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Planting forage for wildlife
is fast becoming a standard for serious hunting landowners.
I prepare and plant old fields, skid trails, log landings,
existing crop fields and create forest openings for forage
plantings. Over the years, I have experimented with
different plants and observed how wildlife uses the plantings. By
planting forage and cover that is appropriate for the site and
soil characteristics, I can attract more wildlife to your land.
Freshly planted old field
restoration project. This 6-acre field had very little use by
wildlife. After planting with forage and cover plants, it was used
daily by deer, turkeys, grouse, and other small game. Twenty five
deer could be seen feeding here on a summer evening and a large
flock of turkeys fed there daily. So many deer were attracted to
the field, it will have to be made larger to feed them all next
year!
My system of planting
perennial food plots as well as annual plantings where there is
enough open ground to allow it, will provide year around food and
cover for game. Intensive management of forage will attract more
deer and turkeys. Deer become bigger, grow the best antlers
possible and taste better too!
There are many "magic bean" companies selling
seed blends today. All of these products are good. However,
without proper preparation, planting and maintenance, these seeds
will not grow. Many dollars are wasted each year on failed
food plot plantings. My forage blends can be purchased locally and
I only plant what will grow on your site. Usually one or two
plants from expensive seed blends end up growing into a stand of
forage. Why waste money on the other plants that won't grow
on your site?
I have the equipment
necessary to do a proper planting job, whether a third acre log
landing, skid road or a 20-acre field. By carefully
analyzing your soil, the proper amount of fertilizer and lime are
applied to set up the best soil conditions for the chosen plants.
Sometimes, as in the above photo, a field must be rehabilitated by
deep plowing and applying large quantities of dairy manure and
lime.  I analyze the manure as well and supplement missing
nutrients with just the right amount of fertilizer. Soil tests are
done at the soils laboratory at every stage to be sure the proper
amounts of soil amendments are used. This is critical to
ensure success without spending too much on unnecessary fertilizers.
The cost of food plot
establishment varies with the situation. Perennial food plots that
are properly established will provide good forage for five or more
years with a little maintenance. Annual plantings will be
reestablished every year and can be placed on double rotation. (A
crop is planted for summer feed, and then replanted to provide
fresh forage through the fall and winter.) Cover crops of native
tall grasses are always incorporated into the plan. These grasses
have been replaced by crops and weeds brought in by European
settlers. I make an effort to restore the native grasses in forage
management plans as they provide critical habitat for so many
species of wildlife. Once established, native grasses take very
little maintenance. Call me for a no-obligation appointment
to look over your property and plan a forage and cover planting
system that is right for you. Special forage plants attract
deer, turkeys and non-game species. |
