Buck forage oats are a specialized cool-season annual crop developed specifically as a highly palatable and nutritious forage for white-tailed deer. This variety of Avena sativa is a popular choice for fall and winter food plots. Unlike common spring oats, this variety possesses enhanced winter hardiness and a “staygreen” characteristic, maintaining tender foliage longer into the cold season. Its high nutritional value, often featuring crude protein levels around 15–18%, provides a dense energy source important for deer during colder months.
Site Preparation and Optimal Planting Window
Achieving maximum yield requires establishing a fertile, weed-free environment in a location that receives full sunlight. Site preparation involves suppressing existing vegetation, often using a nonselective herbicide, to eliminate competition for nutrients and moisture. This step is performed while waiting for the results of a soil test, which is foundational for planting success.
The soil test determines the required amounts of lime and fertilizer. Buck forage oats thrive best in a pH range of 5.8 to 6.5, and lime should be applied to reach this optimal level. Deficiencies in phosphorus and potassium must be corrected before planting to ensure proper nutrition for rapid root and shoot development.
The optimal planting window is late summer to early fall, typically 30 to 45 days before the first expected hard frost. Planting too late prevents sufficient growth, significantly reducing available forage. Planting in early August often maximizes tonnage because the shortening day length triggers the plant to grow leafy forage rather than focusing on seed production.
Detailed Seeding Techniques and Rates
Creating a firm, clean seedbed is the final preparation step. A typical seeding rate for buck forage oats is between 90 and 120 pounds per acre. This rate should be kept high for maximum biomass under heavy grazing pressure, but can be adjusted lower if planting in a mixture with other forages.
Two primary methods are used: drilling and broadcasting. Drilling is the preferred method, especially in no-till situations, as it ensures precise seed placement. The seed should be placed consistently into moisture at a depth of 0.5 to 1 inch.
When broadcasting, the seed is scattered across the prepared surface, requiring a slightly higher seeding rate to compensate for variable placement. After scattering, the seed must be incorporated into the soil using a light drag, harrow, or cultipacker. This firm seed-to-soil contact is essential for successful germination and prevents the seed from drying out or being consumed by birds.
Ensuring Forage Success After Planting
Adequate moisture is required after planting to trigger germination and support growth. Young plants benefit significantly from a nitrogen top dressing to maximize leaf production and biomass. Since nitrogen is quickly utilized for protein and leaf growth, applying it in a split application is often the best practice.
The initial top dressing should be applied once the plants are established, typically four to six weeks after planting. Applying 40 to 80 pounds of nitrogen per acre at this stage ensures high crude protein content. A second application can be considered later in the season to maintain forage quality and support regrowth after heavy browsing.
Forage utilization should be delayed until the plants reach a height of 6 to 8 inches. Waiting ensures the root systems are well-established, preventing the plants from being uprooted during grazing. Buck forage oats continue to grow well into late fall and early winter until temperatures consistently drop below 27 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit, causing growth to cease.