The strategic planting of food plots in the spring is a foundational practice in wildlife management, directly influencing the nutritional health of a deer herd throughout the year. Planting strategies must be tailored to the specific regional climate and the physiological demands of the deer population. Establishing a robust, high-quality forage base early ensures deer have access to the necessary nutrients for growth and reproduction.
Understanding Spring Nutritional Needs
The spring and early summer period is the most nutritionally demanding time for a deer herd. Bucks initiate the rapid growth of antlers, which are composed primarily of protein and mineral ash when in velvet. Does are either in late gestation or beginning intensive lactation to support newborn fawns. Maximum growth and milk production require a diet containing 16% to 20% crude protein, significantly higher than the 6% to 10% needed for winter maintenance. Supplemental planting is necessary because natural forage often lacks this concentrated protein level, especially in areas with poor soil quality.
Early Spring Annuals for Immediate Forage
Cool-season annuals are planted as soon as the soil is workable, providing a burst of high-quality forage before summer heat arrives. Cereal grains like oats and wheat are suitable for early planting because they tolerate cooler soil temperatures. These grains offer high palatability and provide a quick source of carbohydrates and protein during the transition from winter browse. Planting should occur after the danger of hard frost has passed, typically from mid-March to late May, depending on the region. Forage-specific varieties should be selected over grain varieties to maximize leaf production and nutritional value.
Seeds are typically broadcast or drilled at a shallow depth of about one inch to ensure proper germination and establishment. Early brassicas, such as spring-planted turnips or radishes, can also be included to offer highly digestible, protein-rich leaves that are immediately attractive to deer.
Late Spring Annuals for Summer Production
Late spring planting focuses on warm-season annuals that are heat-tolerant and provide sustained nutrition through the summer months. These crops are planted after the last expected frost when soil temperatures consistently reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Legumes, such as forage soybeans and cowpeas, are cornerstones of this strategy due to their exceptional protein content. Soybeans can contain nearly 30% crude protein, making them an excellent source for antler growth and fawn development. Forage varieties are bred to produce more leaves and remain palatable longer than traditional grain soybeans.
Cowpeas thrive in warmer conditions and are more drought-resistant than many other legumes, also providing a highly attractive, protein-rich forage. Both soybeans and cowpeas require careful management, as their high palatability can lead to severe over-browsing, particularly in small plots with high deer density. Planting a larger acreage or using temporary fencing can help the young plants reach a size that can better withstand browsing pressure. Complementary warm-season options include high-energy crops like grain sorghum or sunflowers.
Preparing the Plot for Success
Achieving a successful spring food plot begins with foundational soil preparation. The first step is collecting a soil sample to determine the current pH level and nutrient deficiencies. Soil testing provides the necessary data to make precise amendments, ensuring that lime and fertilizer are applied efficiently. Most food plot species prefer a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0; if the test reveals acidic soil, agricultural lime must be applied to raise the pH. Lime should be applied several weeks before planting to allow time for it to react with the soil.
Based on the soil test results, the appropriate fertilizer blend, such as a balanced 10-10-10 or a low-nitrogen blend for legumes, should be broadcast just before planting. Weed control is also crucial, as competition from unwanted vegetation is a leading cause of food plot failure. A non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate should be applied one to two weeks before tilling to kill all existing growth and create a clean seedbed. The final step is to prepare the seedbed by tilling or disking the ground to a depth of four to six inches, creating a loose surface for optimal seed-to-soil contact.