How to Plant a Small 'Remote' Food Plot
Planting a food Source for Hunting Wihitetail Deer
Jul 20, 2009
Planting a 'secret spot ' type of food plot can increase a hunter's success rate for harvesting a Whitetail Deer. Food plots offer deer a feeding area rich in the nutrients that are vital to the growth and development of fawns, antlers, and the overall heath of a deer. Deer rely on prime food sources each and every year and will visit them frequently. There are many types of food plot seeds available on the market, and many require only basic tools like a rake and a hoe, with little ground preparation.
Plot Location
Secret Spot food plots are designed to be planted in remote areas, hidden from view. These plots within the woods can create a feeding area that feels safe and inviting. Old log roads, field edges and draws all work well for planting a small plot. Finding a key area that is near a bedding area or along a daytime travel route is important. Try to make the plot accessible to the deer without traveling a distance. Planting a plot in a draw a hundred yards or so from a fields edge is a good example. The deer traveling to the field through the draw will arrive first at the plot and feed for a while, giving the hunter an opportunity. As well, deer will feed at this same spot during the day without having to expose themselves to danger within the field.
Planting a Plot
Once the hardest task of selecting a spot has been done, the work begins. If you purchase a simple plot mix like, Biologic 'Hot Spot ' than the preparation is relatively easy. All that will be needed is a garden rake, a hoe , a bag of 10 - 10 - 10 fertilizer and the seed. Make sure that the area that is to be planted gets at least 6 hours of sunlight and is good moist soil. Avoid areas that are too dry. Typically the seed coverage for a 5 lb. bag is 20 yards by 20 yards. Rake the leaves and vegetation from the area exposing the bare soil. Try to remove all the stick and stones from the area. Treat the spot as though it is a garden. Rake the soil good to loosen the top layer, and broadcast the fertilizer. Lightly drag the rake upside down to mix in the fertilizer. Once the fertilizer is in cover the area with the seed. Try to plant the plot prior to a rain to mix the seed in and start the germination. Growth should begin within a week in good soil.
Small food plots are a great way to get out into a favorite hunting area and hunt. Many hunters know these areas well, from the routes to the zones. Adding a plot is a simple and economical way to increase success.
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