Food plots are a convenient and efficient way for hunters to lure prey onto their property. But cultivating an effective plot isn’t easy. Clifton Feed & Service Center provides Bosque County residents with a range of home and farm necessities from gardening supplies to hunting accessories. Their knowledgeable staff offers a few tips on planting a productive food plot. 

5 Things to Consider When Planting a Food Plot

1. Choose a Tree Stand Location First 

Your plot can only work if there are tree stand locations nearby. Pick a stand location that gives you a good vantage point of the feeding plot and is within range of the animals. Also, choose a tree that provides cover so the deer won’t spot you. 

2. Consider Wind 

Although you can’t predict how the wind will blow every day, you can get a general sense of the wind patterns on your property. Choose an area you can approach from your home with the wind at your face. Wind at your back will waft your scent over the food plot, causing the deer to be wary or flee. Your tree stand should also be located upwind of the food plot.

3. Size & Shape Matter 

Creating the right size plot is crucial. If it’s too small, the crops may not survive to maturity. Too big and the deer may be out of range for a shot. One-half acre to two acres is ideal. The shape is also important. Most hunters prefer a long, thin plot. Popular forms are a rectangle, “L” shape, hourglass, crowfoot, or carrot-like, which is a triangle open on one side. 

4. Barricade It 

A protective barrier of trees will help the deer feel more secure. This is particularly important if the property is near a road or highway, where the sounds of traffic could deter animals. Also, consider incorporating bushes or tall grasses around the plot to make it look more like a natural part of the property, rather than a trap. Ask an associate at your local gardening supplies store what types of tall grass grow best in your climate. 

5. Diversify the Crops 

Different crops are in season at various times of the year. If you want to hunt on your plot year-round, you’ll have to expand the plantings. Summer crops may include sunflowers, soybeans, and cowpeas, while fall and winter crops may include wheat, kale, and turnips. Along with these, plant a perennial crop such as clover or alfalfa. 

If you’re a Bosque County, TX, resident, stop by Clifton Feed & Service for everything you need to plant the perfect plot. In addition to gardening supplies, they also carry pet food and supplies and a variety of home and outdoor products. Call (254) 675-3416 or visit the website to learn more.