5 Reasons You Shouldn't Plant a Food Plot AND 1 HUGE Reason You Should

[@r.l.o.646]

Great advice! Had a horrible experience planting several small plots on a 250 acre parcel and only harvesting one deer. Hunting pressure was overly excessive and made the heard nocturnal, I couldn't keep hunters off all the plots. I literally watched my trail to a mature buck die shortly after the season started. Got a photo of him again finally a month after season ended and it was at night. Best parcel I ever hunted was 1,400 acres, no food plots and hunters who understood seeing deer in daylight was better sign than a bunch of tracks in a field! Again great advice and thanks for educating hunters.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Man, great feedback and you are very, very welcome! Very good experiences. I can honestly say that the food plots can be a golden ticket to incredible hunting and herds, BUT...they can not be spooked in any way. Which is tough with multiple hunters. It is also a tough pill to swallow! It is amazing how just 1 bad plot can extend the negative deer use to all of them. Like you found...you and the herd are better off by not having the plots if it turns them nocturnal. Hope you have found greener pastures and thanks a lot for your feedback, it really helps!

[@randlerichardson5826]

This is a great informative video. This will help me a lot brother. When I get my plot put in next spring I’ll rethink it now. I’ll put it where I can get to it without spooking to many deer. That’s very hard to do I know. Great video. This has helped me a lot changed how I’m goin to do things.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

In a nutshell, in nearly all areas of the North 1/2 of the Country deer don't need the additional Summer food sources. Then, if you have food plots planted for Fall and spook the deer into a nocturnal herd, you are often doing far more harm than good. The level of attraction for food plots on the lands that you hunt, has to be managed into a daylight level of attraction - which can be done. If you create daylight movements to your food plots, you have created the golden ticket to towards incredible herds and hunting opportunities!

[@jesper0917]

Do you recommend any food plot mix for the south or is it the same as you recommend on your videos. I use w.h.s. alabama mix

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@jesper0917 good question Jesper! I recommend the same concepts...high volume and attractive greens, but in the South I would recommend more cold hearty oats and annual clovers to the mix. There are also areas where brassicas won't grow well due to heat or deer won't eat them. So I would explore the brassica use on site and in the immediate area. But yes...same concepts, but would explore a slightly different twist to hit the local needs if the deer. Most likely not exactly the same as up North. I hope that helps!?

[@outdoorfamilytraditions9352]

Is there too small of a food plot? And how many food plots would you recommend on a 60 acre parcel? Not sure if you remember but I told you before that I hunt in the thumb of MI and we’re the only piece of land that’s wooded within a mile and farm fields surround us.. not sure if food plots would really do anything with the farm fields around but whatever we have fun planting them lol

[@chrisheinenoutdoors8880]

This was the video I hoped you didn't make but glad you did. Was dead set on putting a half acre plot down by the creek to hunt over... knowing full well i'd have no real access to my stand without blowing deer off. Pretty much convinced my self that for every deer I jump there would still be one that still came in regardless. Great video. Definitely watching it over a few times.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Chris, man I appreciate that feedback so much. I can't tell you how devistating a poorly placed food plot can be! Often to the entire parcel of even a 100 acres or more. Great catch by yourself! You honestly are better off not having it if you have to spook deer. "Setup for failure" is a great concept that applies. I hope not to harsh...I LOVE food plots and have about 9 acres of plots on 3 small parcels I hunt on. They are so critical...but if I spooked deer off of them I would literally destroy the hunt and herd in those areas...in particluar with a lot of hunting pressure nearby. Food is part of sanctuary. I hope this helps you pick a new spot?🙂 Thanks again Chris! You can probably imagine...but something I work with on at least 60 out of 70 landowners per year. The cool thing it is an easy fix in just one growing season...

[@chrisheinenoutdoors8880]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 oh yeah! Back to the drawing board! And do you still have your new book in stock? All Weather Whitetails?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@chrisheinenoutdoors8880 ha, back to the drawing board...sorry about that 🙂 And yes I sure do...on the site or on Amazon...we will always have them in stock...or at least try to! Thanks for asking and for the feedback Chris...

[@chrisheinenoutdoors8880]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 awesome! Thanks for the great videos!

[@chrisheinenoutdoors8880]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 hey Jeff I ordered All weather whitetails about 5 days ago from your site... haven't gotten a tracking number or anything back yet. Just a order number....just wondering! Thanks!

[@t.d.hughart5121]

Brilliant analysis. The more I think about it, the more I agree with you. More and more, I feel that the best food we can provide is a standing corn or bean field solely for the purpose of SMART, limited, late season hunting. Planting, maintaining, and repeatedly hunting a perineal or annual green patch has show that mature buck hunting declines over the years. I've seen this on my properties over the last 15 plus years on 3 farms in 2 different states.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks a lot TD! I like unpressured, green food sources all season long...same diversity in all plots, with corn added next if enough room and then beans. Bottom line though, unpressured food during the entire hunting season is golden. If that food is only there in the beginning or end of the season it doesn't go far enough...I like finding food that will last the entire season like I talk about in the end if the video. Really appreciate the feedback TD! Great to hear of your experiences...

[@UpNorsk]

After watching multiple videos, which all are articulated well, i have to rethink my entire food plot and hunting strategies going forward.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That's great to hear and enjoy the ride! I know this info can help you and I look forward to hearing about it. It truly is a hard pill to swallow but this concept in particular is so critically important.

[@notinacorner592]

After taking Jeff's advice I stopped all hunting on my plot 3yrs ago. Can't seem to hold bucks but I can hold does. I have a stand at the top of draw that is the main travel route onto my property. During the rut the biggest bucks in my area follow the unpressured does right past this stand in broad daylight

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That's great to hear Jimi! Unpressured is so critical! Now we just need to get those bucks to stay in and around the land more during the entire season...hope the bedding area building helps this year! Thanks again for the feedback Jimi 😉

[@tophat7199]

Thank you for another informative video. I’m from N E Alabama and other than cotton we don’t have any Ag so we rely on food plots and planted fruit trees to keep deer around but do have to be careful with the pressure

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

You are very welcome and great observations! The quality food is critical in many areas...but only if unpressured, that's for sure. Great experience and a great plan...I love soft mass combined with food plots, while keeping hard mast with woody browse, in the woods...

[@kylecasetta4091]

My observation for what it's worth. My 24 acres has a 2.75 acre field I plant for the deer. I have one stand on it and one just off it. My dad hunts then timber just before neighbors big ag land. Our camper sits on the field edge. I've drastically increased deer sightings since adding food plots . I see tons of bucks all ages all year. To clear the field I use my remote start on my truck they bound off I climb out walk 75 yards to camp and within a hour all deer are back out. I plant in stages and it's not uncommon for deer to come out and feed while I plant part of the field. Think my deer are weird they even come to chainsaws especially late in the fall early winter.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Great feedback Kyle...I like that remote start idea too, lol. Really good idea...better than barking like a dog for sure! The true test of course are the daylight movements of the oldest bucks. I find you should have at least 1 shooting hour pic (at least close) vs 1 nocturnal pic, for mature bucks. That is the true test for sure ..

