Deer Food Plots

With spring getting closer i am looking to start getting ready for building food plots. I havent done this in the past but im looking to build a few simple, smaller plots. Anyone have any ideas on how i should start getting ready and planting? i dont have a tractor but i do have a 4wheeler. Also what seeds work the best and what you have been using. any info is appreciated!

In my estimation, the best early season plot for deer in the U.P. is rape. Only problem is that it's all cleared out by the time season starts. Going to have to put up some electric fence next year I guess.

Just planted a little 10x12 section of throw and grow yesterday here in central WI. Can't wait!

My food plots r 80% done as of sat afternoon. I been runnin cameras all spring and the bucks look just about fully grown. I hunt in lasalle county and cant wait till oct 1 rolls around. I use whitetail institute secret spot in shaded areas in timber and clover bean mix in open fields and both turn out really well. Good luck to all

If you would like some professional help- Custom Game Land Services is the way to go. We started working with them this year and we have been very pleased. They know deer, they know food plots and I guarantee they will help you and your deer herd. http://customglservices.wix.com/cgls

Look Into Whitetail Institute. Ihave tried just about everything on market. Institute shows u step bye step and have there own biologist to send soil in to. They r detailed with there results and tell u exactly wat percentage of lime and fertilizer to use. Everything i have planted of theres grows well and fast. I run few acres of clover and 2 small 1/4 scre plots of secret spot. few yrs now very happy with results. Good luck

If you (or anyone) wants true, indepth discussion and help(free) getting started in foodplots I'd strongly encourage you to check out the QDMA forums. That is by far the largest and best source of foodplotting and native habitat restoration information available (again, its free...you don't have to join to post questions and get answers...)

Start with a soil test. This will give you a good idea of the ph level and what's in your soil. This will give you an idea of how much lime, if any, that you will need as well as how much and what fertilizer you'll need. You can order a soil test kit from the Whitetail Institute, but there are companies that can do it for less. I've used the Whitetail Institute and was pleased with the turnaround and analysis. Clover is a good all around favorite and a good annual.