Post by SamPAtrapper on Sept 2, 2008 16:02:23 GMT -5
Forestry and wildlife really is a big interest to me and is what I plan to persue in the future. I just thought I would start a list of good points to consider/have when constructing a good food plot for all game. Also feel free to add any tips or tricks you all have.
;D
- When thinking about a shape for your plot try to stay away from plain square or rectangular plots. Create bends, breaks, and blind spots...just to give the wildlife a more secure feeling.
- By planting forage that matures at different stages...ex: early season, mid season, and late season, you will be able to attract the game for a longer time frame and also appeal to more than one species.
- Plant a variety of types and sizes of forage. Plant taller native grasses, sorghum, and sunflowers to attract birds and gamebirds to your plot. Turkeys are naturally calm in a food plot if deer are present, so try planting forage that appeals to both deer and turkey ex: alfalfa, clover, beans, corn, etc.
- If your looking for another good way to make wildlife feel comforatable on the plot consider planting buffers, making brush piles, or constructing any breaks that turn the large plot into a bunch of smaller plots. Evergreens are good for creating buffers as the provide shelter for smaller game like rabbits, doves, and pheasant. But are also tall enough to give whitetail a feeling of security.
- By planting a taller plant like Corn around the outside of the plot you give the wildlife another added comfort of feeling secure on the plot. It creates what I would call a forage buffer. The corn provides a forage but also a break between woods/plot.
- Dont be afraid to expirement....try different forages that you think might work and see how they do. I have always thought about mixing up a food plot that contains things like corn, beans, pumpkins, and sunflowers. It is just fun to think of things you know deer, bear, turkey or any game would eat and mixing your own. And remember try to get forage that mature at different times. That way you will be sure to have a AWESOME plot!
;D