How to Use Food Plots to Attract and Hunt Big Deer: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you’ve got 10 acres or 100, food plots can make a huge difference in drawing and holding deer on your property. Even if you’re working with a smaller piece of land, strategically placed and well-managed food plots can enhance your hunting experience, increase deer activity, and lead to more opportunities for success.
Here’s a detailed guide based on proven techniques shared by experienced hunters, perfect for those looking to maximize their land’s potential.
Why Food Plots Work on Any Size Property
A Food Source is a Game Changer: Deer need food to thrive, especially in areas with limited natural forage or agricultural crops. By planting food plots, you create a reliable food source, which encourages deer to frequent your land.
Deer-Friendly Environment: Even a half-acre food plot can turn a marginal property into a haven for deer. With proper planning, you can hold does on your property and attract cruising bucks during the rut.
Planning Your Food Plot
1. Start With Bedding Areas:
The first step is to locate where deer bed on or near your property. Bedding areas are the foundation for determining where to place food plots.
2. Identify Travel Corridors:
Look for natural pathways deer use to travel between bedding and feeding areas. Placing food plots along these routes increases the likelihood of daytime movement. If there is a food source off your land, try to put your plot between the bedding area on your land and that food source.
3. Choose Your Food Plot Type:
Kill Plots: Small plots (less than 2 acres) positioned between bedding and larger food sources. Ideal for archery hunters.
Feeding Plots: Larger plots (2+ acres) that can sustain deer herds through multiple seasons. These work best in the middle of larger properties.
4. Plan for the Wind:
Deer rely heavily on their sense of smell. Always consider prevailing winds when deciding where to hunt or how to approach your plots.
Establishing the Plot
1. Clear the Area:
Use existing open spaces like old fields or forest clearings to minimize effort. Clear vegetation and level the ground as needed. Pro tip: you can use what you clear to shape deer travel by creating “walls of brush.”
2. Soil Preparation is Key:
Don’t skip the soil test! Adding lime and fertilizer based on your soil’s needs ensures your plants will thrive. This is one of the most common mistakes new food plotters make.
3. Choose the Right Seed Mix:
For smaller plots, consider hardy, low-maintenance options like clover or turnips. For larger plots, soybeans and corn are excellent choices—but only if the plot is large enough to prevent over-browsing.
Maximizing Success
1. Manage Pressure:
Avoid overhunting your food plots. If you pressure deer too much, they’ll shift their movement patterns or avoid the area altogether.
2. Funnel Deer Movement:
Use natural barriers or brush to guide deer into the most huntable areas of your food plot. This technique also prevents them from approaching downwind of your stand.
3. Monitor Activity:
Trail cameras are invaluable for understanding deer movement. Use them to determine peak activity times and adjust your hunting strategy accordingly.
Budget Breakdown for Food Plots
Here’s what you can expect for a 1-acre plot:
Seed: $150–$200
Fertilizer and Lime: $200–$400
Equipment (tractor, tiller, cultipacker): Owned or rented (~$100–$200 per day if renting)
Diesel or Gasoline: ~$50
Total: Approximately $500–$850 for a 1-acre food plot.
Small Land? No Problem!
You don’t need 100 acres to make food plots work. On smaller properties, focus on creating one or two well-placed kill plots close to bedding areas. You may not grow 150-inch bucks every season, but you’ll see more consistent deer activity and have a blast in the process.
Final Thoughts
Food plots are one of the most rewarding ways to improve your land for hunting. With careful planning, you can create an environment that attracts deer and provides excellent hunting opportunities. So, whether you’re managing 10 acres or 100, now’s the time to grab your tractor, pick your seed, and get to work.
