help on food plot

[ohiobigbuck]

when is the best time to start a food plot and how large do you guys plant. I have about 32 acres but its all split up between woods and open ground. the front 2 fields and planted in corn and beans, but the back field we have in crp its about 10 acres secluded from the road right now its loaded with trails and bedding. looking to plant just along the wood line about 12 foot or so wide by 200 yards or so long.any suggestions on which food to plant for maximum grow and when to plant it. thanks for any help-

[Monroe]

Since you already have corn and beans - you really don't need a food plot. why not plant some trees, or let it grow up nice and thick - the deer will then stage there waiting to hit the corn/beans. I am just imagining these huge crop fields out front and you are trying to plant a little area - 7200 ft^2 - which is less than 1/4 acre. Not much too work with - that is why I said let it grow up thick and nasty...

[ohiobigbuck]

i didnt know if the food plot minerals would help with bigger bucks or there mass

[Monroe]

Protein is the key contributor to antler size. The beans have pretty high protein level - not sure what the bean plants have - but i am sure it is high. You would be lucky to hit 15% digestible protein in food plot mix. The best thing that these plots can do for deer antlers is to provide a nice food source for them to fatten up on before winter - thus less stress, and bigger antlers next year. Since you already have the corn and beans, you are close to being there. I vote for a thicket, you will be happy!

[Patriot1]

maybe consider planting some kind of clover mix. It can be fairly cheap, and could give them something untill the beans and corn are mature