The last chance to plant? Late-season plantings are deer magnets

While most hunters concentrate more on hunting than preparing food plots this month, cool-season plots can still be culitivated. Peak moons and dwindling daylight triggers heavy rutting activity; bucks begin seeking out does coming into estrus, and cooling temperatures draw does towards concentrated food sources.

The fall food plot couldn’t come at a better time, but October offers hunters a last opportunity to cultivate a rich food plot before colder temperatures deteriorate the chance of getting a viable crop established.

Basically, deer travel back and forth between food sources and protected bedding areas. The best food sources will generally hold the most wildlife and can attract animals from great distances when environmental conditions trigger intense hunger pangs. While several hard- and soft-mast species produce available groceries in the fall, these food sources are short-lived and sometimes naturally-deficient in some areas. Seasonal mast will usually be depleted by the time wildlife really require the supplemental nutrition.

Biologists cannot say enough about the positive benefits of cool-season food plots. Protein, carbohydrates, fat and an entire selection of vitamins and minerals fuel deer throughout the fall and into the winter months. Luckily for the eager deer hunter, cool-season plots can be prime locations to encounter trophy bucks.

October temperatures can fluctuate rather violently from freezing to sweltering, summer-like days. Early October plantings will generally have a better shot at producing an ample crop than late October plantings. Soils retain moisture better earlier in the month, preventing young seedlings from drying out.

For the best results, cold-tolerant species should be planted in October. Winter peas, oats, rye, chicory, winter wheat and buckwheat will offer usage shortly after germination. These species are likable and offer adequate nutrition for deer and other wildlife. Three to four weeks without freezing temperatures will jump-start these cultivars and provide a lush stand of groceries for deer and other wildlife to enjoy.

Brassicas such as rape, turnip and kale can also be planted in October, but they are better to plant during late summer to establish a thick stand. However, there are some short-maturation varieties available that come close to maturity before the first frost hits. As a bonus, deer prefer feeding on brassicas after a heavy frost; the freeze makes the forage more palatable. Even though brassicas may take longer to fully mature, deer will begin munching on the green sprouts shortly after germination.

Not to mention, deer just love the tasty and palatable characteristics of brassicas. Really, brassicas are prime hunting plots for their extreme likability by deer. As a bonus, brassicas are loaded with extremely high levels of digestible protein from the leaves to their roots. Some specific cultivars of brassicas have over one-third of its biomass as pure protein.

With the arrival of the first rutting activity and cooling weather, prolific food sources become important resources for deer — and ideal locales for encountering a mature buck. It’s not too late to plant a few food plots and create hot spots to feed and attract deer the rest of the season.