Planting a food plot in your backwoods can significantly enhance the habitat for whitetail deer, providing them with nutritious forage and increasing your chances of successful wildlife observation or hunting. Utilizing specialized seed mixes from Domain Outdoor—such as Hot Chic, Comeback Kid, No BS, Overhaul, and Clutch Clover—can simplify this process and yield effective results.

Selecting the Right Location

Choosing an appropriate site is crucial. Look for small clearings or areas with minimal tree cover that receive adequate sunlight. Locations like logging roads, firebreaks, or natural openings are ideal. Ensure the site is accessible for planting and maintenance but secluded enough to make deer feel secure. 

Soil Preparation

Begin by testing the soil pH; whitetail deer prefer forage grown in soils with a pH between 5.8 and 7.0. Adjust the pH if necessary by adding lime to raise it or sulfur to lower it. Clear the area of debris, rocks, and existing vegetation. In backwoods settings, heavy machinery may not be feasible, so hand tools like rakes or hoes can be effective for preparing the seedbed. 

Choosing the Appropriate Seed Mix

Domain Outdoor offers several seed mixes tailored for different conditions:

• Hot Chic: This mix includes chicory and two varieties of clover, making it suitable for new plot establishments, shady areas, and no-till planting. It's tolerant of acidic soils and drought, providing nutrient-rich forage for deer and turkey.

• Comeback Kid: Combining four special varieties of clover and one variety of alfalfa, this perennial mix establishes quickly and can last up to five years. It offers forages with protein levels above 30%, making it highly attractive to deer.

• No BS: Ideal for areas without heavy equipment access, this no-till mix contains forage oats, red and white clover, forage rape, radish, and chicory. It's designed to establish quickly and attract deer to hard-to-reach stand locations in the woods.

• Overhaul: This mix is designed to improve soil health while attracting deer. It includes spring triticale, crimson clover, balansa clover, buckwheat, and tillage radish, making it suitable for spring planting.

• Clutch Clover: A blend of clover varieties that provides a high-protein food source, promoting antler growth and overall herd health. It's durable and can withstand heavy grazing pressure.

Planting and Maintenance

Follow the planting guidelines provided by Domain Outdoor for each specific mix, paying attention to seeding rates and planting depths. After planting, ensure good seed-to-soil contact by pressing the seeds into the soil, which can be achieved by walking over the area or using a roller. Regular maintenance, such as mowing (for perennial mixes like Comeback Kid) and fertilization based on soil test recommendations, will promote healthy growth and prolong the life of your food plot. 

Benefits of Backwoods Food Plots

Establishing food plots in wooded areas offers several advantages:

• Enhanced Deer Attraction: Providing a reliable food source in the woods can draw deer into areas where you can observe or hunt them more effectively

• Improved Deer Health: High-quality forages supply essential nutrients, supporting overall herd health and antler development.

• Increased Hunting Success: Strategically placed food plots can serve as effective hunting spots, especially during the early and late seasons.

By carefully selecting the location, preparing the soil, choosing the appropriate seed mix, and maintaining your food plot, you can create a thriving habitat that benefits both the local deer population and your wildlife management goals.