Protect Your Deer Plot: How to Keep Hungry Bucks off Young Forage

Just because something is different, doesn’t mean it’s automatically better. However, sometimes change can lead to improved growth! This is what some of our Hancock customers have discovered who use our seed blends for developing food plots meant for deer and other wildlife. They’ve done soil testing and the weather has been great, but their plot isn’t growing as intended. We promise that it’s not due to “bad” seed on our end!

Fortunately, one of our friends and clients in Georgia provided a photo showing a literal example of “the grass is higher on the other side,” which also aids to illustrate the problem. You can view exactly what they saw by scrolling down: Hancock’s Spring & Summer Food Plot Mix is flourishing on one side of the fence, whilst the same mix is growing in a patchier manner on the opposite side.

The primary problem is the deer population. Our friends were unaware of how many deer there were in the area and did not take proper precautions to keep them away from the young plot! Deer are ravenous and will devour anything in their path, regardless of how developed it is, which ultimately prevents it from reaching its potential. Our friends are smart people though, and they’ll take steps to prevent this issue from happening again next year.

Luckily, you can guard your food plot against similar disasters by following the advice below!

Temporary Fencing

The primary features of the photo above are the fence and gate. Electric fences are a common way to keep deer out of areas where food plots are growing. If constructed correctly, deer fences will allow your food plot all the space it needs. There are even more sophisticated options available, including electric fences powered by solar batteries for those who want them.

The price of a fence ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars. You may be wondering if it’s worth the investment, but the answer is yes for two reasons: In the short term, this will ensure that your food plot seed and supplies are not eaten as soon as you buy them. In addition, fences last multiple years and pay for themselves in the long run.

Deer Repellant

Do you only want to fence a small section of your yard? Deer repellent is a simpler alternative. nThese repellents are generally applied directly to the plant, and the scent of the chemicals sprayed is more than enough to deter hungry deer. Speak with other hunters in your region and ask for recommendations on which product works best for them; chances are you’ll have comparable success if you use it.

Although repellents keep animals away without a fence, you’ll have to respray after it rains.

Newfangled Technology

Deer are not immune to noises or smells. Audio deer repellents, which were formerly uncommon, have become increasingly popular in recent years. These are often electric boxes that detect movement and fire an ultra-high frequency sound wave in the direction of deer. Humans cannot hear the noise, but more sensitive animals find it painful.

You’ll need at least 10 of these gadgets to cover an acre of food plot, as they only cover 4,000 square feet now.

Don’t Blame The Seed!

If your food plot isn’t developing the way you want it to, it’s easy to point the finger at the seed. However, don’t forget that deer play a part in this too! Hancock’s deer plot blends have been developed to do well in dry conditions and sandy soil. To ensure that your food plot is safeguarded, take some precautions tonight so we can all sleep soundly!