons why soybeans are a good choice for deer food plots is their high protein content. Soybeans are one of the few crops that contain more than 30% protein, which is a crucial nutrient for deer, especially during the summer and fall months. During the antler-growing season, bucks require a high amount of protein to grow healthy antlers, and soybeans can help meet this nutritional need.

According to research conducted by the University of Tennessee, soybean fields had the highest use rate by deer during the hunting season compared to other crops commonly used in deer food plots.

Sorghum
Sorghum is a great choice for deer food plots due to its high tolerance for drought and its ability to grow in a variety of soil types. Sorghum contains a higher percentage of protein than many other common food plot crops. It also has a high sugar content, which makes it attractive to deer and other wildlife. In addition to its nutritional value, sorghum can also provide cover for deer and other wildlife. Sorghum grows tall and dense, which can provide hiding places for deer and other animals, as well as shelter from the elements. This is one of the best food plot varieties to attracting gamebirds along with deer.

Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a high-quality forage crop and you can bet it will attract both deer and game birds from spring to late fall. Alfalfa has high levels of crude protein and essential nutrients. Additionally, alfalfa has a high digestibility rate, which means that deer can easily break down and absorb the nutrients from the plant. This makes it an ideal food source for deer, as they are able to get the most out of each bite they take. Alfalfa is also a great source of energy, as it’s high in carbohydrates and sugars that provide deer with the energy, they need to maintain their body weight and stay active. Alfalfa is a perennial crop, which means that it will continue to grow and provide food for deer year after year, without the need for replanting. This can save hunters time, as they won’t have to continually replant their food plots each year.

Planning for Winter
Deer mortality during the winter months happens a little every year during our harsh winters. According to statistics, the survival rate of deer during the winter can vary depending on several factors, including population density, habitat quality, and the severity of winter weather conditions. When deer populations are high, the competition for food and shelter can be intense, which can lead to higher winter death rates. According to a study conducted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, deer winter survival rates in high-density areas can range from 30% to 70%. In contrast, areas with lower deer populations may have survival rates closer to 90%. Last winter, we had a few days with windchills close to -40. During those conditions, deer and wildlife need energy to survive.

By planting corn, soybeans, and sorghum now, you can help provide a standing grain for winter months. Standing grain in food plots are some of the best places to find deer in the winter months in Iowa. According to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), standing grain can make up a significant portion of a deer’s winter diet, with up to 80% of their diet consisting of agricultural crops. The Iowa DNR concluded, corn and soybeans are two of the most preferred crops for winter foraging by deer due to their high energy content. Standing grain can provide deer with up to 20% of their daily protein needs during the winter. This is particularly important for bucks to maintain a decent body condition coming out of winter and into spring. These crops provide deer with the calories they need to maintain their body weight and energy levels during the harsh winter months. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conducted a study and determined, winter survival rates for deer can range from 70% to 90% during mild winters, but can drop to as low as 30% during severe winters. For this reason, plan now on some spring grains to increase your attractiveness to deer and wildlife from spring through late winter.