Planning Your Deer Food Plot
Planning Your Deer Food Plot
When February rolls around, I always feel a shift—it’s like the start of a new season for those of us who love the outdoors and deer hunting. The hustle of hunting season has settled down, and now, instead of watching deer from the stand, I start preparing for how I’ll draw them in next season. One thing is clear: February is the perfect time to start planning your food plot. While it’s still too early to plant, it’s the ideal time to get a game plan together. Trust me, when things warm up, life gets busy fast—between family, work, and outdoor chores, it can be hard to find time for anything else. If you take advantage of February to prepare, you’ll set yourself up for success.
Why February Is Perfect for Planning
With the foliage gone, you’ve got a clear view of the land. This time of year, you can easily spot well-traveled deer paths and trails—those natural highways deer use to navigate your property. Deer are creatures of habit, and their trails tell a story about how they move. Some paths will lead straight to your food plot, while others might skirt around it. Deer are cautious animals, and they often use trees and brush as cover while checking out food plots. Their nose is still their number one tool for staying alive and well, so they will still approach down wind and check the food plot. You can analyze the trails and figure out what direction they will approach and how you should hunt the wind. Planning your food plot and stand or blind locations, with these trails in mind is crucial for drawing them in safely and confidently.
By getting started now, you can avoid the rush that comes with spring and summer. Once the weather warms up, not only do our lives get busier, but so does the preparation process. If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to get your food plot ready in late April or May, you know how stressful it can be. February is the calm before the storm, and it’s the perfect time to get ahead.
Deciding What to Plant
One of the biggest decisions when planning a food plot is choosing what to plant. Will you go with annuals, perennials, or a mix of both? Each option has its pros and cons, so it really depends on your goals and the needs of your local deer herd. I like to plant a variety of things that will last from October to January.
Annuals like corn, soybeans, or brassicas (such as turnips or radishes) grow quickly and provide a lot of food in a single season. They’re great if you’re looking to create a big draw for deer in the fall. However, they require replanting each year, so they can be more labor-intensive.
If your hunting property is a way away, you might consider incorporating some perennial food plots. This way, if life happens, and you are unable to get out to your property, you still have food attracting and feeding the deer. Perennials like clover, alfalfa, or chicory offer a longer-lasting food source. Once established, they can last for several years with proper maintenance. These are ideal if you want to create a reliable, food source that will attract deer throughout the year. If you do not have clover, right now is a good time to frost seed a clover stand.
A mixture of annuals and perennials is often the best of both worlds. For example, planting a blend of clover and brassicas can provide both an immediate draw and long-term benefits. Deer will hit the brassicas hard in the fall and winter, while the clover will bounce back in the spring.
Take some time in February to think about what works best for your land, your equipment, and your schedule. Consider the timing of when deer will use the food plot most. For instance, if you’re focused on hunting season, annuals like soybeans might be your go-to. If you’re thinking year-round nutrition, a perennial like clover might make more sense.
Checking Your Equipment
Before you even think about planting, it’s a good idea to take stock of your equipment. Evaluate what you have, what you need, and whether anything needs repairs or upgrades. Can you mow? Do you have a working tractor, disc, or no-till drill? Is your seed spreader in good shape?
Take inventory of your equipment and give everything a once-over. Check for worn-out parts, replace anything broken, and think about whether there’s room for improvement. For example, if you’ve been using a basic broadcast spreader but struggled with uneven seed coverage last year, it might be time to invest in a better model. Or, if you’ve been working with hand tools and a lot of sweat equity, maybe this is the year to save up for a small ATV with attachments to make the process easier.
Don’t wait until the last minute to order parts or equipment. Delays happen, and you don’t want to be stuck waiting on a replacement part when it’s time to plant.
Shopping for Seed
February is also a great time to start looking for seed. Not only do you have plenty of time to research the best options for your food plot, but you might also find some great deals from the previous year. Some suppliers offer early-season discounts or sales, and if you buy now, you’ll avoid the risk of your preferred seed being out of stock later., but if you buy leftover seed, the germination might not be as high as the new seed.
When choosing your seed, think about the deer’s needs at different times of the year. For instance, a mix of clover and brassicas can provide high-protein forage in the spring and summer, as well as energy-rich food in the fall and winter. Additionally, consider the soil type and climate of your area. Some seeds perform better in sandy soils, while others thrive in heavier clay. Matching your seed choice to your land’s characteristics is critical for success.
Testing and Improving Your Soil
One of the most important steps in creating a successful food plot is getting your soil right. Without healthy soil, even the best seed won’t perform well. This is where soil testing comes in. By taking a soil sample and sending it off for analysis, you’ll get a detailed report on your soil’s pH and nutrient levels.
Considering Crop Rotation
If you’ve been planting the same thing in your food plot year after year, it might be time to think about crop rotation. Just like in farming, rotating crops in your food plot can help prevent nutrient depletion and reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Rotating your food plot crops also keeps things fresh for the deer. Over time, deer can become less interested in a food source they’ve had year after year. By mixing things up, you keep them curious and coming back for more.
Mapping Out Your Food Plot
Now that you’ve got a plan for what to plant, it’s time to think about where and how to plant it. Use February’s bare landscape to your advantage. Walk your property and take note of deer trails, bedding areas, and natural funnels. These features can help you decide where to place your food plot for maximum impact.
If you already have a food plot, think about whether it needs to be expanded, relocated, or divided into sections. For instance, you might want to create separate areas for annuals and perennials or add a screen of tall grasses or brush to give deer a sense of security as they approach the plot.
Wrapping It Up
By taking the time to plan your food plot in February, you’re setting yourself up for a successful growing season and, ultimately, a productive hunting season. From choosing the right seeds and testing your soil to checking your equipment and mapping out your plot, the work you do now will save you time, money, and headaches later. Plus, there’s something satisfying about knowing you’ve got a solid plan in place before the chaos of spring hits. February might be cold and quiet, but it’s the perfect time to lay the groundwork for a season to remember.
by Aaron McKinney
February 2025
