Food Plots in Ma

[swampyankee]

What do you all think about food plots? I've considered planting some on my land. Some say they don't work and some think it's no differen't than baiting. I've had a tough time getting a straight answer about whether they are even legal here. I'd love to hear some thoughts or experinces?

[Toad]

????????

[swampyankee]

Not sure what a bunch of question marks means. Do you not know what a food plot is or did I not make my question clear.

[Toad]

You were clear. I just don't know? Never heard of a food plot for deer. I guess if it is just plantings that humans could also eat it wouldn't be illegal. Hell apple trees aren't illegal and farms aren't either.

[swampyankee]

Food plots are a pretty big deal in the south and the midwest. Basically its mixes of clover, brassicas, rape, peas,alfalfa formulated for deer forage. I was just looking to see if anybody on the site has any advice. I have about 12 acres of apples and 20 of overgrown field with lots o' swamp around it. I am in the process of opening up some of the overgrown fields and have considered planting one of the many food plot mixes out there. Thanks for any input.

[Outdoorsben]

Maybe try some corn then you can use it for Goose too.

[RANGERBOAT MAN]

We have one and it does ok it's on our 46 acres of land but don't ask where it's all posted just for us guys and girls Sorry

[danderson]

i've heard turnips are great in food plots. i asked if they're legal to hunt over too, and from an EPO, i was told they are, because it's a food source. however, it would be different if you were in the middle of oaks, dumping buckets of apples under your stand...

ranger, just trying to put it in everyone's face? no one blames you for wanting to keep a spot secret, but why even advertise it?

[fly fisher]

swamp - good for you those mixees of forage are great stuff and the turnips are a big hit . you cant go wrong adding adding any type of forage good hunting ( do the wire basket thing ) and you will see what is being eaten

[tacoma]

Food plots are totally legal. A pine-apple tree is not. Not that we have that settled you will want to plant something that is foreign to your area. If there are corn fields, apple orchards and hay fields surrounding your property, you will need to introduce something to attract those deer other than their "normal" food sources. I strongly suggest alfalfa. It is easy to grow in this area and deer love it. Just make sure to test your soil before you plant. I know many people who try to plant food plots who spend the time tilling the land and planting to have minimal crop produce. Soil Ph is important and once you get that stable, some fertilizer and then plant. I have to agree with the turnip comment. I know someone who has planted turnip, which I may add is also easy to grow in this area, and the deer would dig to china to get it.

I recently read an article about strategically planting your food plot. If you know where they are already feeding and where they bed, than try planting a satellite plot somewhere in between where they can stop on their way home. Its kind of like an ice cream stand after eating dinner at you favorite restaurant. Nothing like alittle treat before bed!

Good luck and I hope you benefit from a potential food plot!

[trophy11]

I have a two going right now. one small woods plot and a 1 acre plot. first few years i tried they didnt come up, then i finally got the soil the right PH and now there is no rain this summer. go figure . i just re-planted so far so good.
but i do know they work. i know a Guy from CT and NH who practice QDM and have great succes with their plots . So they def would work up here. Your best bet is clover alphalpa mix from whitetail institute. then for late season you can plant winter greens which come into there prime while other plots are dying. winter greens are triggered by a heavy frost, and then they are like candy for deer.[/quote]

[deer357]

Go for it..

[swampyankee]

Thanks for the info, it's a pretty expensive proposition. This spring I'm gonna give it a shot. Hopefully I can get a couple of guys that hunt my land to pitch in a day or two of work. But first... gotta finish my firewood before bow opener!!! Good luck to you!