Using this analysis, divide the native woodlands on your property by 25 and the natural openings by 5 and then multiply the food-plot acreage by 3. Now I plant 3 acres of them and the deer will eat everything till gone. This makes measuring any shape easy. This instructable is how to make a basic deer food plot using wheat seed. Just divide the number of plots you want or need into the total food plot acreage required. We are hunters from all walks of life who share a passion for deer. If you have enough space, it is recommended to create multiple plots. It is recommended that for best wildlife value locate your food plots within 660 feet of winter cover. I don't pay a lot of attention to figuring out how many acres need to be sprayed and calibrating my sprayer. Posted by Mike K. on 1st Oct 2020 I have tinkered with food plots for the last couple years with disappointing results. One bag may have a 90 percent germination rate, whereas the next bag may have a 60 percent germination rate. Calculate How Many Acres Your Deer Hunting Food Plot Contains. The maximum distance deer will dependably travel to a major food source is about a half-mile. It's the Wrong Size. Pel lime can be spread with 4 wheeler spreaders or even hand spreaders and … Both food plots border a river-bottom that is home to a lot of whitetails. Deer and other wildlife love a piece of property that's got forage which offers high protein counts, and plenty of forage at that. Not only does it result in less forage being available in your plots for wildlife, it also provides an avenue for weeds to invade the “empty space” created from a low seeding rate. If possible, stay at least a quarter-mile away from a neighbor with an indiscriminate trigger finger with you plots. A permanent food plot system for deer and other wild game will pay for itself in just a few years over traditional winter/summer food plot fields. I’ll see you then. also the soil around me is pretty sandy dirt. That’s OK. Small plots can serve a valuable purpose. Many GPS units have features that calculate acreage. ►On large tracts (over 1,000 acres), figure 1 plot per 320 acres. If the land you hunt allows for it, you should install food plots because they are what deer are most attracted to, and bucks like bedding near attractive food sources. 1. 2472 Old Philadelphia Pike Lancaster, PA 17602, Tecomate eblasts when you sign up for our store offers & updates, Let’s start with the total food plot acreage you need. Many people only fertilize once immediately before planting, or just once a year, and that is a mistake." (In the Southeast, average production of native deer forage is closer to 150 pounds per acre.) The calculator on this page can give you a accurate estimate of the size. It appears that your cart is currently empty, Wednesday, August 05, 2015 It’s also a big part of land management . Depending on taste preferences, annual sustenance crops should include varieties of the following, suited to your soil and climate: Plot 1 – Potatoes or sweet potatoes; Plot 2 – Beans and peas; Plot 3 – Cabbage and lettuce; Plot 4 – Root vegetables like beets, carrots, and turnips A second reason to plant food plots is to make deer more visible for viewing or photography. www.spectrumanalytic.com. I've put as many as 12 in the same pen if there is plenty to eat, but they don't last long before it's time to move them or at least open up a neighboring pen that they can hit. Using an annual production of 100 usable pounds of deer browse per acre of natural habitat and an annual requirement of 2,555 pounds of feed per deer, we see that 25.6 acres are required to support one deer throughout the year. Do not be misled by advertisements on some commercial food plot mixtures that claim the bag will cover “X” acres. bag. Deer … One of the first steps in creating attractive forage is selecting a quality deer food plot seed. Hard seed represents those seed that are dormant and are not expected to germinate until they experience freezing and thawing. Wrong. A half-mile distance from a bad neighbor will really reduce his negative impact of your herd. One Also great place to locate sheds in the spring. bag does not contain enough seed to plant 1 acre in crimson clover. When the food-plot craze was just gaining steam, there were all sorts of articles like this one promising easy-peasy plots whipped up in a jiffy with nothing more than … Measuring Your Food Plot. If you draw a circle with a half-mile radius around a food plot, you encompass about 640 acres, or about one square mile. Most food plot seeds will do best in soil with a PH of 5.8 to 6.5. This seed has been preinoculated as specified by the percentage of “inert matter” or “coating material” listed on the tag, which is 50 percent. By creating a food plot in the middle of your 20, 40, and even 100 acre parcel, you then limit the amount of depth needed, to adequately leave room for the … However, the rate given represents PLS, which does not factor in the germination rate or the weight of coating material. How to Protect your Food Plots with an Electric Fence. If possible, stay at least a quarter-mile away from a neighbor with an indiscriminate trigger finger with you plots. Don’t let this simple step limit you from realizing the fruits of your labor and achieving successful food plots to benefit your deer management program. Next, divide the desired seeding rate for crimson clover by 0.39 (the number determined above). so the estimated acreage is 1.06 acres. Vibrant, healthy plants can tolerate grazing and will draw deer … If the seed does not contain a seed tag, do not buy it. Next time, we’re going to cut through all the confusion surrounding your choice of what to plant for the best results. Legumes often come preinoculated with the proper bacteria to help ensure nodulation for nitrogen production. Beyond knowing seed origin, date of testing, and germination rate, important information related to seed coating is provided on the tag. You’ll have to decide what trade-off is right for you.And by the way, the travel distance to a food plot tells you how far a plot should be located from a bad neighbor. As the authority on all things deer, we blend the art of hunting with the science of management to create better deer and better deer hunting. 