Site selection

The initial selection of your food plot site is the most critical step in determining success.  You must choose an area that will not only grow a crop, but that will also attract deer.  Your considerations should include but may not be limited to: existing cleared areas, deer movement patterns, predominant wind direction, location of other hunters, ability to channel deer away from unwanted areas, soil quality and topography.  There is no magic formula for site selection, but all of these factors should be considered as you make your decision.

For bowhunters 1/4 to 1/2 acre plot sizes are probable best, but they can go up to 1-2 acres in size.  These sizes work well with most small to midsize land managers.  Caution should be taken not to devote too much of your land to food plots. 5 to 10 percent would probably be considered too much on a larger scale, but should be fine when you are not working with hundreds or thousands of acres.

Once you have determined where you will locate your sites clearing the area is necessary.  If you are working within an area that is simply overgrown with weeds you can link to the site preparation section now.

If the area you have chosen is wooded or brushy, a bulldozer is the best way to clear the area.  Remember to clear the perimeter enough to allow for sufficient sunlight for plant growth.

Another option is simply cutting down existing trees or woody brush and planting around the stumps.  This will work well if the area is sparsely wooded.  Many trees will sprout bushy growth after they are cut and this can provide the deer some type of cover within the food plot.