Planting wheat for doves is a wildlife management practice designed to concentrate birds in a desired area before or during the migratory season. Wheat is a highly preferred food source because its small seed size is easily consumed and it produces a high volume of food per acre. Success relies heavily on timing the wheat’s maturity and seed availability to coincide with the birds’ arrival or local hunting season. Achieving this requires careful consideration of the wheat variety and the regional planting schedule.
Selecting the Right Wheat Variety
The choice between winter and spring wheat determines the planting schedule and the ultimate time of seed drop. Winter wheat is the favored option for dove plots; it is planted in the fall, establishes a root system through the cold months, and matures earlier the following summer. This variety offers the earliest seed head availability, crucial for attracting doves before the September season opens.
Spring wheat is planted in the spring and matures later, typically in August. This option may be necessary in northern regions where extreme cold makes fall-planted wheat vulnerable, or if the initial planting window was missed. For a food plot, the primary concern is the plant’s ability to produce a dense, high-yielding seed head rather than focusing on grain quality for human consumption. Many varieties of red wheat are suitable.
Optimal Planting Windows by Region
The correct planting time is dictated by the agricultural window for successful growth and the target date for seed maturity in late summer. In the Southern United States, the standard practice is to plant winter wheat in the fall, generally between late September and November. This timing allows the plant to develop a strong root system before winter dormancy. The crop matures and drops its seed in the early summer of the following year, often in July or early August, ideal for pre-season manipulation.
For the Northern United States, where winters are harsher, growers utilize spring wheat, planting it in early spring, usually March or April. This strategy ensures the plant avoids severe winter damage and matures during the late summer months. The goal is for the wheat to be fully mature, dry, and ready for manipulation by late July or early August, ensuring a reliable food source before the dove season begins. Focusing on soil temperature and moisture conditions, rather than a rigid calendar date, often yields better establishment.
Soil Preparation and Seeding Method
Proper seedbed preparation is necessary to ensure a dense stand of wheat that maximizes seed yield. The soil should be tested to determine its pH level (ideally 5.5 or above) and to check for nutrient deficiencies. Light tillage is usually sufficient to create a smooth, firm seedbed, which is important for good seed-to-soil contact. Fertilizer should be applied according to soil test recommendations, ensuring adequate phosphorus and potassium for plant health.
The seeding rate for broadcasting small grains is typically higher than for drilling, ranging from 90 to 200 pounds of seed per acre. When using a grain drill, a lower rate of 80 to 150 pounds per acre is common. The seed should be covered with approximately one to one and a half inches of soil for optimal germination. Broadcasting followed by light disking or dragging helps cover the seed effectively and ensures a successful, uniform stand.
Manipulating the Crop for Dove Attraction
Doves are ground feeders and cannot easily access seeds still attached to standing stalks, making manipulation of the mature crop a required step. Once the wheat has fully matured and the seeds are dry, typically in July or August, the crop must be knocked down to scatter the grain onto the ground. Common methods include mowing, light disking, burning, or rolling the field.
The most effective strategy is to manipulate the field in staggered strips or sections over a period of time. Starting the process a few weeks before the season opener and continuing to manipulate new sections every week or two provides a consistent, fresh supply of seed. This staggered approach ensures a food source throughout the season and helps build a stable population of doves. The manipulation also serves to expose bare ground, which doves prefer for feeding and landing.