Food Plot Update

April saw record snowfall in northwest Alcona County, Michigan.  It was a toss-up if we’d even get the clover and chicory we wanted to plant in the ground.  The weather warmed drastically over a ten day period near the end of the month and we were able to get a lot done.  We tested the soil, we limed, we fertilized and we were even able to plant a chicory plot.  We bought the clover seed but ran out of time and didn’t get it planted.  I wanted to plant some Milo but that would have to wait as it requires a soil temperature of greater than 60 degrees.  

One of the plots covered in snow in early April 2016, just a few weeks before the start of our plot work.

As often happens with a busy job and family we didn’t get back to the hunting grounds until the first part of July for some family vacation time.  I was anxious to see how the chicory had done and how a second year clover plot was doing.  We were greeted by a deer in the chicory plot as we pulled up the drive.  It moved off through the front yard and disappeared into the timber out back.  A good sign and I anticipated seeing a lush field of chicory as we drove past.  I was disappointed, the plot had more than a few ferns growing in it among some other broad leaf weeds and grass.  There was a deer there though, it was eating something?  I’d have to wait for morning to check the plot.  

As it turns out the chicory plot and a second year clover plot we have were both growing but because of the shade from the ferns and some competition were a little stunted.  The plots looked better and better the more we cleared away.  That’s why that deer was there, it was eating the clover growing under the ferns.  The ferns are an indication that the soil isn’t quite where we want it, but the ground is able to grow the food anyway and that’s a very good sign.  Our other plots had no ferns, a very good sign that the soil pH is really getting right in these plots.  My dad, nephew, and I worked to drag these plots and plant the other clover field as well as two Brassica plots.  The soil was well over 60 degrees now and we planted Milo as screening cover on the edges of the remaining plots and worked the Milo up a road we had cut, turned, limed, and fertilized.  

Food plot fun.  Working the plots give the kids a chance to have fun too.

My nephew returned and visited the plots near the beginning of August.  He reported that they were growing but photo evidence he provided was inconclusive.  I could see growth but had to ask if we were just growing really nice weeds or grass.  I noticed during our clearing and planting activity at the beginning of July that we had more of a grass problem then a weed problem.  However, it is still a goal to roundup our annual plots next year before planting.  I think the perennial plots (two clover and one chicory) should just be sprayed for grass and have another application of lime to knock down the fern growth.  As for the Milo, I’m not sure if it is going to grow at all.  It requires the seed be a little deeper than clover, chicory, or Brassica and I’m just not sure we achieved that even though we drug it and rolled it.  

Joel Tomaszewski's 2015 buck.  They are getting bigger and better.

Regardless of how the plots shake out this year we learn a little more every year and all indications are that the soil pH is finally getting right and more grass and weed control might be the final piece of the puzzle that could finally yield lush thick plots (just like the ones you see on the seed bags).  All that being said though, since we began getting serious about the plots and passing small deer we are seeing and killing more and better bucks.