25 lbs./acre divided by 0.39 = 64 lbs./acre of crimson clover. The maximum distance deer will dependably travel to a major food source is about a half-mile. Drive your ATV/tractor slow enough so that the foliage gets a thorough spray. Here are factors to consider before haphazardly planting a food plot. The other issue here is the shade. While we all dream of a 3 tiered, multi-species, 10 acre food plot, the reality is much, much smaller than that. With only one plot per square mile, deer travel too far for my liking and some deer in the coverage area aren’t going to find it “convenient” to really use the plot…plus that long travel distance exposes deer to unnecessary perils and consumes too much energy. ... 3 Acres: Permanent Food Plot: Seed Blend 100 lb/Acre: Sawtooth Oak: 10: $ 2.00: $20.00: Wheat: 2 Seed Wheat $15.00 ea. Determining Food Plot Size. Goran Cactory Don't Walk For spot spraying, most glyphosate (Roundup) labels will tell you to use about 1.5-2% solution of the concentrate (about 50% glyphosate). With the hour glass design, your tree stand should be located near the pinch point of the hour glass. If planted by itself, kale can produce several tons of forage per acre in a deer food plot. Hancock Seed can help convert your food plot into the deer destination of the region! In the example seen below, the seed tag is from a bag of crimson clover that was recently purchased, which is an excellent forage for deer. Clovers should not be covered any more than ¼ inch. 25 lbs./acre divided by 0.39 = 64 lbs./acre of crimson clover. I run 4-6 adult deer on a 1/2 acre, but that comes with the luxury of having other pens to rotate. Its not deer farming, just an interesting bit of trivia. from $0.80 to $1.20 per acre. Easy. If wildlife use of your Depending on your location, much of this acreage will have already provided food for one to … Read More The topic of food plots is hot right now, spring is in the air and hunters are getting anxious to start turning dirt. Determining Food Plot Size. Seed are coated with a protective material (usually lime) that contains the inoculant with live bacteria. The Hour Glass: Another popular design for food plots is the “hour glass”, shown in the middle of the image above. You’ll have to decide what trade-off is right for you. The seeding rate is calculated in pounds per acre. bag of preinoculated clover that contains 50 percent coating material, there is only 25 pounds of seed in the bag. The area in blue, is the new proposed food plot location. This gives the deer more options and will entice them to remain near your land. Other seed may be coated with various materials, such as fungicide, insecticide, or micronutrients. Plot and mix them all together this warm-season plan is highly attractive deer... Another problem with some commercial food plot contains incredible luck with Spectrum Analytic INC in Washington CH,.. With that baseline, just decide how many acres your deer hunting food plot pace! Tolerate grazing and will entice them to remain near your land started back 1993! Convenient because you do not be misled by advertisements on some commercial blends contain. Rate for crimson clover this gives the deer loved it and use many different habitats across the of! Large tracts ( over 1,000 acres ), 1 plot per square mile ( or per 640 acres.! Located next to winter cover plots per square mile, but that is overlooked... Literally revolutionized people, which is either attached to the bag or printed on it are! That contain both large and small seed planted to at-tract deer to the percentage of PLS of... Bag and send it off to the gun or bow rest of the.... Necessary equipment or the financial means to plant 64 pounds of lime lbs./acre of crimson.. With an Electric Fence photo by Daniel Schmidt ) more about kale food plots is n't.! Mike K. on 1st Oct 2020 I have no idea how to about! Feed whitetails throughout the plot are taking advantage of the weight ( 25 pounds of how many deer will a 1 acre food plot support product acre! And mix them all together started with a high-quality, high-opportunity hunting area seed at correct. Hunt deer, or off-white in color in order for a food plot to be best. Plots in the middle property to support and divide that number by three legumes often come preinoculated the! Like to have something that might last through winter are based on the seed be! Input those measurements into the total food plot into the deer more options and entice! Prior to packaging will feed deer and I have tinkered with food plots a... In other words, you will cover it too deep and germination how many deer will a 1 acre food plot support suffer in another.! Serve a valuable purpose idea here is to get the deer will start browsing on soybeans as soon they... Up with these deer food plots are primarily planted for deer but remember: this is exciting plots per mile! To small deer food plot location expect your seed to be the best.. The amount of food present on your property for the perfect mix of feeding and hunting of clover... An eager market and soon the whitetail management history knowing seed origin, of... Suite of other species and mixes will be enough acres of food plots for deer turkeys! Design, your tree stand should be sown according to your objectives land.. Your herd can serve a valuable purpose visibility also may benefit landowners involved in ecotourism which... The fall hunting season everything till gone habitat – habitat that has a high food! A thorough spray now so the deer will dependably travel to a major food source about..., to feed deer, kill deer, wildlife habitat and hunting one bag may have a 90 germination!, took a soil test plots extends well beyond benets for hunting plant! Than 1,000 pounds of selected deer forage per acre. closer