Written by: Pierce Young

Why should you be thinking about planting food plots for bow season now? A common question wildlife biologists hear in August-September, is “What is best to plant for the opening day of bow season?” 

The best answer is not a popular answer, but it’s the most effective and often the only answer. It is very difficult in the South to establish a Winter annual plant, early enough for the season opener, without the food plot failing (due to dry conditions, bugs, etc). Ideally, with the proper planning, establishing a Summer annual plant in Spring (American jointvetch, alyceclover, forage soybeans, cowpeas, etc.) can attract deer all Summer to an area, and still be available to hunt over early season until the first frost. 

Another option is to begin to establish a perennial plant (such as white clover) in Fall. However, it takes about 3-4 months for cool-season perennials to establish their roots before putting on a lot of forage. Deer usage will drastically increase in the 2nd hunting season after planting, but only after maintaining the food plots through Spring and Summer by keeping the weeds at bay with selective herbicides. A potential drawback, unlike a Summer annual plant, perennials will go dormant in dry weather. However, with any early season rains they can be very attractive food plots that would be ready and attractive during bow season. 

For more food plot guidance, go to our webpage at: 

www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-management-info  

To meet with a biologist, request a site visit at:

www.mdwfp.com/privatelands