What To Know
- Planting and maintaining turnip food plots is a rewarding endeavor for deer hunters, ensuring a plentiful supply of food for the animals and enhancing hunting success.
- Remember to scout the area, prepare the soil, choose the right variety, plant and care for the turnips, and maintain the plot for optimal results.
- The satisfaction of seeing deer flourish on your food plot and the excitement of harvesting a trophy buck are rewards that make the effort worthwhile.
Turnip food plots offer an irresistible attraction for deer, providing a rich source of nutrition and a strategic hunting advantage. Planting and maintaining turnip food plots is a rewarding endeavor for deer hunters, ensuring a plentiful supply of food for the animals and enhancing hunting success. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential knowledge and techniques to establish and manage thriving turnip food plots for deer.
Selecting the Right Location
The location of your turnip food plot is crucial for its success. Choose an area with well-drained soil, ample sunlight, and easy access for deer. Avoid areas prone to flooding or excessive shade. Consider the proximity to water sources and natural deer trails to increase the plot’s visibility and accessibility.
Preparing the Soil
Thoroughly prepare the soil before planting. Remove any existing vegetation and till the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. Amend the soil with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, to provide essential nutrients for the turnips. Use a soil test to determine the specific nutrient needs of your soil.
Choosing the Right Variety
Select a turnip variety that is well-suited to your climate and soil conditions. Some popular choices for deer food plots include Purple Top White Globe, Seven Top, and Shogoin. Consider the maturity date of the turnips to ensure they will be ready for hunting season.
Planting the Turnips
Plant turnip seeds 1/2 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart. Firm the soil around the seeds gently. Water the plot thoroughly after planting. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilizing and Watering
Fertilize the turnip food plot every 3-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Water the plot regularly, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Controlling Weeds and Pests
Regularly check the turnip food plot for weeds and pests. Remove weeds by hand or use a herbicide. Control pests, such as aphids or cabbage loopers, using an appropriate insecticide.
Hunting the Turnip Food Plot
Once the turnips have reached maturity, you can begin hunting the food plot. Use a treestand or ground blind to conceal yourself. Be patient and wait for deer to visit the plot. Turnip food plots can attract deer from great distances, so be prepared for exciting hunting opportunities.
Maintaining the Turnip Food Plot
After hunting season, maintain the turnip food plot to ensure its longevity. Remove any remaining turnips and till the soil to incorporate organic matter. Plant a cover crop, such as clover or ryegrass, to protect the soil and provide additional forage for deer.
Conclusion: Reap the Rewards of a Thriving Turnip Food Plot
By following these steps, you can establish and maintain thriving turnip food plots that will provide a consistent source of nutrition for deer and enhance your hunting success. Remember to scout the area, prepare the soil, choose the right variety, plant and care for the turnips, and maintain the plot for optimal results. The satisfaction of seeing deer flourish on your food plot and the excitement of harvesting a trophy buck are rewards that make the effort worthwhile.
FAQ
Q: When is the best time to plant turnip food plots for deer?
A: The optimal planting time for turnip food plots varies depending on your climate. In general, plant turnips in the late summer or early fall, approximately 60-75 days before the first hard frost.
Q: How often should I fertilize my turnip food plot?
A: Fertilize the turnip food plot every 3-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can result in excessive leaf growth and reduce turnip production.
Q: How can I attract deer to my turnip food plot?
A: To attract deer to your turnip food plot, ensure it is in a visible and accessible location. Plant a variety of turnips that mature at different times to provide a consistent food source throughout the hunting season. Consider creating a mock scrape or mineral lick near the plot to further attract deer.