[@kylecasetta4091]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 I've killed a few in the 4 to 5 year old class. I get tons of daylight pics and night. Until the neighbors start hunting. Then is right at sundown to first dark periods they show up. I can hear the neighbors get busted nearly every weekend I hunt. Many love to sit near our fence for the reason I have shot a few dandies for my area. It's my little corner of the farm all I have so I make the best of it. Best days hunting I can see 5 to 10 bucks a day roaming through. Average is 2 to 3 does and 3 or 4 bucks of all ages pop out feed a hour and head off to neighbors corn for the night.

[@BowTech11]

Great video! You are 100% correct. That is why I quit planting!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks a lot Brett! While I advise you have plots...I also advise NOT to have them if they set you up to spook deer. Great call on your part and I appreciate the feedback!

[@dennisb1224]

I agree with the wasted summer forage. What I do in MI is use buckwheat for summer food , then in September the acorns drop, oats for October to December food then my rye is the first green food in April.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That sounds pretty good! Make sure that you have some green for September too...acorns aren't a crop you can design a hunt or herd around...just more daytime browse and woody roughage. Deer crave green even more when the acorns are dropping, as something to help digest and for the variety of high moisture content food diversity.

[@MySliceOfHeavenoutdoors]

Great info Jeff, You keep giving me more and more to think about, thats for sure.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Very cool to hear...thanks a lot!

[@JamesThomas-vz4of]

You know, I joked around about the "cheat sheet" thing, but you really do point out some things that I NEVER would have thought about. I'm going to go back soon and rewatch/ take notes on as many of your videos that I can before September lol. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Ha, James...well that comment still makes me smile, lol. But, I really hope folks take this to heart. It is never a good idea to create a food plot if you simply have to spook the deer that you invite TO the plot, OFF the plot. I look forward to hearing about it James!

[@camhester4251]

I have a small two acre field on my property in south east N.C. I have plenty of water or ponds and a creek that holds water in it yr around , i have cut over thickets and timber with lots of oak trees and bedding areas , i see lots of deer trail and lots of scrapes around my field but in short i always see deer in my field looking for food during season and out of season . I've harvested deer in the field for yrs but i do have good access rd to the field or stand to not spook deer , in my opinion i will help and see more deer heard by planting one acre of clover - chicory plot in my field . There is two bigger soy bean fields at the highway 1 a mile away and then the acorns and natural food in the woods but when the beans are harvested the deer seem desperate for food . I only used corn and sweet potatoes piles to feed deer coming to my field in the last few yrs , do you think i'm wrong in planting a small food plot in my field , I've always heard feed the deer yr around is this not true , i would greatly appreciate your advice .

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Good question Elmur! It depends on what the deer have to eat in the Summer? You can actually attract more does to the land with Summer plots...which ultimately hurts your Fall herd building and hunting efforts. In most areas have several times more food during the Summer than they actually need. The Fall is a very limiting time! That being said...sounds like a great approach to the food source that you do have... unpressured hunting and access is the key to any quality food plot program and it sounds like your success has proven that...keep it up! Real nice to hear...

[@camhester4251]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 thank you for your input

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@camhester4251 you are very welcome Elmer!

[@arrowjunky66]

I've seen some of these negative reasons happen on 14,000 acres here in NC. I had to stop hunting there.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Stewart, it is crazy to see on such a large scale, folks just don't understand bunlesd they live it...and that can waist thousands of dollars, a huge amount of effort and many, many years. I greatly appreciate your feedback and I hope that helps folks. I've seen it on hundreds of parcels in over 20 states. Like I've said it's such a hard pill to swallow, but the risk is real, regardless of if people realize it or not...

[@kennethrobie8789]

Hey, Jeff, I never hear much talk about the geometry of the food plot in relation to the geography of the property. You have any thoughts on that?

[@logandredske]

Thanks for the insight Jeff. One question on spooking deer off of food plots and making them nocturnal. We have an 80 acre farm with a 5 acre food plot in the middle. The food plot is surrounded by thick 10-20ft pines that act as a screen. We do a pretty good job of not spooking deer off the plot when we hunt. However, every time the neighbor hunts he drives on his land and parks 30 to 40 yards from the far corner off our food plot. However, most of the deer feed in the plot 150 plus yards away from where he parks (probably not by coincidence). The deer can’t see his vehicle when he comes and leaves, but they can hear it. While I am not there to see if the deer spook when he leaves, I am assuming some do (at least a mature buck). In this case, do you think the food plot is doing more harm in terms of making deer more nocturnal?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Logan that's a tough call? That's a situation I would full asses with a client. What were your experiences before the plot, are you seeing fewer mature bucks during the middle of the night or closer to shooting hours? How is the activity away from the plot on your land? I would want to see the signs that is working for you, or not...and then plan accordingly. You can have plots like that, that work...because the neighbor doesn't establish a pattern of actually coming into the plot after he accesses. However, quite a few things to asses and I hope all the videos on here help you out! I would be more concerned about the depth of cover on your land with the plot in the middle... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoXJmoqobLOXb7M Let me know what you think!

[@logandredske]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions Agreed! This field was here when we purchased the property a long time ago, and creating another food plot of similar size would require a significant amount of effort. However with the thick pines we planted surrounding it, and our two primary bedding areas located north and south of it, I think we actually aren’t doing too bad in depth of cover. My follow up question for you is related to bedding and the 155 yards of cover in every direction...and how you stack does, then young bucks, then mature bucks. If the best bedding is only 50 or let’s say 100 yards away, do you see mature bucks holding those bedding areas compared to does and young bucks?

[@BareKnuckleCompany]

What’s you take on corn? Feeders or piled up for deer. Love the channel and taking my deer management and food to the next level with you videos

[@theoutdoorglockguy]

Bare Knuckle Company what state do you live in? It really depends on the laws.

[@BareKnuckleCompany]

William Moore I hunt Florida and Georgia. If it was legal would you use. Food plots over corn? I am just curious. I use both

[@theoutdoorglockguy]

Bare Knuckle Company If you have food plots, then leave them. But it also depends how big they are and how many acres you hunt. If you hunt 20 acres and you have up to 3 acres of plots, then I would put in 2 feeders. It just really depends. But make sure you know the laws before anything. I should have looked at that before I spent money on corn, feeders and salt blocks. Lol Don’t make the mistake I did.😉

[@BareKnuckleCompany]

We are legal and have minimal food plots. It’s a 1600 acre club with 10 members. This is the first year the other club members have decided to play. They are planting peas which will be gone after a few frost. I try to plant for year round feeding. I also have more mature bucks and deer activity then the other members. I was just curious on Jeff’s and everyone else opinions on it

[@theoutdoorglockguy]

Bare Knuckle Company Keep it up. The more you do, the better. I would add some feeders and keep up the plots. Happy Hunting

[@MAM-cy3yy]

I've planted food plots (7Card Stud) and had great results holding both doe and buck during daylight hours. The 1 acre food plot would be hunted once every two weeks with decent sightings of both does and bucks during the hunt. Then came the neighbors dogs, at least seven that I know of from surrounding properties. Talking about making deer nocturnal . Drives me absolutly nuts! Very disappointing to see dogs chasing deer.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Man that is REALLY tough! Especially since you were extremely patient and hunting the plot very low impact. And then come the dogs....not good! Feel your pain man...I know from a lot of different experiences how dogs can ruin not only one hunt...but future hunts too

[@outdoorfamilytraditions9352]

Great video again Jeff! So pretty much overall even if anyone was to plant a plot just don’t over hunt it? Maybe hunt week in the early season then hit it again during full rut? That sound about right? I totally agree on if it’s over hunted they will never go in there during the day

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That's exactly right and than you so much for the feedback! I have plots I never hunt...but I sure hunt the movement to and from or at the bedding areas they fill with deer. I also have a couple of plots I can hunt with a bow...but most can only be hunted with a gun from a distance. I love food plots...but only if I never knowingly have to spook a deer off of them...unless I pull the trigger. Thanks again!

