How to Use Food Plots to Attract Deer

Why Food Plots Work for Deer

Food plots offer a reliable, high-quality food source that deer can count on. In areas with inconsistent habitat or high pressure, planted plots:

• Improve nutrition for antler growth and herd health

• Increase daylight activity

• Create predictable travel routes

• Provide strategic stand or blind setups

The more consistent the food source, the more deer will incorporate the plot into their daily routine.

Types of Food Plots and Their Uses

1. Feeding Plots (Large Plots)

Designed to provide nutrition over long periods, feeding plots are often 1–5 acres or more. Their purpose is to hold deer on your property year-round.

Best for:

• Summer nutrition

• Winter energy

• Herd support

2. Hunting or Kill Plots (Small Plots)

Small, tucked-away openings—usually ¼–1 acre—that concentrate deer in bow or gun range.

Best for:

• October–November hunting

• Strategic stand setups

• Controlled shot opportunities

3. Travel Corridor Plots

Narrow strips planted along natural movement routes, typically 10–30 yards wide.

Best for:

• Funnels, pinch points, and ridge edges

• Encouraging daylight movement

Choosing the Right Seeds for Deer Food Plots

Your seed mix should match the season and nutritional needs of the herd.

Spring & Summer Plantings

Provide protein for body and antler growth.

• Soybeans

• Cowpeas

• Alfalfa

• Clover

• Lablab

Fall Plantings

Offer energy-rich forage for the rut and winter.

• Brassicas (turnips, radishes, rape)

• Cereal grains (wheat, oats, rye)

• Winter peas

• Fall clover mixes

Year-Round Blends

Combining annuals and perennials keeps deer on your property continuously.

Where to Place Food Plots for Maximum Attraction

Location is the most important factor in food plot success.

Look for These High-Value Areas:

• Natural openings or overgrown fields

• Edges of bedding cover

• Bottomlands with good soil

• Ridge tops connected to travel routes

• Hidden pockets shielded from roads and pressure

Key Placement Tips

• Avoid highly visible roadsides—deer prefer secluded locations.

• Place kill plots between bedding and larger feeding areas.

• Consider wind direction for future stand locations.

A good rule: Deer should feel safe feeding in daylight.

Soil Prep: The Foundation of a Productive Plot

Healthy soil produces healthy deer food.

Steps for Proper Soil Prep

1. Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient needs.

2. Adjust pH with lime—aim for 6.0–7.0 depending on species.

3. Add fertilizer based on seed requirements.

4. Clear debris and prepare a smooth seed bed.

5. Spray weeds before planting if needed.

Small details like seed depth, soil contact, and moisture timing make a big difference.

Proper Planting Techniques

Each seed type has specific needs, but general rules apply:

• Small seeds (clover, brassicas): Broadcast and lightly drag—do not bury deep.

• Large seeds (peas, soybeans, grains): Plant ½–1 inch deep.

• Plant before a rain whenever possible.

• Pack the soil to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

Planting at the wrong depth is one of the most common reasons plots fail.

Creating a Hunting Strategy Around Food Plots

Food plots don’t just attract deer—they help you plan predictable hunts.

1. Hang Stands Based on Wind

Position tree stands or blinds downwind of expected deer approach routes, not the plot itself.

2. Focus on Entry & Exit

You should be able to sneak in and out without bumping deer.
Use:

• Ditches

• Creek bottoms

• Edge cover

• Backdoor entry trails

3. Hunt the Edges, Not the Middle

Mature bucks often stage 20–80 yards inside the timber before entering a plot.

Set up:

• On staging areas

• Near scrapes

• On downwind edges

4. Time Your Hunts

• Early Season: Deer feed consistently—great time for evening sits.

• Pre-rut: Bucks scent-check plots downwind.

• Rut: Kill plots shine—bucks cruise midday.

• Late Season: Food becomes king—cold fronts are dynamite.

Supplemental Tools to Boost Food Plot Success

Water Holes

Adding a small water source near your plot increases deer use dramatically.

Mock Scrapes

Place scrapes on plot edges to pattern bucks in daylight.

Screening Cover

Plant tall screens (sorghum, Egyptian wheat) to hide deer from roads and reduce pressure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Planting without a soil test

• Choosing the wrong seed mix for conditions

• Planting too deep

• Ignoring wind when planning stand sites

• Overhunting food plots early

• Creating plots too close to human activity

• Not preparing for browsing pressure

A few well-managed plots beat several poorly designed ones every time.

Why Food Plots Are Worth the Effort

Food plots attract deer, but their value extends beyond hunting success. They:

• Improve herd nutrition

• Keep deer on your property

• Offer predictable movement patterns

• Create controlled bow or rifle setups

• Enhance habitat for all wildlife

Whether you’re a new landowner or a veteran manager, well-planned food plots are one of the most effective habitat improvements you can make.

FAQs: Food Plots for Deer

How big should a food plot be?

Feeding plots may be several acres; kill plots can be as small as ¼ acre.

How long before deer start using a plot?

Often within weeks of germination—sometimes sooner if other food sources are scarce.

Do you need perfect soil for a successful plot?

No—many species thrive in mediocre soil, but improvements always help.

Is clover a good option for beginners?

Yes—clover is hardy, attractive, and lasts multiple years with minimal maintenance.

Can I plant food plots in the woods?

Yes—if you open the canopy to allow at least 4–6 hours of sunlight.

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