For turkey hunters, having a dedicated food plot is one of the best ways to attract and hold turkeys on your land. Creating a turkey-friendly food plot requires strategic planning, an understanding of turkey behavior, and the right timing for planting. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of when and how to make a food plot that will keep turkeys coming back year after year.
1. Why Create a Turkey Food Plot?
Turkeys, like many wildlife species, rely on a varied diet throughout the year. A turkey food plot can provide essential food sources during critical times—whether it’s the spring when turkeys are nesting, or the fall when they’re fattening up for the winter months. A well-maintained food plot not only attracts turkeys but also enhances their overall health, helping them survive and thrive in your area.
Food plots can be particularly effective for:
- Breeding Season: During spring, food plots can help attract hens and gobblers looking for an easy meal, making it easier for hunters to locate and harvest turkeys.
- Winter Months: Providing a consistent food source during leaner months will keep turkeys on your property and reduce their dependence on surrounding areas for food.
2. When Should You Plant a Turkey Food Plot?
Timing is critical when creating a turkey food plot. Depending on the species of plants you choose and the specific needs of your area, you will need to plan for both seasonal food sources and long-term growth. Here are the best times to plant your turkey food plot:
Spring/Summer Planting
- Best for Spring Turkey Hunting: For those looking to improve their chances of hunting turkeys in the spring, planting a food plot in early spring can help attract birds to your area. Choose plants like clover, peas, or alfalfa that will grow quickly and provide high-protein food for turkeys.
- Ideal Planting Time: Mid to late spring (April to May), after the last frost, is ideal for planting fast-growing crops.
Fall Planting
- For Winter Survival: During the fall, turkeys are focused on fattening up for winter, so it’s important to provide food plots that offer plenty of calories. Planting crops like oats, rye, and wheat in late summer (July to August) will give your plot a great start before the cooler weather sets in.
- Ideal Planting Time: Late summer to early fall (July to September), ensuring the plants have time to mature before the cold weather arrives.
Year-Round Planting
- If you have the resources and a large enough area, consider planting a mix of food sources that will provide year-round nourishment for turkeys. Clover is a great perennial that grows well in many environments and offers a consistent food source for turkeys throughout the year. Other perennial plants like chicory can also provide long-lasting food.
3. Choosing the Right Crops for a Turkey Food Plot
The key to attracting turkeys with a food plot is selecting the right types of plants. Turkeys are omnivorous and eat a variety of foods, so you should aim to plant a mix of crops that provide both grains and greens.
Best Crops for Spring and Summer
- Clover: Clover is a high-protein legume that grows quickly and can attract turkeys in the spring and summer months. It also provides good grazing for both hens and gobblers.
- Alfalfa: Known for its high protein content, alfalfa is a great summer crop that turkeys will eat during the breeding season.
- Chicory: Chicory is another perennial that grows well in the spring and offers an excellent food source for turkeys. It’s drought-resistant, making it a good option for tougher climates.
- Field Peas: Field peas are an excellent source of protein for turkeys and grow quickly, making them perfect for a spring planting.
Best Crops for Fall and Winter
- Oats: Oats are a cool-season crop that turkeys love to feed on, particularly in the fall. They are easy to plant and offer great forage for turkeys.
- Winter Wheat: Winter wheat is a hardy crop that can survive through the colder months, providing food for turkeys throughout the fall and winter.
- Rye: Rye is another excellent cold-weather crop, perfect for fall planting. It provides both a food source and ground cover to help keep turkeys safe from predators.
- Sunflower: Sunflower seeds are high in fat and provide a calorie-dense food source for turkeys. They also attract a variety of other wildlife, which is great for overall biodiversity on your land.
4. Preparing the Soil for a Turkey Food Plot
Before you start planting, it’s essential to prepare the soil properly. Here’s how you can ensure your food plot is set up for success:
- Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. Turkeys thrive best when the soil has a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If the soil is too acidic or alkaline, you can adjust it by adding lime or sulfur, respectively.
- Clearing the Land: Remove any debris, brush, or existing vegetation from the area where you plan to plant. This helps ensure that your crops have enough space and nutrients to grow.
- Tilling: Use a disc or plow to break up the soil and create a smooth, level surface for planting. This will allow the seeds to make good contact with the soil and promote healthy growth.
- Fertilizing: Depending on your soil test results, you may need to add fertilizer. Follow the recommendations for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to give your crops the best chance of thriving.
5. Planting the Seeds
Once your soil is prepared, it’s time to plant the seeds. Here’s a quick overview of how to plant your turkey food plot:
- Sowing the Seeds: For smaller plots, you can plant seeds by hand, but for larger plots, a broadcast spreader works best. Ensure that the seeds are evenly distributed over the plot.
- Depth: Follow the seed packet’s instructions regarding how deep to plant. Most small seeds should be planted no deeper than ¼ to ½ inch.
- Watering: After planting, water the plot regularly to ensure proper germination, especially during dry spells. Be sure not to overwater, as this can lead to erosion or seedling rot.
6. Maintaining the Food Plot
Once your food plot is planted, it’s important to maintain it to keep turkeys coming back year after year.
- Weed Control: Weeds can compete with your crops for nutrients and water. Use mulch, herbicides, or hand weeding to keep weeds at bay, but be careful not to harm the plants you’ve worked hard to grow.
- Mowing: Mowing the plot periodically helps keep weeds in check and encourages healthy growth. It also provides a clean area for turkeys to feed.
- Replanting: Over time, some crops will fade or become less productive. Replanting certain areas of your food plot ensures a steady food supply for turkeys throughout the year.
7. Hunting and Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
Once your turkey food plot is established, you’ll start to see the rewards of your hard work. Turkeys will be attracted to your plot, and if you’ve chosen the right crops and planted at the right time, you’ll have a prime hunting location. Remember that turkeys can be skittish, so hunting should be done in a way that doesn’t disturb their natural patterns too much.
Conclusion
Creating a turkey food plot is a rewarding process that requires careful planning, the right timing, and a commitment to maintaining the plot year-round. By planting the right crops at the right time, preparing the soil, and keeping the plot well-maintained, you can attract turkeys to your land and improve your hunting success. Whether you’re looking to enhance your turkey hunting experience or simply help support turkey populations in your area, a well-designed food plot is one of the most effective ways to do it.