[@longahan8318]

Hey Jeff awesome videos!! How do you feel about planting around a pond? I have 30acres in southeastern Wisconsin and most low ground so not alot of area for a plot but alot of deer do go around my pond and i could plant that.Keep the videos coming !! Thanks

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks a lot Lon! That can work out very well and I have a number of clients who do that. It still needs to be in the right spot as it relates to access, depth of cover, neighboring pressure etc, but I wouldn't let the pond get in the way of an otherwise great spot!

[@billkerr2060]

I tryed your mock grape vine scrap I have an lot of vines too weeks in and holy cow your right sir it takes just one deer to now I got 4 doe and to bucks licking it funny to wach them do it thanks again for your tips happy hunt safe hunt

[@terrybeasley2898]

Deer in Georgia must be a totally different animal than the deer you have experience with. Pressure is the main thing but entering existing and wind direction if done correctly and hunting distance from the food plots in some areas i hunt in Ga. Is the key to a mature deer.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Terry...exact same deer for sure. They react the same to hunting pressure, over pressured food sources. I find GA is one of the states that over pressures their food plots the most, in particular within the large hunt clubs and leases that are not present in most other whitetail states. While working in 25 states for clients so far and adding Wyoming and South Dakota within the next couple of months, I haven't found whitetails are actually different anywhere. The same concepts apply everywhere...GA is no exception.

[@terrybeasley2898]

Then i must be doing all the right things.

[@timmorris6396]

whats the difference between food plot and deer feeder? your going to be hunting both?

[@RiverValleyAcres]

Two big buck got killed on my land this year by my neighbor and his dad 😑 a big 11 point I missed in archery from 9 yards away got killed the second day of rifle 1.5 miles from my land. I was ready to bring a dozer in to build a food plot until I watched this video. Now I’m unsure on what to do to keep these big bucks around.

[@adamhiday9822]

I have a question for you Mr. Sturgis, if you place a food plot in a sanctuary but you would still like to monitor the movement would you put a trail camera on that plot? If you would, how often would you check it and how would you go about deciding placement of the camera? My understanding of a sanctuary zone is 0 pressure before and during hunting season. Unless you have the perfect day and you are going in one time to kill a specific buck...

[@ryanwalters694]

I have a very small parcel of land. 13 acres to be exact. I’m surrounded by big ag and cattle pastures. I want to put a food plot on my land because at this point in time my land is only being used as a night time corridor. I usually only hunt about once or twice a week due to work. What suggestions would you have for me and my piece of land to attract and hold deer

[@d65-m1x]

Jeff Do you believe that some deer are more tolerant of a bit more human scent, for instance where a farmer drives a tractor and and opens and closes gates? I have a micro spot that I hunt on my land that adjoins a bedding area next door on my neighbors land. I can hunt there very little or I will screw it up like you stated.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Dean great question! I sure do. Does, fawns and young bucks are very tolerant compared to a mature buck. In general if mature bucks have a choice, I find they avoid any kind of stress...does, fawns, young bucks, people, roads, hunters...they all equal stress. But really not boils down to the size of the cover vs other cover options. A 3 acre patch of thick cover next to a barn can feel pretty remote to a mature buck if every other patch of cover is taken cover by lesser deer and hunting pressure. I hope that helps!

[@d65-m1x]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Thanks Jeff , Been following you for a little while and most of what you say makes sense to me. You get me to think of things I may not have considered. Which of your books would you recommend? (All of them, right?...lol)

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@d65-m1x thanks Dean! Yes ALL of them, ha. Well that's a tough one, but really my first one...the red one...published in 2012, "Whitetail Success by Design". We sell it on my site, but you can also check out the reviews on Amazon: www.amazon.com/Whitetail-Success-Design-Designing-Lifetime/dp/0988290006/ref=asc_df_0988290006/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312741934517&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12105754871294874567&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019264&hvtargid=pla-582304245049&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=64940825031&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312741934517&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12105754871294874567&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019264&hvtargid=pla-582304245049 Let me know what you think!

[@danplanck4058]

Thanks for vid Jeff defintly somethin to think about

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

You are very welcome Dan! It is a very, very important concept! Hope it truly helps...

[@tompeplinski]

Jeff, great stuff. I've been watching and reading your stuff for quite some time. I have a question about establishing a food source to establish that bed to feed pattern...or evening feeding pattern as you refer to it. If a hunter/landowner only has timber on their property, would you suggest taking the time, money, effort, etc. to establish this destination food source to set up this evening feeding pattern...or just create good bedding habitat and hunting situations to not put pressure on that timber. I have 80 acres all timber/brush and the closest good food source in this farm country I'm in is close to a mile away.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Tom first boff thanks a lot for watching all the videos and info! I hope this makes sense, but I am personally in the market for my own hunting land (s). I will not buy land unless it has open ground for food plots...they are that important. Even great cover is pretty useless if there is no food to support it, and although deer need daytime browse, a deer herd or hunt can't be built on browse alone. On private land you are at a huge disadvantage without food plots. In particular in non ag areas, a landowner with plots a mile away can hold the daylight attention of most the local mature bucks. Of course they have to be used correctly...low to no hunting pressure, hidden from access, typically not hunted by bow, etc, but they are so powerful that if used correctly they truly are the golden ticket to great herds and hunts. Great herds and hunts that you can come close to building without the food plots. Again...they just have to be unpressured. When I buy land it will have to have at least 4-5 acres of open ground out of 40 acres...preferably 10-15 and somewhat scattered in large pockets. With an 80 acre parcel I would want at least 20 acres of open ground and on any parcel...a lot of diversity. The lower the timber value the better...

[@tompeplinski]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 So, you would spend the investment to create food. My thoughts too but I wanted to see if there were other thoughts. By the way, keep up the good work. Thanks for the quick response.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@tompeplinski you are very welcome Tom! And yes, most definitely. You can make your land a deer magnet! The only problem is that you can quickly run out of food without the compliment of the ag...you will attract a lot of deer from a long distance. I would focus purely on Fall plots ... I hope that helps and good luck Tom!

[@yogibear6271]

agreed 110%. food plots aleast here would do more harm than good could plant3/4 acre plot and I would have 4 tree stands an1 ground blind all right around the edge of it can't do it if the other hunters here aren't going to work with you heck i can't keep them out of the bedding areas. NO need for summer food with all of the alfalfa but it would be nice to give them a winter food source. I'll just keep beating my head against the wall with these fellows.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thank you Yogi. Dang...feel your pain! That Fall and early Winter food source can be so important! More cover?

[@yogibear6271]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions not my property pretty much all hay fields fence row to fence row. with a little piece around 20 acres across the creek on a hill side that's woods that the bucks get pressured out of pretty quick over 90% of the deer bed just off the property.

[@raegruder4626]

What about a feeder for deer is that the same thing?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Same idea for sure...the use has to be extremely low impact. Let the deer believe there is no one hunting them...but that applied to all deer hunting 😉

[@shanedonahue8902]

Have you helped manage much/any properties in TN?

