Food Plots Designed for Big Bucks

Written by Ryan Reading, Fall Obsession Field Staff

In this article we will share some of the optimal food plot ideas and layouts that help hold big bucks.

During our journey over the last thirteen years creating food plots for deer and all wildlife, we have learned many valuable lessons through the trial and error process. We payed attention to what the wildlife told us. The wildlife will let you know what you are doing correctly and what you aren't.

When we first started implementing food plots in Western New York around 2010; our goal was drastically different than it is today. We believed if we cleared the land and had wide open, beautiful groomed plots that all the deer in the neighborhood would just show up. Well, we were wrong.

We began by clearing land around two acres and a partial gas well that was already open to the elements. We then did some plowing and tilling along with adding lime and fertilizer applications. The seed was purchased, spread and we hoped for rain. It seemed like a simple enough process.

While that process isn’t too far off from today, we have now refined our methods and adapted them to big bucks.

After the first few years with minimal luck and mainly does always entering the plots, we didn’t understand why we weren’t seeing big bucks. In hindsight, we neglected one of the most important criteria that big bucks utilize.

For years we were changing the types of seed, thinking it was an attraction issue but nothing panned out until about 2017. We were continually implementing these plots with the same result. Almost by accident, in 2017, cash was tight and as a result, we left the upper half acre of the food plot to grow with tall weeds that regenerated due to being tilled up. That year was a total eye opener for us.

That 2017 season everyone tagged out and many decent bucks were in the plots night after night. It was a great year. At camp we all discussed why “all of a sudden” this quality of deer was showing up. The conclusion we came to was “the cover.” That half acre had been left six feet tall. It was providing cover access for the big bucks to enter and exit the lower section of the plots.

That following year we decided to structure more wheat, sorghum, rye and corn into the food plots. The goal was to create food and cover in one aspect. Providing food that was five to seven feet tall made the deer feel comfortable. In return the does spent more time in the lower plots; also attracting more large bucks into the fields. They had the cover to feel safe. What it also did was prevent the bucks from seeing all the way across the food plots from the ridge. That cover forced the bucks to enter the plots to see what deer were in the fields. This gave us an advantage and helped us harvest many good deer.

We now pride ourselves on starting our plots yearly with soil testing and making sure the fields have adequate elements for growth. We also started using a conceal seed. Now we section all of the plots, creating barriers between them. When these bucks can’t see to the next plot they will most likely, even for a short time, enter those plots giving you a chance to harvest them . Bucks’ curiosity and urge to breed during certain times of the year will force them through these tall barriers into each sectioned plot to see what other deer are feeding.

The other two important factors are possible hinge cutting or brush stacking to create entry lanes for deer to enter into the plot from strategic points and pressure. If you give the big bucks the run of the mill and don’t disturb them or over hunt them, the bucks will frequent these areas.

Transforming your plots will attract more buck movement. Don’t over think it. Just create a North/South or East/West cover break pending the direction deer tend to enter the plots and set your stands or blinds accordingly. Create the plot breaks or cover breaks forcing deer to enter the plots. Remember, wide open food plots aren’t the answer and plots don’t need to look pretty. They are there to get a job done.

Good luck with your food plot implementation and habitat growth to harvest a good buck!