Wildlife Food Plot Preparation
From Clearing To Rototilling To Planting - We Do it All
At Precision Tractor Services, we specialize in preparing high-quality food plots to help attract and support wildlife on your rural property. Whether you’re planting a plot for hunting deer, turkeys, or other game species, we can clear the brush, and then our tractor-mounted rototiller makes short work of tilling and preparing the land for seeding. A well-prepared food plot is essential for ensuring that your crops grow strong, providing a consistent food source that attracts wildlife and keeps them healthy and active throughout the seasons.
Michigan’s diverse landscapes, from wooded areas to open fields, provide ideal locations for food plots. Our food plot preparation service is designed to ensure that your land is properly tilled, aerated, and ready for planting. We understand the unique needs of rural landowners in Michigan and tailor our services to suit your property, helping you create a thriving food plot that attracts more wildlife whether you're a hunter or just want to enjoy seeing a variety of wildlife on your land.
Precision Tractor Services is a tractor service contractor based out of Hastings, Michigan and serving Battle Creek, Delton, Freeport, Grand Rapids, Ionia, and Kalamazoo.
What to Consider When Preparing a Food Plot
Preparing a successful food plot involves several key considerations that will determine the quality and effectiveness of your plot. Whether you're aiming to attract deer, turkey, or other wildlife, careful planning is essential. Below are some important factors to keep in mind when preparing your food plot in Michigan.
Choosing the Right Crops for Michigan Wildlife
Best Crops for Attracting Deer
In Michigan, deer are particularly attracted to crops that provide high nutritional value throughout the year. Popular choices include:
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- Clover: A favorite for deer, clover is highly palatable and offers nutrition year-round. It’s also relatively easy to grow and maintain.
- Soybeans: Excellent for attracting deer, especially in late summer and early fall, soybeans provide both nutrition and cover.
- Brassicas (Turnips, Rape, Kale): These crops thrive in cooler Michigan temperatures and provide a high-protein food source for deer in the fall and early winter, making them ideal for hunting season.
- Corn: Offering both cover and food, corn is a good option for attracting deer in the fall, particularly as a late-season attractant.
Best Crops for Attracting Turkey
For landowners looking to attract wild turkeys, certain crops are highly effective:
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- Clover: Like deer, turkeys also enjoy clover, making it a versatile option for multi-species plots.
- Grains (Wheat, Rye, Oats): These grains provide both food and cover, making them appealing to turkeys. They are also relatively easy to grow and do well in Michigan’s climate.
Seasonal Crops and Hunting Seasons
Warm-Season vs. Cool-Season Crops
It’s important to plan your food plot around the growing seasons and the hunting schedule:
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- Warm-season crops like soybeans and corn are best planted in the spring and provide food throughout the summer and into the fall.
- Cool-season crops such as brassicas, clover, and winter wheat should be planted in late summer to early fall to provide food during hunting season and into the winter when food becomes scarce for wildlife.
This timing ensures that your food plot is productive when deer and turkey are most active, giving you the best opportunities for hunting.
Plot Size and Location
How Large Should Your Food Plot Be?
The size of your food plot will depend on the size of your property and the wildlife you're trying to attract. For most rural Michigan properties, plots ranging from 1 to 5 acres are ideal. If you have the land but it's not cleared or ready for a food plot we also offer brush hogging services.
A smaller plot can be effective if it’s positioned in a high-traffic area for wildlife, while larger plots are better suited for properties with more open land and diverse wildlife needs.
Where Should You Place Your Food Plot?
The location of your food plot is critical. Ideally, it should be placed near bedding areas, water sources, and natural travel corridors to maximize its effectiveness. If you’re planting for deer, choose a location near the edge of a wooded area or along trails where deer are likely to travel. For turkeys, open areas with good visibility are preferred, as they like to forage in open fields.
Soil Preparation and Maintenance
Soil Testing
Before planting, it’s important to test your soil to ensure it has the right pH and nutrient levels for the crops you’re planting. Most food plot crops prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). If your soil is too acidic or lacks nutrients, adding lime or fertilizer will help optimize growing conditions.
Rototilling for Soil Health
Rototilling the soil before planting breaks up compaction, improves aeration, and allows roots to penetrate more deeply. This creates healthier, more robust crops that will provide a reliable food source for wildlife. Our tractor-mounted rototiller ensures your plot is properly prepared for planting, giving you the best possible results.
Maintaining Your Food Plot
After planting, regular maintenance is essential to keep your food plot productive. This includes mowing to control weeds, replanting certain annual crops each season, and applying fertilizer to keep the soil nutrient-rich. Additionally, rotating crops from year to year can prevent soil depletion and ensure continued growth and wildlife attraction.
By carefully considering these factors, you can create a thriving food plot that attracts wildlife and enhances hunting opportunities on your rural Michigan property. Let us at Precision Tractor Services help you prepare your land for a successful food plot, tailored to your specific needs and goals.
If you’d like to get a quote for your food plot project then please give us a call (269) 908-3843 or fill out our online contact form and we’ll get back to you right away (usually the same day).
Questions About Food Plot Preparation?
What crops are best for attracting deer in Michigan?
In Michigan, some of the best crops for attracting deer include clover, soybeans, brassicas (such as turnips, kale, and rape), and corn. These crops provide high nutritional value and are ideal for drawing deer, especially during the hunting season and colder months when food sources are scarce.
What crops are best for attracting wild turkeys?
Wild turkeys in Michigan are attracted to clover and grains such as wheat, rye, and oats. These crops offer both food and cover, making them ideal for supporting turkey populations throughout the year.
How large should my food plot be?
The ideal size for a food plot depends on the size of your property and the type of wildlife you want to attract. For most rural properties, a plot ranging from 1 to 5 acres is effective. Smaller plots can work in high-traffic areas for wildlife, while larger plots are better for extensive acreages.
When is the best time to plant a food plot?
Warm-season crops like soybeans and corn should be planted in the spring to provide food throughout the summer and early fall. Cool-season crops such as brassicas and winter wheat are best planted in late summer or early fall, ensuring food is available during the hunting season and into winter.
Where should I place my food plot?
Food plots should be located near natural wildlife travel corridors, bedding areas, and water sources to maximize their effectiveness. Placing your plot along the edges of wooded areas or near trails frequented by wildlife will increase the chances of attracting deer or turkey.
What type of soil preparation is needed for a food plot?
Proper soil preparation is key to a successful food plot. This includes testing the soil to determine pH levels and nutrient needs, applying lime or fertilizer as needed, and rototilling the soil to break up compaction and improve aeration. Our tractor-mounted rototiller ensures the soil is prepared for planting, promoting healthy crop growth.
How often do I need to maintain my food plot?
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your food plot productive. This includes mowing to control weeds, applying fertilizer, and replanting annual crops as needed. Proper maintenance ensures that your food plot remains attractive to wildlife year after year.
Can I plant different crops in the same food plot?
Yes! Planting a mix of crops can help attract a variety of wildlife and extend the attractiveness of the plot across different seasons. For example, you could plant clover for year-round forage, along with brassicas or soybeans for seasonal nutrition.
How much does food plot preparation cost?
The cost depends on the size of the plot, the crops being planted, and the condition of the soil. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your specific project and goals.
Do I need to test the soil before planting?
Yes, it's certainly not a bad idea! soil testing is highly recommended to determine the pH and nutrient levels in your soil. This will help ensure that the crops you plant will grow successfully. If necessary, lime and fertilizers can be added to improve soil conditions before planting.