[@stevepalmateer]

Boiled down this is what I got out of this video: 1. don't *overhunt* food plots 2. don't draw deer away from high(er) quality agriculture during summer months

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

For sure Stephen...also: *The attraction of food plots have to be managed or you can destroy your local herd and hunt. The higher the level of the attraction, the greater the potential of diminishing return. There is a also a HUGE potential waste of time and money that often can lead to very poor results for s decade or more. *There is a huge risk while planting food plots. In fact more negative than positive. *But, done correctly food plot can be the golden ticket towards great herds and great hunts. *Food plot planters beware... *Definitely non the Summer food plots...but that is an entirely different topic all together. Summer plots can kill deer goals depending on the location and the sources. Hope that makes sense! Good points you made for sure...

[@DavidS-xg7il]

Does anyone seriously believe you are going to "draw deer away" from higher quality agricultural fields with your low quality food plots?! Seriously

[@stevepalmateer]

@@DavidS-xg7il I think what he is getting at is spend your money at the end of summer when you have a chance of providing nutrition *after* the professionals have begun harvesting their professionally maintained forage.

[@EthanPDobbins]

@@DavidS-xg7il you will during daylight. Deer will stay hidden and eat twigs rather than be in the open at midday

[@DavidS-xg7il]

@@EthanPDobbins so planting a Food plot is going to harm them nutritionally?!!? That's nonsense. Along with most of what this guy says.

[@g.k.dalton4530]

Hey Jeff.. thanks for another great video.!! Does this apply to timed feeders also.? One piece of property I hunt is only 50 archers on one edge of it there is chestnut oaks where they feed on the acorns ... another edge in each corner I’ve put timed feeders creating kind of a triangle and set up in between the oaks and feeders ...so when I went out to do some scouting this past weekend..since our season is coming to an end soon... I notice the weekend Warriors ...that I’ve talked to you about in a previous conversation set a Stand right on the property line fence about 30-40 yards away... 🙄 ..Lol... and I’ve noticed ... by way of trail cam...that the deer were never at that feeder in the day light... and now I know why...so I’m going to have to change my whole strategy.. just wondering what your thoughts may be... the property lines almost make a triangle..oaks are on a shot line in a corner..

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

GK, thanks a lot and you are very welcome! And man, those feeders are EXACTLY the same! Great stand of soft mass trees, feeders, food plot...they each have the ability to hurt you more than help you. Good catch for sure!

[@jesper0917]

I have watched almost all your videos. Supper helpful!! But do you think alot of the deer movement tip you talk about translates well to the south. Here in mid to south alabama it is so thick that I feel like it is harder to say deer are bedding here or this area is a bedding area. Everything is a bedding area. It seem hard to even come on to the property without spooking deer.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

It sure does Jesper...even easier! Quality food plots define where does bed. It works even easier when there is no ag and no other food ots in the area...or there are overly pressured plots around you. High quality food plots defines doe bedding, then bucks bed behind the does. By Making openings and passage ways throughout the thick cover...connecting it all together...you can then make very precise stand locations for morning buck bedding, evening food source movement and daytime cruising movement that relates to doe bedding. Finally, if you keep the pressure OFF the food sources you can rely on that framework of movement all season long.

[@warrenthomas4687]

Great video Jeff. Some great info. Our 75 acres are set up with hunting the transition areas between bedding and our food plots( 3 plots all less than an acre)..........what we have learned is that soybeans never reach maturity because of summer browsing.......when we plant corn we are usually golden ............but beans we can't seem to bring to maturity because of the deer..........any suggestions? We take a couple of doe every year and a nice buck too usually......so its not due to deer density..( I think)......thanks Jeff

[@FirmTacticalSolution]

On our property of 40 acres...we have about 3 acres of food plot space. Im thinking of planting cereal rye, clover, and brassica. We really only hunt 1-3 weekends every year. Opening weekend, maybe the next weekend, and a weekend in alternative season if needed. There's only 4 active hunters. Do you think this would be over hunting? Only 2 stands are close to the plots. Everyone else hunts on the edge of the ridge line. Thanks

[@BEONNEON]

Hey thanks for the great videos. I live in NC and hunt on some family land about 10-15 acres. Harvested my first buck in 2018 during the rut. I have water on my property and the neighbor has a food plot maybe 1/4 mile from the property line. I was thinking of doing a poor mans plot but after this video I think it would be a bad idea. Should I be hunting in what I feel is the travel from food to water?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Man you are very welcome and appreciate hearing from you down in NC! My favorite places to hunt are between food and bedding...or even at the bedding during rut morning hunting opportunities. Food can really mess everything up, BUT food can be incredible if located well. I have a food plot playlist on here, most dealing with the strategy of food plots and food plot hunting concepts...LOTs of info if you care to check out. But I truly hope it helps you and thanks a lot for the feedback!

[@Upandadamsfarm]

Great great content. Just so much packed into each video. Thanks for all you do! Question. How do you create edging to block your stand travel paths by hinge cutting etc without also creating potential for bedding blowing access? Thanks again

[@christopherredelman6602]

This is a great video and I would love for you to come and see the land that I hunt in West Virginia and get your input on how I should be hunting the property.

[@wildercreekhoney]

You have a lot on information on food plots but what’s your position on those individuals who throw corn and soybeans out only during the season? Just joined a club and started some small throw and grow spots because they have a high bear population, and didn’t want to attract bears in my hunting spots. Is it worth the time and money to invest in making a plot or just throw corn?

[@josephstone388]

How much do you charge to scout and design layout for someones property?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks for asking Joseph and thanks for asking! My normal daily fee is $2450. When the parcel size is 150-200 acres+ and depending on the topography and variety of habitat, the fee is a long day fee at $2950. I work on lands December thru September and typically have time for 1-2 WI, MN,IL,IA or MN parcels that are close by, once per month. Other than that I book clients to fill a one week window per month with 5-6 clients out of the same hotel...typically in MI and WI. All of my bookings go through my wife Diane at [e-mail]. She keeps the schedule and we typically have to turn away roughly twice as many as we take just because they are outside of the normal trips...although I fly to several per year at a set, fly-in fee of $4950 + airfare - typically 1 per month. Some ask for 1/2 day fees or phone consultations, but even a two hour phone call turns into 5 hours with follow up and prep time, and since I turn away so many full day fees...it doesn't end up making sense. Also...a consultant can't possibly create a competent plan over the phone that directs someone's resources to be spent accurately. I say all of that just to let you or folks know that my schedule is tight and booked solid every year....although we typically have a hole here or there. I would love to help you out if we can work it out!

[@TSNOutdoors]

So I recently just planted a two acre plot that butts up to 80 acres of corn and 300 acres of beans but I wanted to have two acres left just for food that will hang around a little after all the ag is gone what are you thoughts? Am I doing my deer a disservice? Also this plot is a only a few hundred yards behind my house where we see deer in daylight all year every year

[@TSNOutdoors]

Also there is lots of human traffic, will this draw more and different deer that aren’t used to the human traffic? Or in some circumstances are deer like mine that litterally live in my back yard harmed less by this? Since they can smell us from here anyhow?

