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| Why it is advantageous to plant food plots.Photo by Bill Kinney Photography |
Great question! We were hoping you'd ask, because a food plot has many, many advantages. They are also a lot simpler than you'd think, plus they can be a ton of fun!
To start out we'll give you some insight on why you would want a food plot. Food plots are made specifically for attracting wildlife such as deer, turkeys, and pheasants. They are advantageous to the hunter, because they can be planted in accordance with his hunting plans and can be utilized to attract animals, as well as create an awesome hunting spot.
The idea behind a food plot is that your crop will be more favorable to the animals than other food sources. If this is the case then the animals will come to that area to feed, continue to return to that area, and ultimately stay there. For hunters this can turn into a paradise. Not only can you build your food plot around a hunting area, but also create one. Food plots should be planted in a strategic location such as along the woods edge, or by a popular ravine or bedding area. They create something of a safe haven for the animals and will be very popular with the critters.
Food plots can also help you to play the wind. If you found the perfect spot for a hunting stand or blind the food plots can be placed upwind of you, or strategically so that the animals are forced to come at you from a certain direction or an area of site disadvantage.
Furthermore a food plot can provide a hunting environment for the hunter. If tall plots are planted they can be used to sneak unseen in and out of the area without the animals realizing you are there. They can also provide cover for a blind and the impatient, can't sit still, type of hunter.
Food plots are also invaluable to the environment. They are a food source for a variety of animals, but also provide a home environment for birds such as pheasant and quail where they can eat, produce, and thrive. Pheasants are particular to alfalfa and milo, making it perfect for providing cover. This is especially important in the winter months so that they have a sheltered area for them to hunker down in.
One really advantageous food plot we had was on the far south corner of our property along the fence line. It was very small, only about 30 by 60 yards, but it was placed right where the deer crossed the fence onto our property. It wasn't a hang out for the deer or anything, but caused them to pause just long enough to get a good shot from the stand we had set up directly over it.
Food plots truly are useful tools for the obsessed hunter, or even just someone who loves the wildlife and environment. The only disadvantage to be found is that they are addictivly fun and you may get a little carried away! Besides that they are a great way to rationalize buying cool equipment and having to go out and "use" it. The only problem I had was that my children made fun of me because I thought tool was spelled t-o-y...