Best plot to grow bigger antlers.

[rossman]

We will be aquiring some land in the next month and I want to put in a large food plot. What would you recommend putting in to give the bucks the best nutrients fo their antlers. There is alot of deer in the area so I don't really need an attractant. But I would like to use some type of attractant for the fall, maybe turnips or a brassica.

So, what is the best plot to give the bucks the biggest growing potential?

thanks--rossman

[wtnhunt]

Really depends. Brassicas are a fall plant, and will not really help with the antlers in the growing stage. For a spring planting that will give a decent protein source, might consider a mix of beans. Have had great results here with lablab plus from tecomate and a mix of cowpeas and soybeans mixed with grain sorghum.

Cannot go wrong with clover and trefoil plots for perennials, have our best luck with those planted here in the fall. Trefoil grows easier than alfalfa and is a high protein plant, also can get 5 or more years from it with a well maintained plot. If you want to plant a perennial, I would strongly suggest considering one of hamann farms trefoil clover blends.

Not to try to start an argument here and maybe I am thinking of someone else, but thought you claimed using food plots was not "fair chase"? Glad to see you are looking at utilizing plots, they can be very rewarding to not only the hunter, but to all the wildlife in the area as well.

[dogdoc]

None of your fall annuals are really going to help with antler growth--by the time the bucks need them the next spring they are either in their last stages or not too palatable. If you are really concerned about antler growth you need to concentrate on warm season high protein plants. Annuals would include your beans and peas (soybeans/cowpeas)---these are super palatable and will really add the protein needed for antler growth. As far as perennials you can't go wrong with clovers, alfalfa, trefoil, and chicory--all provide lots of protein during the antler growing and fawning season.

Turnips and other brassicas are more of a late season food and do provide both good carbs and protein but by the time antler season arrives they are usually flowering out and not too palatable.

[Guest anderson3]

My view is that the best approach is to focus on year 'round nutrition and habitat. The antlers will come along. If we try to pinpoint nutrition for antler growth in a certain time of year, we will miss other times of the year that are important.

[Texan_Til_I_Die]

What would you recommend putting in to give the bucks the best nutrients for their antlers.

Purina Antler Max

[rossman]

Really depends. Brassicas are a fall plant, and will not really help with the antlers in the growing stage. For a spring planting that will give a decent protein source, might consider a mix of beans. Have had great results here with lablab plus from tecomate and a mix of cowpeas and soybeans mixed with grain sorghum.

Cannot go wrong with clover and trefoil plots for perennials, have our best luck with those planted here in the fall. Trefoil grows easier than alfalfa and is a high protein plant, also can get 5 or more years from it with a well maintained plot. If you want to plant a perennial, I would strongly suggest considering one of hamann farms trefoil clover blends.

Not to try to start an argument here and maybe I am thinking of someone else, but thought you claimed using food plots was not "fair chase"? Glad to see you are looking at utilizing plots, they can be very rewarding to not only the hunter, but to all the wildlife in the area as well.

Thanks for your help!!! But to set the record straight. I never said food plots were not fair chase. If My food plot was in an enclosure, then I would never hunt it. Just my moral standard. I don't see anything wrong with giving the deer the nutrition they need to live a healthy life.

But this topic is about foodplots and I would appreciate it if we were to stay on task.

Thanks again!!!--rossman

[wtnhunt]

But this topic is about foodplots and I would appreciate it if we were to stay on task.

Gotcha, leave that for another discussion.

As I said before, would look at clovers for a perennial plant that will give the deer good source of nutrition. Would look at some of the hamann farms or pennington clover blends if you have not already.

[Guest sabotmaker]

More important than the particular deer forage you plant is proper soil preparation. Starting with a soil test. Lime as needed ASAP. Prepare as clean and weed free plot as you can. Fertilize your planted crop according to soil test recommendations.

No matter what you plant for forage the plants and the deer will get no more than the soil ( and you supplementing it properly) can provide.