[@BurkeHome]

I have a narrow parcel 1733 x 457FT with lake on north house on west, if its brown its down east and south, I am afraid I will spook deer from activity of my home if I put it between lake and house away from pressure but this will give me the most linear depth of cover to create a spot for them to bed doe and bucks, But If I put it in the back of my property I will be putting the food right across a creek from 4 hunters pressure and to the south 2 hunters pressure. What is the lesser of the two evils Me and my Family daily activity or the hunting pressure during GUN only no one else hunts during bow season?

[@WorldsBestFisherman152]

Do you have a website

[@randlerichardson5826]

This is exactly what happened to my cousin on his wife’s family’s land. They planted alfalfa plot but they hunted it hard real hard. They was getting great pics of some good bucks at night. They quit seeing them big boys in the daytime.

[@nathandecker2894]

if I shoot a deer off that food plot will it be ruined for that year or a week or not at all? thanks

[@mattmayfield1274]

Whats ur opinion on auto feeders

[@randlerichardson5826]

Hey brother I’ve been looking for your video like this.

[@rib4th]

Great concept for a video. Appreciated

[@sbtompkins]

Summary... Don't pressure your plots because: 1. You could lower the buck age structure 2. You could destroy your hunt 3. "Disengaging youth" 4. You could end up wasting time and money 5. You might as well not have them if you're only going to hunt food plots Also, "manage the level of attraction" of your food plots. This does not mean to plant soybeans because they have a higher level of attraction than almost everything else. It means don't pressure your food plots and spook deer off of them.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Great summary! Thanks...hope it helps!

[@randlerichardson5826]

If you ever get to TN give me a holler brother. I’d love to get you to look at my place. Maybe one day we will hunt it.

[@wisconsinwhitetail9744]

What would you do on a clients property that has little to no bedding. We have 75 acres, and only 5-7 acres is potential bedding, they bed there most often during the late season, usually does. The rest of our property is ag and food plots, and some fence lines. All our plots are blocked from the road. We are forced to hunt over our plots because we have little to no cover and the deer only come onto our property from one way, the neighbors and it’s usually at last light.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

I would dedicate as much as possible to switchgrass and early successional growth...instant huntable cover and daytime browse. I would get rid of as much as as you can...it doesn't help your herd building or hunting goals in any way. So much you can do with a parcel of land like that, instantly. Ag is pretty bad though, when I comes to deer goals. Unless it's on your neighbors, and then it makes an ideal night time food source.

[@wisconsinwhitetail9744]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions that sounds like a great idea and I figured you would encourage switchgrass planting. But the problem is it’s not technically our land. It’s in a family trust and I highly doubt everyone would agree to convert the cash crop land to hunting land, only me and my dad hunt. Anyways the neighbors have a lot of good bedding. One neighbor owns 40 acres of great bedding, daytime browse and daytime movement. He rarely goes in there other than a couple times a year to hunt. The nice thing is we can shed hunt it. The other neighbor has 80 acres and around 50 acres is great bedding cover and thick marsh with cattails. Switchgrass would add cover but I don’t think it will make an extreme impact when there is 150+ acres of even better bedding areas just next to our place. What do you think, have you seen a senecio like this work well?

[@petehun7752]

So maybe I missed this in a different video but I was wondering how I get ahold of you about helping me manage my property

[@canadianwolf4749]

Go to his website info all on there to contact him !

[@davefoulkrod]

So what's it cost for a consultation. I have a very unique piece of property and was seriously looking to put a food plot in. You honestly wouldn't even have to come to NY you can see everything better from an Arial photo

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Dave I only work on site. In particular because I turn away more than twice as many full day clients as I take and any phone consults turn into roughly 5 hours including pre prep and wrap up...and part because the level of accuracy isn't high enough for me to put my name on it. For example if I told you to cut s bedding area in the wrong location...bulldoze a food plot in the wrong location, etc. You could go for 15 years beating your head against the wall over bad advice. But that being said...NY is a fly-in rate of $4950 + airfare. I typically fly to one client per month. The rest of my trips are clusters of 5-7 clients in MI or WI where I work out of the same hotel room, or random WI/MN/IA/IL clients within 2 hours of home. Thanks for asking Dave!

[@mr.skeptical3071]

I've wasted Soo much $$ on seeds and food plots, it ain't worth it, cause it never fails every summer we get temps in 90's and absolutely no rain. So it all dies! Deer do not need food plots, they've been surviving for centuries with out us. Find out where there bedding, feeding, and the trails that connect the two. That's all u need! If u want to hunt food plots hunt food crops! Let the farmer do all the work, most will be happy to let u hunt as deer are eating thier harvest.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Food plots are an extremely unfair advantage of done correctly...and I haven't seen anywhere they can be done correctly yet. They can be the golden ticket towards a quality herd and hunt. Just have to manage the level of attraction. Also, food plot should almost exclusively be planted during the late Summer...AFTER drought and weeds 😉 Don't knock em until they are used correctly! Try my food plot book that has been out for a few years. I discuss the concepts of food plots that create sure fire food strategies that can be applied anywhere...

[@mr.skeptical3071]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 you conterdicted yourself, u said they are an extremely unfair advantage, then you said don't knock them until u try them, that they can be the golden ticket. Which is it?

[@buyerjg01]

@@mr.skeptical3071 hes saying if the plot is used correctly (correct placement, time of planting, and made to attract daytime activity) you will have an unfair advantage(on the deer). In otherwords they can be your greatest tool if done right but it takes discipline.

[@mr.skeptical3071]

@@buyerjg01 I thought he was knocking them at first. But I still think there a waste of "$ cause half if them don't grow

[@buyerjg01]

@@mr.skeptical3071 ive lost my fair share of plots over the years due to drought conditions and it sucks, until i switched to whitetail institute seed. The rain bond coating helps early on with dry soils and alot of the various seeds have great drought resistance like "whitetail extreme". Now my biggest battle is maintaining soil ph in the hardwoods. I encourage you to check out whitetailinstitute.com and order the sample pack, along with several seed packets it also comes with a informative dvd and a seed manual/guide...best $10 ive ever spent.

[@ScottWConvid19]

With your comprehensive strategies, there will be much more success among hunters that put them to practice, no doubt. Off topic: Every exhaustive study that I've come across (including my own observation) shows that the barometer is the number one factor that causes deer to feed, year round and it is especially important when the deer pressure increases during firearms season when many become nocturnal. I know you're a moon phase believer, but with all the different possible variables, I haven't seen the moon phase, alone, showing consistent evidence

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks a lot Scott...I really hope so! As far as moon phase or BP...I'm actually not a fan of either. In particular the moon phase...never been a fan or have followed the moon for decades. The BP is a just a reflection of good hunting, at times. Not all of the time. It I'd an intangible that I do not believe deer can feel. Deer can feel the temperature change, the wind change, extreme weather change, moisture change...but not the BP. Often the BP will lead you in the right direction because it reflects quality weather change...but often it will create missed opportunities for high value days and it will also falsely signal days that are low quality. I don't even figure the BP into my weather hunt prediction algorithm. It does at times reflect great hunting...but only when the weather conditions are already prime. To use it as a major weather hunt prediction factor would be highly misleading. I talk about that a lot in my latest book, "All Weather Whitetails". Hope that makes sense! But the moon and bp are intangibles that do not truly drive any of my annual hunt predictions. You can use the bo as a reflection of great hunting....at times...but it is not a factor in itself. Here is my weather prediction playlist...about 15 videos I created for you to check out...hope that you like them!

