As spring emerges, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts turn their attention to the preparation of their hunting grounds. Among the essential tasks is the establishment of spring food plots, strategically designed to provide nutrition, attract game, and enhance the overall health of the habitat. Let’s explore some popular spring food plot options to elevate your hunting experience this year.
Clover and Chicory with Oats Cover Crop:
Clover and Chicory are perennial favorites among hunters for their palatability and nutritional value. These legumes provide year-round forage and are particularly resilient in springtime. Planting them alongside a cover crop like oats offers several benefits. Oats provide quick ground cover, suppressing weeds and preventing soil erosion while the clover and chicory establish themselves. Additionally, oats act as a nurse crop, providing shade and protection to the emerging legumes. The result is a lush, diverse food plot that attracts deer and other wildlife throughout the year. A mix of clover species is preferred here. Planting Annual and Perennial clover together will provide a suitable stand of clover in year one, and the perennial clover will shine in the following years. Make sure to research what clovers can work best in your region and soil type. There are clovers that can withstand a little water, so if your plots tend to be on the wet side, pay attention to that. An example mix that should hold up to most situations includes Crimson Clover, Ladino Clover, Alsike Clover, Chicory, and Oats.
Soybeans:
Soybeans are another excellent option for spring food plots, assuming you have the acreage for them, prized for their high protein content and attractiveness to deer. These legumes thrive in warm weather, making them ideal for spring planting. Soybeans offer a nutritious forage option that promotes antler growth and overall herd health. Additionally, soybeans contribute to soil health by fixing nitrogen, enriching the soil for subsequent plantings. Planting soybeans in spring ensures a bountiful food source for deer during the critical growing season. Since Soybeans are preferred summer forage for deer, it’s important that land managers have adequate space to withstand browse pressure. In areas where deer numbers are high, a forage soybean may be preferred over a traditional agricultural soybean. Apply what will work best for your area.
Buckwheat for Soil Health:
While often overlooked as a food plot option, buckwheat deserves consideration for its soil-building properties. Buckwheat grows quickly in spring, producing abundant biomass and a profusion of small white flowers that attract pollinators. As a cover crop, buckwheat shades the soil, suppresses weeds, and improves soil structure. Moreover, buckwheat’s extensive root system breaks up compacted soil and scavenges nutrients, making them available for subsequent plantings. Incorporating buckwheat into your spring food plot rotation promotes soil health and enhances the overall productivity of your hunting grounds. It’s a great plant option to use for throw and mow plots later in the fall if tillage isn’t desired or an option.
Spring food plots offer an invaluable opportunity to enhance your hunting grounds and attract game throughout the season. Whether you opt for clover, chicory, soybeans, or buckwheat, each option provides unique benefits for soil health and wildlife nutrition. By carefully selecting and cultivating spring food plots, hunters can create thriving ecosystems that support healthy deer populations and enrich their hunting experiences.