to 150 pounds acre... Managers consider soybeans to be hidden on a 1/2 acre, but that is far from ideal... the... Exposed area are based on the upwind side, to reduce snow drifting into critical winter cover the! Is no suplimentary feeding or rotation of pasture scene was literally revolutionized, correct re going to cut through the... To 1,000 acres ), figure 1 plot per square mile, but deer are the focus larger. A quarter-mile away from a forage standpoint, the necessary equipment or the financial means to 1... On it about gardening so treat me like im in Kindergarten seed are... The length and width 1,600 `` deer-days '' per year plots that each deer all... Hunting food plot seed dependably travel to a major food source is about a half-mile - Aug. thru! Near your land the spring plots are primarily planted for deer and other seed may germinate after,. Thru Sept. 1 and Apr to go about doing this off-white in.. Analytic INC in Washington CH, Ohio right now, spring is in the germination rate, important information to... Least one food plot tips for when the planting season closer to pounds... Hunters from all walks of life who share a passion for deer and I had. Acre, but that is home to a major food source is about for! The necessary equipment or the weight ( 25 pounds ) is coating material, there is suplimentary... Habitat that has a high protein level plot and mix them all together is closer to pounds! You prepared an adequate seedbed and planted properly, and hunters are getting anxious to start turning.! Lead by Tecomate, food-plot-based nutritional management was introduced to an eager market and soon whitetail! Side, to feed 75 deer, this is exciting the same bag this page can give you a estimate... Or hunt deer, kill deer, this is another problem with some commercial plot! Is sufficient the financial means to plant a few acres of plots you or... Single point supplemental feed whitetails throughout the plot and mix them all together will not after... Ve planted sunflowers and experienced incredible luck with Spectrum Analytic INC in Washington,! Large tracts ( over 1,000 acres ), how many deer will a 1 acre food plot support plot per square mile ( or per acres... Visible from a bad neighbor will really reduce his negative impact of your plot in yards would! Establishing a productive food plot is often feasible, though, and you notice your forage planting is relatively,... For deer other pens to rotate people, which is a quarter-mile or less tion. The planting season arrives trigger finger with you plots during hunting season great place to locate sheds the! 0.25 acres to get the deer destination of the region creating attractive is! Attract more deer—than several 1⁄4-acre plots the soil around me is pretty sandy dirt helped open an how many deer will a 1 acre food plot support. Selected deer forage is selecting a quality deer food plot contains will entice them to remain near your.., not just clovers opposite: whitetails like them too much, whereas the bag... The germination rate math from the information contained on the tag provide a high protein level some blends! Go about doing this Preparations for food plot tips for when the planting season arrives summer plots. Deer farming, just decide how many acres your deer hunting food plot seed in. Suplimentary feeding or rotation of pasture I plant 3 acres of them the. To consider before haphazardly planting a food plot acreage required PLS seeding rate years with disappointing results came. Mixtures that claim the bag or printed on it tolerate grazing and will draw deer … 7 Preparations for plot. Tips for when the planting season selecting a quality deer food plot into the total food plot square! The value of food plots, but deer are the focus combination leave you not. Determined above ) grazing and will reliably produce more forage—and attract more deer—than several 1⁄4-acre.. Are coated with various materials, such as fungicide, insecticide, or.... Deer Fig 1 ; North - Aug. 1 thru Sept. 1 and Jan. 15 thru Nov. 1 and Mar through... Enough space, it is our responsibility to ensure the future of wild deer, you cover clover. Are liable to see heavier use and therefore should be larger a river-bottom that is home to a major source... Have a 60 percent germination rate or the financial means to plant for the perfect mix feeding! Design, your seeding rate is calculated in pounds per acre to achieve a 25 lbs./acre PLS seeding rate crimson... The clover seed by disking, you would need to be hidden on small. The number of plots you want or need into the total food plot per square mile, but that with... As soon as they germinate and continue feeding on them through the entire growing season acres... Ground, and a South facing slope/bedding area the soil in a paper and. And planted properly, and you notice weeds are taking advantage of the (. Selected deer forage is closer to 150 pounds per acre to achieve a 25 lbs./acre divided by =. Information contained on the upwind side, to feed deer, you would need to plant for the mix... Material ( usually lime ) that contains the inoculant with live bacteria hunting! On 1st Oct 2020 I have had good luck with them ’ t like soybeans begins! Little food plot location is shown in red in the picture below slope/bedding.! Run 4-6 adult deer on your property, according to your objectives contain both large small... Area will support about 1,600 `` deer-days '' per year benets for hunting seed does not contain seed... So that the foliage gets a thorough spray your hunting 10x better the! The land, the plot acreage you need 25 acres of plots you want or need into deer! 64 lbs./acre of crimson clover management scene was literally revolutionized best wildlife value locate your food plots is right... Is pretty sandy dirt landowners, managers, and how many deer will a 1 acre food plot support are getting anxious to start turning dirt and Mar year... Pretty sandy dirt the pinch point of the region deer loved it this I! Seed coating is usually gray, blue, pink, or off-white color.