[@Bamamike223]

Well Jeff. Wonderful video. Now I must admit, I didn't get that normal "HIGH" that I get when I watched your videos. For 1 reason, because you made me go back to the drawing board. That wonderful spot I had picked out for my food plot is now a "NO GO". I will just be effectively making it a nocturnal if not decelate plot. Ugghh. And I'm sure that's why you got 22 dislikes for this video. Just like the "ATV" videos. They all know its true! 😂 All that means is you did your job! EXCELLENCY COACH. Thanks as always. Now I'm starting all over. And I must say it makes me happy because I didn't waste time and money. But most importantly, I didn't effect the deer herd in a negative manner. That's not fair to them either. They were at this spot before I got there and they should be there when I no longer hunt it. That's the right thing to do. Thanks Coach!! Mike.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Man Mike, well...I can understand the dislikes too. Like you are feeling...it I'd a really hard pill to swallow. There is a lot of teaching out there that food plots are good no matter what. And that is so absolutely false. Sorry to not give you that typical high, lol! But yes my goal is to have you a lot of time, money and a diminishing return...and for the deer, I want to help you grow a great herd and create a great hunt! Back to the drawing board isn't s bad thing...I really hope this video although painful, helps you a lot! Thanks a lot for the feedback Mike

[@Bamamike223]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Absolutely Jeff! Can't thank you enough. And "my herd" thanks you too!! 😂

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@Bamamike223 ha, good to hear Mike!! I really do appreciate the feedback from you!

[@gettingstartedwithpark2720]

How many deer are supported per acre?

[@nathanverdin309]

Jeff, I recently bought a house on a piece of land that’s about an acre and a half. The wooded portion is in a pinch point of a much bigger wooded area. The whole area is beautiful but I only own a tiny piece of it. My backyard would make for a perfect 1/2 acre food plot. I would be more than grateful if you’d give me some advice, I have some technical questions about hunting pressure, accessibility, and other techniques that pertain to my land. May I shoot you an email on it?

[@JacobSchmittDeerHuntingSchool]

Absolutely a dang good video!!!

[@KeepinYouUp07]

Do you ever come to MA? D

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

I've flown there in the past for clients... Delaware too. I fly to typically one client per month, during a 5-7 month period. This year, KY, CO, PA and NY so far. Set, 3 day fly-in fees. Other than that I am within 2-3 hours of home for a day, or on set, single hotel trips of 5-7 clients in mostly WI and MI, from December to September. I also visit clients around the ATA show...Indy or Louisville. Maybe too much info...but I hope that helps!

[@KeepinYouUp07]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Thanks for the reply. If you ever do any events, etc. around here I would definitely go. I just started hunting last year. Public and a small private parcel. Like most hunters I am trying to nail down the deer movement, patterns and what they're feeding on. Your videos have helped greatly. But in this area of vast woods with a smaller deer population, it's easier said than done. I've been scouting hard the past couple weeks and have learned alot. I just havent figured out what their main source of food is this time of year. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[@tomwurn3167]

Thanks Jeff for a very informative and eye opening video. One question I have is, wouldn't pressure ruin a property whether there is a food plot on it or not? I hunt 20 acres that has about 5 acres of abandoned apple trees, and about 1 acre of woods in the back. It has houses lined down the east side, and apartments behind the woods. I have nocturnal pictures of nice mature bucks, but the are just not visiting in the daytime. I'm thinking about planting pine trees to create cover b/c the field is mostly just wide open. I do know that doe are bedding there and I have seen them during the day. Thanks again for all you do!

[@razorbak6783]

I like your other videos...not sure about this one though. You give 5 reasons not to plant a food plot and in the video it shows you spreading seed into a food plot????

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Listen to the end 😉 I use food plot on every land I hunt...recommend them on every land I visit. However...I NEVER recommend a food plot if someone is going to spook deer off of it, which is the main point at the end. Hope that helps! There are a lot more reasons to not plant s plot, than to plant one. Again though, have to watch the video all the way through. Hope that makes a lot of sense Todd!

[@jasonparker92]

That being said if not possible to plant would feeders be a second choice to feed high protein.

[@tonyperillo5259]

I plant for late season only.....

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

That's a missed opportunity...the most critical and important time of the year is middle of the season...during the most intense time of both hunting opportunity and neighboring hunting pressure. Then, if you are hitting that mark well, you will have plenty of food left over for the late season and Winter months....

[@steveswope1947]

Hi Jeff, What is the best way to get in contact with you as a new client? Please message me at your convenience. Thanks, Steve

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Steve, thanks for asking! My wife handles all client bookings and communication, at [e-mail]. I would email over calling. Diane has a hard time keeping up but much more efficient emailing for her if that is ok for you.

[@immasoxfanbaby]

I planted black bean plants for the deer to eat

[@dillionbalentine7482]

Can we get a five reason why?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

In the video 😉 1. Lowering buck age structure 2. Destroying your hunt 3. Disengaging youth 4. Wasting time and money 5. If your intention is to only be a food plot hunter Those are the 5 main points in the video...and there are probably another 10-15 minor reasons within those 5 major reasons...

[@dillionbalentine7482]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 I meant Five reasons to have a food plot lol

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@dillionbalentine7482 ha, too funny...I basically wrap them all up at the end if the video. A lot more reasons not to have them, for sure. Unfortunately from what I have experienced, the way they most hunters use food plots...they hurt a lot more than the help. Will have to come up with that some day 🙂

[@jaymanuel]

All of this is fine and dandy but what is your advice when you have nothing but pine forest like where I am in Mississippi and little to no agricultural plots around for miles. I have literally done just about everything you say is bad for growing big deer and keeping deer on the property and have had outstanding results. I’ve built up 2 properties ranging from 150-200 acres and got great results. Keep in mind southern people ,the majority of what these experts say DOESN’T apply to the south! Im not discrediting him, I’m just saying our hunting grounds are a whole lot different than what they’re use to. Not being a smart*** but how many of the properties you’ve created have been in the south? I’m just curious because there are so many differences in land. I have no reason to hinge cut on my land. The land and the 5000 acre hunting club surrounding mine has a tremendous amount of cover. There’s so much conflicting information on the internet about attracting and holding deer. In fact I just read an article the other day that says you should never hinge cut your property and talked about the importance of planting year round. Just stating from my experiences over the past 30 years of hunting in the south.

[@randlerichardson5826]

You know what your talking bout brother this is your life. You live it. You give great great advice my friend thank you for sharing with us. You don’t have to do this but you do that means a lot to me. Thank you brother good luck and GOD BLESS. Maybe I can figure out how to get you my phone number soon and we can share pics and stories. GOD BLESS I’d like to show you some of the mounts I’ve got of some old TN bucks. GOD BLESS. I’ll talk to you soon.

[@tonyperillo5259]

Tell Lee lakosky this and see what he thinks...

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

He unfortunately doesn't have the level of experience to agree or not 😉 Tell him to design several hundred food plot programs across 1/2 the country and get back to me, lol I can guarantee Lee doesn't spook his plots either...

[@kylecasetta4091]

Lee has created some great farms and only hunts fields yes. But all his fields have specific wind that its hunted on and he custom cuts trails and roads for access. According to his book and from several conversations I've had with him at deer shows. He preaches and practices extremely low impact hunting.

[@randlerichardson5826]

I’ve got 46 acres I don’t hunt it hard anymore.

