This certainly is a loaded question, and I really need more information on the goals of the individual, the layout of the property and surrounding properties, and if the landowner has other food plots on the property. If the landowner’s goals are simply to establish some plots to hunt over, especially during the gun firearm season, I might suggest they plant the ANTLER KING HONEY HOLE or RED ZONE. If the landowner has goals to manage his property to grow, keep, and ultimately harvest mature bucks on this parcel, then the planting picture will look much different. With this goal in mind, I know that we need to create a “year-round” food plot program with the ultimate goal of always having food available for the deer herd on this property. Simply put, I never want them to run out of highly nutritious food because I know that if they run out of food, they will leave this property to look for food sources.
Your goal should be to have a minimum of 5-10% of your property in food plots. With normal deer densities if you have less than 5% of your property in food plots, chances are very good that you will run out of food for your deer herd by fall. And, once you are out of food, goodbye to your deer. I really urge landowners to shoot for 10% of their property in food plots, so if you own 120 acres, shoot for a total of 12 acres in food plots.