Ed Wall: Planting now for better luck next fall

Mother Nature threw hunters in eastern North Carolina some curve balls this fall. First, Hurricane Irene came roaring through, flooding some areas, turning wooded tracts into disaster zones, and driving mourning doves to parts unknown.

For many, it was the poorest dove and deer seasons in decades. Then, with the arrival of waterfowl season, temperatures rose to spring-like levels and stayed there. While golfers celebrated one of the warmest winters this region has seen since they started keeping records, duck and goose hunters sat in the marshes, wearing sunglasses and swatting mosquitoes – and shooting few birds.

Ironically, the problems caused by the weather came at a time when biologists say the number of doves, ducks and deer were the highest that most of us have ever seen. But, one trait many outdoorsmen share is that they are optimists and a frequently-heard comment has been, "At least we left a lot for seed." Some of them also realize they can do some things now to help put the odds in their favor next fall when, hopefully, climatic conditions will be a little more favorable. One is to establish food plots

Although state and federal regulations forbid hunting over bait for most animals except deer, there is no problem with shooting in fields or over food plots which have been planted in the spring for the benefit of wildlife. A big question in many cases, however, is what to plant. The following are some suggestions gleaned from private seed companies, conservation organizations and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. The plants listed are not the only ones that will benefit wildlife but are a selection of some that do well in our particular soil and climate.

White Proso Millet – This is an annual that grows one to two feet tall. It’s especially good for doves because it doesn’t form a heavy ground cover and does well in dry periods. In addition, it scatters seed easily when combined or mowed. White Proso takes about 90 days to mature so, to be available for early-migrating birds, it should be planted by the end of May.

Browntop Millet – This branching, annual panicum matures more quickly than the White Proso variety and can be planted as late as the last of June in this region. It’s a heavy seed producer that will last well into the fall season.

Black Sunflower – In addition to being an ideal food for all game who relish high oil content crops such as doves and turkeys, these plants are a beautiful addition to the summer landscape. Reaching about two or three feet tall, they form the bright yellow crown typical of all sunflowers and a small head full of black seed.

Sudan or Alum Sorghum – All sorghums are excellent wildlife food. The problem with most of them, though, is they only get two or three feet tall and never have a chance to develop full seed heads because deer keep them cropped off. The Sudan and Alum varieties are exceptions. They will grow to eight feet or more. In some spots, wily whitetails have learned to bend the plants over so they can reach the seeds, but apparently that takes more effort than they’re willing to expend so the plants usually last well into the fall. One added benefit of Alum Sorghum is that it’s a perennial.

Iron Clay Peas – This late-maturing pea provides excellent green forage for deer and high-quality seeds for quail when the plants mature. It can be grown on a variety of soils and tolerates dry spells well.

White Clover – It’s been said that deer will walk right through a field of corn or millet to reach clover. Whether that’s true or not may depend on the tastes of each particular animal. In any case, clover is a palatable, nutritious ground cover that can be used for erosion control as well as wildlife food. In addition to the White variety, there are others that are touted as being especially beneficial in antler development in deer. All varieties of clover are attractive to rabbits.

Kobe Lespedeza – This bushy perennial is very drought resistant and does well on even marginal land, growing to a height of about three feet. The greatest benefit of Lespedeza may be that the plants release their seeds gradually, providing food quail and other ground-feeding birds late into the winter. A similar variety, Korean Lespedeza, grows taller and produces seed earlier.

Japanese Millet – Hunting where grain has been scattered for waterfowl or other migratory birds is definitely a no-no. However, crops may be planted and then manipulated in "any normal agricultural method," or even flooded, without penalty. In low-lying areas, an excellent food for ducks is Japanese Millet. It’s an annual that grows to around three feet and develops a thick head of nutritious seeds.

Buckwheat – In spots where soil quality is questionable, Buckwheat is a good choice. It’s suitable for almost any type of soil and is attractive to all types of game animals, including ducks if planted near a beaver pond or swamp. Buckwheat matures in about 10 to 12 weeks and the seeds remain on the stalk a long time afterward, providing food over an extended period.

Chufa – Turkey hunters in the spring woods would be wise to set up near a patch of Chufa if they can find one. The small, nut-like tubers are relished by the big birds as well as by deer and other wildlife. They grow throughout the southern U.S. and can be planted anytime from early spring through June.

Planting wildlife food plots is no guarantee a hunter will bag a trophy buck or a limit of doves next fall. There are other factors, such as escape cover, water, predators and pesticides that have to be considered in managing habitat. Then, there are the human/hunter variables, such as being able to sit still while that big deer comes slipping through the woods, or being able to hit a dove zipping by overhead like an aerial acrobat. Food plots won’t necessarily compensate for those things. They will improve the odds, though, that the hunter will at least see a deer, dove or other game when he takes to the field – assuming the weather cooperates next fall.

Popular food plot reference available from QDMA

With over 15,000 copies sold to date, one of the top-selling books in the hunting industry is "Quality Food Plots," published by the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA). Now in its second printing, the book’s 14 chapters cover topics such as deer nutrition requirements, soil fertility, equipment needs, planting methods, troubleshooting and incorporating food plots in hunting strategies. It was produced by biologists, agronomists, soil scientists, equipment experts and hunters but is written in terms that even a food plot novice can follow easily. Hundreds of color photos, charts and illustrations explain important concepts.

"Quality Food Plots" is available from QDMA’s online store, The Shed, found at www.qdma.com. It sells for $34.95 plus shipping and handling.

Ed Wall can be reached at edwall@embarqmail.com.