[@Quinn4999]

What’s your email I’m interested in getting in contact with you an maybe sending you some aerial shots of my property layout and seeing if I can do anything to improve it or if I can change locations of a couple stands this summer. My neighbors property’s are more of a concern for me.

[@michaelhengel9840]

This is 100% wrong in my opinion. We own 500 acres that had no food plots, and 5 years ago we only had one picture of a 4.5 yr old buck. We planted 15 acres of food plots and now there are giants everywhere, and all of the neighbors still don’t get any mature deer. We shot 3 mature bucks over 160” this year and there are many more that size now. If you want to grow giants, they need the additional food to make it through winter and keep them nourished all year for optimal antler growth. And food plots keep does on the property which means the bucks will be all over them when they get into heat during the hunting season. Food plots= giant, healthy bucks that reach full antler growth potential.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Just don't spook the deer off the plots...they will quickly grow nocturnal. The video isn't wrong, you just need to understand how to not pressure your food plots. After seeing hundreds of food plot programs around the country that fail because hunters apply too much pressure and create a nocturnal herd, I suggest you take the advice and keep the pressure off the plots...or the food plots have just as much power to hurt you and the herd, as they do help you. As someone who designs food plot programs for living, use my experience to help your efforts and make sure that you stay on the straight and narrow 😉 Food plots are the golden ticket to better herds and hunts on private land...but they can also destroy your Whitetails dreams. Keep doing what you are doing...but just keep an open mind and make sure you aren't over pressuring the plots.

[@seamusmclaughlin5916]

This guy knows what he is talking about. You can't see the forest through the trees. He is not wrong. You have to listen and take bits and pieces that hold true. Your situation may be rare and won't last long.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@seamusmclaughlin5916 really appreciate it Seamus, I really do! Some folks don't realize what you learn from designing over 800 food plot programs on parcels across 25 states, in person. Let alone living it for 25 seasons on multiple lands in 3 states...receiving a national award for the efforts, etc. Even a stubborn nimrod like me picked up a thing or two, lol. They can't see past their own narrow set of experiences and don't fully understand why they even have their own level of success. It's crazy...nearly everyone in the world of hunting is an expert. In their own mind. But very, very few have the level of experience to back it up. It is no different than 1 person piecing their own home together over a few years, compared to another that's built 800 different homes in 25 states. BUT, because they built that 1 home...they can't learn anything from someone was paid to build 800 homes for others, as an actual professional home builder. I still learn something on every parcel I visit and I love bringing that to those who are open to learn! Again, thank you...

[@seamusmclaughlin5916]

I have seen and understand what you are saying. I just needed to hear it to confirm it. I spent many hours understanding the whitetail world. You put it into a very understandable way for any one capable of listening and putting your skills to use. I totally love and appreciate whitetails. I am a conservative hunter. I wish I could speak with you some day.@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751

[@seamusmclaughlin5916]

Deer are creatures of habit. Not so much of opportunity. They are survivors. They can change their routine do to unwanted interference. Their are also deer that live in rural communities that are use to car doors slamming, laundry dryer sheets, human smell and human voices. I have hunted these places. These deer are nothing like big woods deer. It is situational with deer. They adapt. It may be easier in certain circumstances and nearly impossible in others. Understanding these things like you do is excellent to share.

[@dallascarnahan8935]

He is very confusing. Im more lost now than before I watched it.

[@chrisao1987]

Deer dont need food plots. There is plenty of food for them in the natural forest. The fun of hunting is scouting, finding your deer trails, and bedding locations. Then setting up a stand or a chair on the ground against a tree and waiting for them to cross through. If you have deer on your land then there is no reason to plant something to pull them to you they are already there. If there are to many deer your going to spook them and then they are going to become nocturnal and your not seeing anything during the day. Hunting food plots is not hunting your just having deer come to you and killing them. This guy, although has good knowledge, essentially sets up deer farms on your property. This style of "hunting" isn't fun and just takes away from the sport.

[@davekaisler309]

@@chrisao1987 I think you miss the point. Some people love to spend the entire year making their habitat better for the deer in every way they can. In most cases that includes creating food plots. If you choose not to that's fine but don't look down on people that do. We hunters have to stick together however we hunt, not beat up on each other

[@alaskamike3577]

Man O Man, where did this ambiguous thought process come from? Talk about throwing a wrench in a lifetime of deer herd management tactics and land prep trends. Somehow this goes against the grain of tried and true land management tactics. I appreciate the study, research and passion that you display here but the land and the food plots I grew up hunting on never caused the shooter bucks to go exclusively nocturnal. We monitored the pressure on the plots, monitored the quality of deer taken and continued to have success for over 40 years. In my experience of 50 years hunting Whitetail and Blacktails in Alaska, the Alpha (150 class and up) bucks on any land are pretty much nocturnal 99% of the time anyway and will only be seen/shot during or around the Rut. Not in every case obviously but more than not. I will say that planting any spring food plot is a waste of time and money. You are competing with nature as she does her green up spring routine all around you. What good does it do to have 5 acres of clover plots to compete with thousands of acres surrounding you of succulent natural food coming out at the same time. My Oats, Turnips, Rye and Wheat work like magnets in the fall when everything else is dead in the woods. The only thing you want to plant in the spring is Egyptian Wheat/Sorghum Sudan to form a 12 ft high sight barrier to your plots to keep them totally private and secluded for the deer to come out in during the day. The deer won't eat the Egyptian Wheat until it gets seed top heavy and breaks over in late November. Then they will eat only the seeds.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

And that's the problem Mike...they are not nocturnal. You should be seeing mature bucks at a minimum of 1 nocturnal buck for every buck in an around shooting hours. On great properties...you should see even more. This is a HIGHLY proven and highly defined thought process practiced now successfully on thousands of deer parcels. Even to the point of easily taking advantage of neighbors who share a thought process like yours. The problem is that most scientific, tried and true methods are not based on mature buck hunting tactics. Bucks want to hit those food plots during the daylight, but most hunters don't let them. Take it from someone who has designed over 800 food plot programs...instead of just 1. Or a handful. Or even 100. In over 25 states. If you have 99% of all bucks hitting your food pots after dark...there is a severe, severe problem going on. Hence...this video. Easy to change...but you have to follow the tips on this site. Because less than 5% of all parcels are daylight parcels, and if you follow traditional methods your parcel won't be one of them... Just try to have an open mind...and you can erase that 99%. Easy to do...if an old dog allows itself to be taught new tricks 😉 Don't fall victim to being taken advantage of a neighbor who applied these tactics...instead be a leader in your neighborhood and be the true herd influencer. Because if bucks aren't hitting your land until after dark...someone else is the leader and true influencer of the herd. That's a hard pill to swallow but 100% true...

