If you have a large area of land and are looking to set up food plots to attract wild deer, there are a couple steps you need to take to make it worth the effort. You might think that plotting is as simple as spreading seed and waiting, but it’s a little more complicated than that. For example, the experts say you should always have more than one plot, if possible, and each plot should be geared for a certain time of the year. Because deer wander to find their food, this will keep them on your property and allow them to eat year-round.
Below, an established gun and pawn shop in Olathe, KS shares information for how to set up your own food plot:
- Plant for all seasons: The goal of this game is to provide the deer with a regular buffet of high-energy foods that allow them to grow bigger and stronger. Simply planting for one season will mean they come to your property, eat all they can and wander off—effectively wasting your time, energy and money. By planting for spring, fall, summer and winter, you keep them attracted to your plots until it is time to harvest from the herd.
- Test the soil: One of the first steps you will need to take is testing the soil of your plots. If you are planning to plant certain crops, the pH levels will need to be right to accommodate them. Otherwise, you’ll be seeding ground that is hostile to the seeds and diminishes the plants they eventually grow into. Do-it-yourself (DIY) soil tests are available to tell you just how much you need to balance with lime.
- Till it up: After spreading lime, it’s time to till up the soil. Essentially you are mixing in the pH balanced soil to ensure that all of the plants within the plot grow big and strong. It isn’t enough to just spread lime and call it a day. Tilling is an essential part of mixing the soil, turning up the under-soil and making it a ripe plot for planting.
- Seed your plot: During this step, you are almost ready to sit back and wait for the deer. Seeding is one of the last steps, but it is also arguably the most important. Be sure to follow the instructions for each crop you plant. Certain plants require different soil depths, and skipping steps might mean you get weaker plants. Take the time to plant them right and you’ll get more attention from deer later.
- Maintenance: The thing about deer is that they are very destructive by themselves—and they are worse in a herd. To keep your plots healthy, considerer spraying them with liquid fertilizers to help them regenerate from the chomping and trampling they endure on a daily basis.
If you are looking for your next hunting rifle or the right ammunition for your firearm, then come on over to Harrison Street Pawn. As your go-to gun and pawn shop in Olathe, KS, our firearms experts are always ready to help you out!