Millet is a fast-growing food source that reliably attracts migratory waterfowl, particularly ducks. This annual grass produces abundant seed heads that are highly palatable, making it a popular choice for managed duck impoundments. Planting millet allows landowners to strategically provide a concentrated food supply that aligns with fall migration patterns. Successful establishment and controlled flooding of a millet food plot enhances a property’s appeal to various duck species.
Choosing Millet Varieties and Preparing the Planting Site
The selection of the correct millet variety is the first step in establishing a successful waterfowl plot. Japanese Millet is the preferred choice for duck impoundments because of its superior tolerance to saturated and waterlogged soils, thriving even in shallow standing water once established. Browntop Millet, in contrast, is less flood-tolerant and is generally better suited for drier food plots or dove fields.
The ideal planting site is a low-lying area where water control is possible, such as a drained marsh or an impoundment with functional levees and drainage structures. Heavy clay soils are advantageous since they hold water well, which is necessary for later flooding and keeping the seedbed moist for germination. The planting window for millet generally falls between late spring and early summer, typically May through July, to ensure the crop reaches maturity before the fall migration season.
Before planting, the area should be cleared of existing, dense vegetation, as millet grows best without companion plants. A firm, clean seedbed is prepared by disking or tilling the soil lightly. This preparation is essential for minimizing weed competition and ensuring good seed-to-soil contact for uniform germination.
Seeding Methods and Density for Waterfowl Plots
Millet is typically planted using either the broadcasting or drilling method. Broadcasting involves scattering the seed over the prepared soil surface, which is the most common method for irregularly shaped duck plots. Drilling involves planting the seed in rows using specialized equipment, which allows for better control over depth and seed-to-soil contact.
Millet seeds require a very shallow planting depth; they should be placed no deeper than one-quarter to one-half inch, or simply scattered on the surface and lightly covered. Planting too deep will prevent the seeds from emerging, while planting too shallow risks the seeds drying out before they can germinate. After broadcasting the seed, rolling the area with a cultipacker is recommended to press the seed firmly into the soil, securing the necessary seed-to-soil contact.
The seeding rate for dense duck plots should be aggressive to maximize food production and suppress weed growth. A broadcast rate of 25 to 40 pounds of Japanese millet seed per acre is recommended for maximum coverage. This high density results in a thick stand that produces abundant seed heads, providing maximum food value for visiting waterfowl.
Maintenance and Strategic Flooding
Millet is a hardy annual grass with minimal maintenance requirements once it has established a stand. If soil tests indicate a deficiency, a balanced fertilizer may be applied early in the growth cycle, though fertilization is often unnecessary when planting on fertile mud flats. Weed control is primarily achieved by establishing a dense stand of millet, which naturally outcompetes unwanted plants.
Millet is ready for flooding when the seed heads have fully developed and the seeds have hardened, 60 to 90 days after planting. Planting must be timed so maturity aligns with the arrival of migratory waterfowl in the late fall. Flooding too early can cause the seed heads to drop or rot, making the food unavailable.
Strategic flooding is the final and most crucial step, making the mature millet crop accessible to ducks. The process should begin just before the peak waterfowl migration period in your region. Water levels should be raised slowly and maintained at a shallow depth, ideally between 6 and 18 inches, allowing ducks to easily forage the seeds.