[@alaskamike3577]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Thanks for the Reply Jeff. This concept hit me like a ton of bricks when I first clicked into the video but because I have such high respect for your knowledge and work I watched the whole thing. You are right that after so many years of one thought process it is going to be difficult to change. I noticed some of the other guys had a little tough time taking hold of this concept too. I will watch again and take notes this time. Again, I cannot thank you enough for your very thorough reply. Please continue as I watch and learn from all of your videos

[@justarcher]

This guys a frick'n idiot

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@alaskamike3577 Mike that means a whole lot to me! Dang this is a tough subject. You can imagine when I am with clients this subject jumps out on aerial photo like a flashing neon sign. But, the clients have often placed box blinds and sometimes have spent thousands of dollars of food plot clearing. I have to work 1/2 the day to teach and change their mindset. Folks hire me to design their habitat...but I spend the most time redesigning how people hunt. There are some very common answers to a set of questions I go through with clients before we ever hit the woods: *The best years of food plot are the first years of food plot. There is typically a diminishing return over 5 years, let alone 10-15 years or more. *Mature bucks quickly become nocturnal, although there are more of them...initially. *After 8-10 years not only are the mature bucks almost exclusively nocturnal on the plots and anywhere within 200-400 yards, there are fewer of them. Many mature bucks have learned to avoid the parcel completely. *Hunters become almost exclusively rut hunters...the only time a mature buck will show himself. *Does, fawns and yearling bucks overpopulate the land...outcompeting mature bucks for daylight space. *Does and fawns are the great deceivers...they make you think everything is OK. *With nocturnal food plots, deer cross borders to a much higher rate. I find a lot of clients stands in borders, facing neighbors and waiting for deer to come into the land in the afternoon. *The more daylight border crossings, the more bucks are exposed to several times more hunters. I believe even vehicle collisions, predation and poaching levels are increased. Overly pressured food plots cause deer to move much greater lengths of daily or night time movement, on small parcels. It creates so many problems for landowners. So not only do I design food plot programs...I have to redesign food plot programs and redesign how folks hunt - all in a day or two. Times over 800. I do it because when clients, hunters, viewers or readers do this...their hunt is changed for the better, for a lifetime. That never fails. It is a very rewarding process and I just try to deliver that level of experience to this channel, my website, my speaking events, etc. I don't blame folks for getting a little bent out of shape. Folks are proud, especially hunters. But this stuff works, 100%. I hope that helps Mike and I have a lot of respect for our discussion and for you. I really do appreciate it! Thank you...

[@randlerichardson5826]

You take a old doe she’s the smartest deer in a patch of woods.

[@michaelmoody8157]

Not even remotely.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Easiest to shoot...very dependable and short daily movements 🙂

[@randlerichardson5826]

Whitetail Habitat Solutions yep they have their routines every day. Helped me kill one one time. If she thought somebody was in the woods she would start snorting. I took her out.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@randlerichardson5826 ha, that's a good idea for sure. Once they peg you, your location is done. Good call for sure!

[@FrostyCranmer]

Hunt @ nighttime.....

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Crazy...but you would probably turn the deer towards daylight movements 🙂

[@doublewayne1089]

Yeah you are way to expensive to listen to, lets get real and not just appeal to the pro Team RealTree hunters ok we all aint rich

[@hoosiergrizz2742]

"Small parcel...500 acres or less." I'm sorry, I don't have enough $ to listen to you, me lord. Thumbs down and bu-bye.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Meaning the deer will be influenced if you hunt food plots poorly, even on 500 acres. All the parcels I teach about are mostly 40 acres or less...or public land. You don't have enough money to hunt public land? I would say make some lifestyle changes...just about anyone can hunt public land if you really want to hunt whitetails-amazing opportunities. Or lease small parcels like I do for a fraction of the cost of owning. I personally have 3 hunting grounds...including the one I am standing on in the video, that are 45 acres in less ..in fact 8, 30 and 40 acres of cover. My only private land hunting grounds. It was an illustration. If hunters negatively affect their hunt on 500 acres, imagine how they effect their hunt on 200 acres, 40 acres or 10 acres when they do the same thing. You have to listen to the entire video to learn 😉 If not, your loss...not mine.

[@DavidS-xg7il]

You completely over analyzed and missed the mark with this video. Text book example of bad science.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Actually something I do for a living at a level probably no one else has the experience to debate. This is a basic form of deer habitat, herd and hunting management that hunters need to pay attention to. Folks pay me an average of $2600 a day to design their food plot programs across the entire country. To date I have designed over 800 food plot programs (among other things) in 25 states since 2005. This is a hard pill to swallow for a lot of landowners but just because you have pretty food plot, doesn't mean that you are going to have a great herd or hunt. In fact the majority of time it is the exact opposite. For those that listen to this advice...their land, herd and hunt will be better off....often by the very next season. It doesn't really matter to me if you personally believe that or not...bit I do have the experience on hundreds of small parcels across the country to back it up. #1 problem on nearly every whitetail parcel. And something I am very passionate about helping other hunters about. Also something I have been consistently teaching for many, many years. Basic stuff really 😉 For more advanced food plot advice I suggest you watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ooS8ZWqmidqLr9k Or check out my food plot book on Amazon or my site...the reviews, etc. Bottom line, I really want to help folks out who are willing to listen...this is a black and white subject that has reversed declining whitetail results from a decade or more for good, hard working folks that just had a bad food plot program. This is based on the experience of hundreds of good folks...just trying to help people not make their mistakes, or how to correct the mistakes that have personally made.

[@nazhoseincom]

Hey just talk and talk nonsense...

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@nazhoseincom this is a very hard pill for landowners to swallow...but man such an important message if someone is open to hewring the truth.

[@DavidS-xg7il]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 thanks for the through reply. You may have a plethora of experience, and people may pay you to get your opinions, of that I have no doubt. But you are propagating the same bad science that is rampant among both hunters and deer biologists. I am not disagreeing with your premise that hunting deer over food plots makes deer harder to kill on food plots and trained to stay away from food plots during daylight. But the statement that planting food plots alone can have an affect on the age structure of the heard is preposterous. Also the statement you made about planting a food plot will cause deer to abandon feeding on a more nutritious agricultural fields and harm the herd is beyond wrong. And I find it difficult to believe that statement would be made by anyone with even a basic understanding of deer behavior.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

@@DavidS-xg7il I've just seen the diminishing return on client lands with 25 years of history...10 years of history...5 years of history, etc. Seen it hundreds of times. I could drag you around the country to prove it to you, but it's what I do for a living. It is so common it is stupid. I feel so bad for landowners. It is a recurring theme that is black and white...pressured food plots destroy neighborhood buck age structure. What I do is to lower on and off daylight movement on my client lands, to s fraction of what they are today. Food plots are the largest culprit of on and off daylight movement. Significantly reduce how often young bucks (or old) move on and off parcels, and you RAISE buck age structure. It's a common theme...just have to have enough experience to recognize it and see the signs. The more attractive landowners make their land, the more problems they have. They hire me often after 10 years or more of doing it the wrong way and seeing very poor results. Easy to turn around in less than a year, but it takes discipline and often is the exact opposite of what they are currently doing. It works...it is easy to diagnose, easy to fix and that's why I try to get the word out on any of this stuff. Proven tactics that have stood the test of time... As far as summer food sources...increased doe herds, less efficient Fall food plot programs, wasted resources. It's not wrong...you just don't have enough experience to know better. Keep watching my stuff and learn, this is a teaching channel. Me to you.

[@justarcher]

Food plots work..period..you were standing in your own..during your false informatonal video

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

You really aren't paying attention 😉 Food plots work...when used CORRECTLY...they can be very bad when not used correctly. A 100% true patter. Hard pill for folks to swallow, but knowledge is power. Which is why I have dozens of videos and articles created to help folks learn how to use them correctly. Many are set up for food plot failures before they begin. I can only imagine that you are one of those hunters, so I suggest you stick on the channel and learn some more...