The Food Plot Thought Process By Joe Nawrot
Apr 12, 2008 - 6:35:50 AM
Sitting in front of the blazing handcrafted fireplace my father had constructed some thirty years ago I thought to myself, in a pensive manner, deeply on some aspects.
Sipping the freshly brewed blend of bean roast coffee and my chewy soft chocolate chip cookies I gazed out the window over-looking about 32" of snow that pilled up from the 2008 winter months that Wisconsin experienced. The freezing cold temps and howling winds were enough to keep me inside without question, practicing on illusion turkey and deer calls, I to think about the upcoming season which was sure on the top of my mind as I knew alot of time and effort would go into the upcoming year.
Putting a pen to paper started the thoughts and process of how my plans for the year would follow and hopefully a great outcome with some hard work as the year prior with Food Plot preparation, stand placement, hunting locations, practicing good shooting form and other elements that go along with making something happen.
My list was long from the previous year with Food Plot Planting in different areas, hunting plots and feeding plots were established to ensure the pressure on deer in the areas being hunted were to a minimum. Failing to hold deer on or near your core hunting locations with pressure of food plot failure will result in lower deer numbers in most situations.
Creating Food Plots throughout the years I've been recently thrilled with one that stands by their word. When I first met Randy and Dale Platz of Advanced Whitetail Hunting (AWH) out of east-central Wisconsin. The two have been working hard for the outdoorsman, putting all they know into developing something that works with proven results.
Opening the first pail of AWH Perennial Platinum, which is a perennial legume mix that provides an abundant forage source throughout the entire season. High protein perennials combine to create a quality food source for deer, turkeys and other thriving wildlife in the area. I was really excited that this is premium, no grass mixture that could be planted either in the spring or fall even sandy soil, which was perfect for the location, I hunt in central Wisconsin which consist of just that! Sandy Soil!
Inert matter, what is it? Look on the label of any seed bag and the higher the inert matter the less Seed your getting for your dollar, not to mention high amounts of weed seed! Soil and location in different parts of the country vary so its best to know the type of soil and apply different applications of fertilizer and lime depending on your PH level. Do this by taking soil from several locations in the plot and mixing them and sending them into a lab for accurate results.
If at all possible plant Hunting Plots and hunt the inner area such as timber and avoid hunting directly over the food plot, as deer will pick up on this as you leave the stand time after time. Switching up your stand locations and hunting different areas is always the best bet, though most of us including myself are limited to the time and amount of land we can hunt.
Feeding plots are for larger tracts of land that allows you to plant an area allowing deer to feed without the pressure of being pushed to bordering properties. Avoid hunting these areas as they hold deer, and lots of them both in quantity but more importantly quality.
Share your experiences with others along the way by first and foremost finding an area that a food plot can be established. Take someone with you and have fun building a plot, remember you construct the plot the way YOU want it. Involving anyone makes the process much more enjoyable and pleasing since food plots require lots of time and effort a helping hand never hurts. You can share your adventures in many ways other than just planting food plots.
Spring time brings new growth and an abundance of wildlife will flourish throughout this time of year, speaking of growth- Shed antler hunting is always an excuse to hit the woods in search of bucks that lost their crown atop their heads. By walking and searching the woods with someone younger is always exciting to see them get excited when they come across a large shed as young Cole did in a AWH Food Plot in Wisconsin.
