Quick Answer
To know if your food plot is working, observe deer activity, track changes in vegetation, and measure yield. Look for visible signs of deer feeding, such as tracks, scrapes, and rubs. Monitor the growth and health of the plants, and adjust your strategy as needed.
Section 1: Establishing a Baseline
Before evaluating the success of your food plot, it’s essential to establish a baseline of what to look for. This involves setting up game cameras or trail cameras to capture images of deer in the area, noting their activity patterns, and tracking changes in vegetation. For example, if you’re planting clover, look for a vibrant green color and a lush, dense canopy. If you’re planting brassicas, watch for the emergence of bright green leaves and a rapid growth rate. By establishing a baseline, you’ll be able to identify subtle changes in the food plot’s health and deer activity.
Section 2: Measuring Deer Activity
To determine if your food plot is attracting deer, measure deer activity by counting the number of deer visits, noting the time of day and year, and identifying the sex and age of the deer. For example, if you’re planting a clover food plot in the spring, look for a peak in deer visits during the months of March to May, when whitetail fawns are born. If you’re planting a brassica food plot in the fall, look for a peak in deer visits during the months of October to December, when deer are preparing for the winter months. By tracking deer activity, you’ll be able to adjust your food plot strategy to maximize deer visits and overall hunting success.
Section 3: Evaluating Plant Growth and Yield
To ensure your food plot is providing the necessary nutrients for deer, evaluate plant growth and yield. This involves measuring the plant’s height, density, and leaf color, as well as tracking the overall yield of the crop. For example, if you’re planting a clover food plot, aim for a density of 50,000 to 75,000 plants per acre, with a height of 6 to 8 inches. If you’re planting a brassica food plot, aim for a density of 20,000 to 30,000 plants per acre, with a height of 12 to 18 inches. By evaluating plant growth and yield, you’ll be able to identify areas for improvement and adjust your food plot strategy to maximize deer nutrition and overall hunting success.
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