Food Plot Info

[FFKEVIN]

Hey guys,

We are new to managing our hunting land. We have about 40 acres in Jackson County, that is 95% woods, that backs up to 2200 acres that mead paper owns. We would like to plant a couple or few food plots this spring. Can you guys tell us where to start? We know we need to get soil samples, but how do you do it and where do we send them? Also, what crops should we plant?

As I said before, we are new to all of this so any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Kevin :confused:

[bowhunter1023]

You need to start with a plan before anything happens. Answer a few questions like: What is the goal of the plot? If it is a hunting plot then when are you gonna hunt it? What direction will you approach for the wind conditions?

If it is a nutritional plot, what are you competing with? How big does it need to be based on your guesstimation of the deer density?

Are you going to plant for cover at any time?

What kind of equipment do you have access to?

Your choice of location, size, access routes, seed choice, etc. all determine the starting point in my book. But once you select them, take a few shovle fulls of soil a few inches below the surface and mix in a clean plastic bucket. Use plastic. Metal will leave traces in the soil and will affect the test. Be sure to send enough soil to adequately test. A quart Ziplock bag works great.

Your local CO-OP can give you the pH and subsequent lime and fertilizer recommendations for generics like clover, turnips, alfalfa, etc. Most seed companies will test specifically for their seed. Choose your seed based on the questions you answered earlier.

Good luck. Check out the QDMA forums for some excellent information.

[OhioHunter88]

Hey guys,

We are new to managing our hunting land. We have about 40 acres in Jackson County, that is 95% woods, that backs up to 2200 acres that mead paper owns. We would like to plant a couple or few food plots this spring. Can you guys tell us where to start? We know we need to get soil samples, but how do you do it and where do we send them? Also, what crops should we plant?

As I said before, we are new to all of this so any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Kevin :confused:
If your looking for a spring planting I'd say that clover and or alfalfa is your best bet, they will last clear up until early/mid bow season.. But if your looking for a good hunting plot, your going to have to do a late summer planting of something like oats or some of the many other options.. Jesse's advise is very good and the QDMA forums is a great place...

[FFKEVIN]

Thanks guys! I didn't know about the QDMA forums, that is a lot of info on there. I will definitely read through that site.

I think we want to do all of our paths in a clover mix and maybe do a few clearings in a brassicas and turnip mix. Does that sound reasonable???

Thanks again for the advice and help!

[So. Ohio Outfitters]

Hey guys,

We are new to managing our hunting land. We have about 40 acres in Jackson County, that is 95% woods, that backs up to 2200 acres that mead paper owns. We would like to plant a couple or few food plots this spring. Can you guys tell us where to start? We know we need to get soil samples, but how do you do it and where do we send them? Also, what crops should we plant?

As I said before, we are new to all of this so any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Kevin :confused:

You can pm me...where in jackson county are you?......I might be able to come out and take a look around and help you figure some stuff out....I have some good guys who plant for me also if need be.....

[Milo]

best advice I can start you with is you are not going to be able to compete with white acorns..no how no way. plant around the acorn falling time and plan accordingly. I thought we could get away with it and being slapped in the face that many times we finally learned. You may not have oaks, if mead backs up to you so you might be okay.

[FFKEVIN]

Milo - We are trying to figure out your advice... Are you saying if we have a lot of oak trees (which we do) that we should stay away from planting fall food plots and only plant spring/summer plots???

S. OH. Out - PM Sent

[FFKEVIN]

Milo - PM sent