How to Plant Deer Food Plots That Really Attract Deer

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For hunters who thrive where the mud’s deep, the air’s cold, and success is earned—never given.

If you’re new to deer hunting or want to attract more deer to your property, creating a deer food plot is one of the smartest strategies you can use. Deer food plots provide high-quality nutrition, encourage deer to spend more time on your land, and give hunters better opportunities during the season.

Even if this is your first time, this guide will walk you step by step through choosing the right location, picking the best seeds, preparing soil, planting, maintaining your plot, and monitoring deer activity.

Step 1: Choosing the Best Location for Your Deer Food Plot

Location is everything when planting a deer food plot. Deer are cautious, so pick a spot that is safe, accessible, and visible to wildlife.

Key factors to consider:

• Sunlight: Choose a spot with 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

• Drainage: Avoid areas that flood or stay soggy.

• Proximity to cover: Deer prefer feeding near edges of woods, brush, or bedding areas.

• Deer travel paths: Plots along trails or near bedding areas increase deer visits.

Pro Tip: Even a small food plot near key deer areas can attract more deer than a large, isolated plot

Step 2: Picking the Best Seeds to Attract Deer

Choosing the right seeds is crucial. Some crops are more attractive to deer and survive seasonal changes better.

Beginner-Friendly Seed Options:

• Clover: Nutrient-rich and hardy; great for spring, summer, and fall.

• Chicory: Deep-rooted, drought-resistant, highly attractive to deer.

• Winter Wheat or Oats: Ideal for fall and early winter feeding.

• Brassicas (turnips, radishes, rape): Excellent for late-season forage.

Pro Tip: Planting a mix of clover and brassicas ensures your plot feeds deer all year. Rotating crops each season keeps deer interest high.

Step 3: Preparing Soil for a Thriving Deer Food Plot

Healthy soil is the foundation of a successful deer food plot.

Steps to Prepare Soil:

1. Soil Test: Check pH (ideal 6.0–7.0) and nutrient levels.

2. Tilling: Loosen soil for good seed-to-soil contact and strong root growth.

3. Fertilizing/Liming: Follow soil test recommendations to adjust pH and nutrients.

Pro Tip: Spending time on soil preparation upfront results in a more productive and nutritious plot.

Step 4: Planting and Maintaining Your Deer Food Plot

Once soil is ready, it’s time to plant seeds and take care of your plot.

Planting Tips:

• Sow seeds evenly: Hand-seed for small plots; broadcast spreader for large plots.

• Cover lightly: Rake or roll seeds for good contact without burying them too deep.

• Weed Control: Keep invasive weeds down so deer feed on your crops.

• Edge Management: Trim tall vegetation around the plot to make deer feel safe.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips:

• Water during dry periods to ensure healthy seedling growth.

• Re-seed bare spots in spring or fall.

• Monitor wildlife pressure; deer can strip a plot quickly!

Step 5: Monitoring Deer Activity and Adjusting Your Plot

Patience is key. Deer won’t appear overnight, but with consistent care, you’ll start seeing them more often.

Monitoring Tips:

• Trail Cameras: Observe deer movement and feeding patterns.

• Observation: Watch from a distance to avoid spooking deer.

• Adjust Planting Strategy: Note what works and what doesn’t; deer preferences vary by region and season.

Patience is key. Deer won’t appear overnight, but with consistent care, you’ll start seeing them more often.

Monitoring Tips:

• Trail Cameras: Observe deer movement and feeding patterns.

• Observation: Watch from a distance to avoid spooking deer.

• Adjust Planting Strategy: Note what works and what doesn’t; deer preferences vary by region and season.