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FeedSpring has me thinking of deer – and the food plots they love
This unseasonably warm weather has me thinking one thing: deer. But, how do you get the deer? How do you keep the deer? Many times, the answer lies in food plots. For those who are seasoned plot planters, it’s not an issue. But, for those considering planting food plots for the first time, the task can be daunting.
First of all, it doesn’t matter if you have 1 acre or 1,000. It’s about how you choose to utilize it, and knowing the importance of planning and mapping those plans out in order to achieve the desired end result.
About a year ago, I had the privilege of visiting the hunting grounds of in my opinion one of the coolest and down-to-earth guys in the hunting industry, and was given a private tour of the various food plots farmed by John and Adam Frank; videographers and longtime team members of Drury Outdoors. John gave me an in depth look into what it takes to not only plant food plots, but how to manage them in order to produce optimum results. Here are some tips from John Frank:
• Ask yourself what you want the purpose of your food plot to be.
• Determine the PH of your soil. (One of the most important, yet underestimated steps)
• Burn off dead undergrowth.
• Deciding what to plant should be determined by how it complements the natural food sources available to your deer.
• Always remember that a food plot should be considered as a supplement to the natural forage that is already available. It is not meant to be a primary food source, except in the winter months when little else is available.
• Don’t be afraid to contact an agricultural specialist. A little assistance can go a long way in ensuring that your food plot(s) is successful.
John and his brother Adam Frank have managed close to 2,500 acres in Iowa since 1996, and have recently started Frank Brother Land Solutions, which include land management services, and hunting set-ups. For info email them at Drurydeerdudes@hotmail.com
