Darron Posted June 4, 2008 Report Share Posted June 4, 2008 First off, let me say hello since I am a new member. I am from SW Ohio, but primarily hunt in SE Ohio on mine and my families 100 acre farm. In the past 3-4 years, I have got the food plot bug since my neighbor across the street from our farm has been willing to help (he has all the equipment). I have two open areas on my farm, one is a creek bottom plot that is about 3/4 acre in size on the far south end of the farm. On the north end I have a gasline plot that runs east and west. I decided to plant a perennial plot in my creek bottom plot since the soil is better. I planted a clover/trefoil mix. On my gasline plot (3/4 acre as well), I planted a shade mix since this plot only received 4-6 hrs of sunlight a day due to tree canopy. The shade mix included perennial rye grass, annual rye grass and white clover (white clover was a low %). Obviously this is not an ideal plot. My neighbor talked me into planting an annual fall forage since I all ready have a perennial clover plot in. We are going in August and disking the plot. What should I plant that will attract deer in fall/winter, yet can handle some shade? I heard a lot about brassicas, but after reading on here, a lot of people say deer might not eat them. If it helps, my farm is in the hills of SE Ohio. We have no ag fields nearby. The only people in my immediate area that are planting food plots are my neighbor and I, and he is on the other side of the road. Nobody on my side is planting food plots, only using corn out of feeders. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Darron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam16 Posted June 4, 2008 Report Share Posted June 4, 2008 Well let me first start off by saying i am no food plot expect, but I am learning a few valuable lessons with each try. I planted a total of about an acre of turnip/brassica mix last year, and like a lot of people said, it failed. The plot was lush, a foot and a half high with huge leaves. The bulbs were softball size. I had one doe come out, and walk the edge of the plot grazing on the natural grasses, almost avoiding the big leafy plant she had never seen before. I'm not sure if it was because they werent used to it, or they dont like them, but i'm not paying hundred dollars to find out again. I would recommened buck forage oat sor somethin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam16 Posted June 4, 2008 Report Share Posted June 4, 2008 Sorry, I accidentally cut my post short. As i was saying, BFO's have gotten rave reviews from almost everyone. Another annual i've been wanting to plant is austrian winter peas, however, i'm not sure on the specific planting instructions on those. Maybe dogdoc and wtnhunt can help you out with that. Just so you know, the brassica blend that failed on my plot was made by Maxi-Rack, but i dont think it was there fault, the plot grew great, deer just didnt prefer them. Whatever you decide to do, let us know and take pictures! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darron Posted June 5, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 Below is a pic of my upper food plot on the northern end of the property. This was a food plot planted several years ago when I first started. It didn't take off too well. I was oblivious to "liming" at the time and this spot needed some lime. This is the plot I would like to plant an annual fall/winter forage. As you can see, it is a deep wooded plot that receives only 4-6 hours of sunlight a day. Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted June 5, 2008 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 Welcome to the forums. There are shade tolerant clovers, but you said you are looking for an annual. Wintergrazer rye(rye grain) does great in shady areas, and draws deer very well. Would probably include a rye grain in the mix. Bet Todd(dogdoc) will have some better suggestions for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted June 5, 2008 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 welcome! With 4 to 6 hours of sunlight you can plant just about anything you want. That's plenty of sunlight time to grow just about anything. Personally I'd plant a mix of oats, winter wheat, austrian winter peas, and brassicas. This will be the most attractive plot you can plant!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darron Posted June 5, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 Do you recommend any companies to buy from? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EastALHunter Posted June 12, 2008 Report Share Posted June 12, 2008 I personally can't help you up there.... Do you recommend any companies to buy from? but I would call 800-547-4101 and tell them you would like help locating a Tecomate dealer in your area. Once you get hold of a dealer ask them about getting you some Big Ten Oats - they are a variety of Canadian oats that hold their palatibility longer than any other variety. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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