As I sit in my tree stand high off the ground I can’t help but think about all of the pictures of successful hunts I have seen, shared and all that I will see as the season progresses. I have heard a lot of people say when you show them pictures of yourself or other hunting buddies; “man how do you get so lucky every year?” or “that guy is always killing big deer, I wish I was that lucky!” Listening to comments like that always makes me smile and reply with a big grin saying; “I’d rather be lucky than good any day!” But below the surface of that smile, I am thinking that they should be asking the question, “How do you do it year after year?” It all starts way before opening day of deer season; actually I start hunting for next season during the current season. What I mean by that is I am continuously thinking about how to make my property better, how can I hold more wildlife, how can I get to my stand locations with minimal disturbance and undetected and how can I draw the deer from my neighbor’s property? Over the years I have found that the easiest way to do this is to establish destination food plots and hunt plots. If you want to increase your odds and have more opportunities during hunting season, planting plots should be on your priority list. Knowing the difference between a food plot and a hunt plot is very important. I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity on our properties to have both. I consider a plot that I plant and never hunt a “food plot”. These food plots are usually larger in size and allow the deer on my property and surrounding properties the luxury of having a place to fill their bellies with little to no pressure. I feel it is important to plant a large enough plot or plots to sustain your deer population throughout the entire year. Planting Trophy Clover or Game Changer Clover, both hearty perennials, will last for years once established. Perennial food sources like these are extremely important to provide highly-digestible protein sources deer crave and need in the Spring, Summer and Fall. I also plant Red Zone in early spring and follow it up in late fall with Honey Hole. My hunt plots are usually smaller in size and laid out around my stand locations. I have some hunt plots that are perennials but I prefer to plant annuals in these locations. Slam Dunk, Honey Hole, No Sweat and Lights Out are my favorites in these situations. The germination rate is great and you will have a great plot in just a few short weeks! You should always test your pH and try to get it as close to 7.0 to gain the maximum potential out of your plots. The Instant pH Test Kit that can be purchased from Antler King is probably the best investment you will make all year and I highly recommend it. So the next time you look at the final picture and either say or think; “man that person is so lucky!” ask yourself….how do they do it. I can almost guarantee they have a food source or food plot program on their property that holds deer year-round and they have done their homework long before opening day. I hope this information helps you in your quest for your deer harvest this year and the years to come. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask any of the great people associated with Antler King Trophy Products Inc.; they are always willing to help! Good luck and happy hunting, Pat McFadden, Indiana Pro-Staff Categories: Education
