Mississippi hunters can still plant, replant deer food plots
RAYMOND, Miss. ( WJTV ) – Officials with the Mississippi State University (MSU) Extension Service said frustration is mounting for deer hunters across the state whose cool-season food plots died or never got planted due to drought conditions.
"This is the second year in a row that it's been too dry," said Bill Hamrick, a wildlife associate with the MSU Extension Service. "While the rain has been scarce, some hunters and hunting clubs were able to time a mid-September food plot planting ahead of near certain rain events. In some cases, they got good seed germination but have had little to no rain since. Their plots have either died or are currently dying. Other food plots showed promise early until the armyworms showed up and destroyed them."
Although it's November, Hamrick said hunters still have time to replant.
Erick Larson, MSU Extension small grains specialist, recommends cereal grains, including oats, triticale, wheat and cereal rye, for hunters who want to produce vegetation that attracts deer during the hunting season.
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"Clover species are slower to produce growth in the fall, so late emergence will likely delay production until late winter and springtime," said Larson. "Although they may not provide much benefit this fall, clovers will provide deer with additional nutrition in spring and mutually improve growth of grasses by supplying nitrogen and enhancing soil organic matter."
Officials said cereal grains are a good choice because of their ability to germinate and grow in cooler soil temperatures as well as their hardiness against intermittent frosts.
Hamrick said grazing pressure could be an issue for these late planted plots if excessive dry conditions persist.
Hunters who plan to broadcast seed should re-till plots with heavier soil types. In sandy soils, tilling may not be necessary, but using a cultipacker is recommended for all soil types to help firm up the seed bed. Hunters should ensure cereal grains are covered to protect them from turkeys, doves and crows.
If planting with a seed drill, re-tilling, using a cultipacker and covering the seed are not necessary.
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