Establishing a successful deer food plot in Ontario requires careful planning, selection of appropriate seed mixtures, and understanding the local climate and deer behavior.

This guide provides an in-depth look into creating effective deer plots that attract and sustain whitetail deer throughout the year. Using the right deer plot mix is crucial for success.

Understanding the Importance of Deer Food Plots

Deer food plots serve multiple purposes:

  • Attraction: Drawing deer into specific areas for hunting or observation.
  • Nutrition: Providing high-quality forage to support deer health and antler development.
  • Habitat Enhancement: Improving the overall habitat by offering diverse food sources.

In Ontario, where winters are harsh and food sources can be scarce, well-planned food plots become crucial for deer survival and health.

Key Components of Effective Deer Plot Seed Mixtures

1. Perennial Legumes

  • Alfalfa: High in protein and palatable to deer, alfalfa provides excellent forage during spring and summer.
  • Clover Varieties:
    • Alsike Clover: Tolerant of wet soils, making it suitable for various terrains.
    • Ladino Clover: A larger-leaved variety that offers abundant forage.
    • White Clover: Low-growing and persistent, ideal for high-traffic areas.

2. Brassicas

  • Forage Turnips: Thrive in Ontario’s climate, providing high-energy forage, especially after frost.
  • Forage Kale: Highly palatable and nutritious, kale remains attractive to deer even under snow cover.
  • Forage Rape: Rapid-growing and excellent for late-season forage.

3. Grasses

  • Perennial Ryegrass: Offers year-round forage and helps in soil erosion control.
  • Timothy and Orchardgrass: Provide additional forage options and contribute to food plot diversity.

4. Other Beneficial Plants

  • Chicory: Deep-rooted and drought-tolerant, chicory offers high mineral content.
  • Trefoil: Adds diversity and can improve soil health.

All Season Buffet Wildlife Plot Mixture

This deer plot mix is designed to provide a continuous food source throughout the year:

  • Alfalfa
  • Alsike Clover
  • Double Cut Red Clover
  • Ladino Clover
  • White Clover
  • Forage Turnips
  • Tetrasweet Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass
  • Trefoil
  • Forage Rape
  • Forage Kale
  • Chicory

Benefits: Offers a diverse range of forage types, ensuring deer have access to high-quality food across different seasons.

Autumn Buffet Wildlife Plot Mixture

Tailored for the fall and early winter months:

  • Forage Kale
  • Essex Rape
  • Purple Top Turnip

Benefits: These plants are particularly attractive to deer after the first frost, providing essential nutrients during late-season.

Best Practices for Planting and Maintaining Deer Food Plots

Site Selection

  • Sunlight: Choose areas that receive at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
  • Soil Testing: Conduct soil tests to determine pH and nutrient levels; amend as necessary.
  • Accessibility: Ensure the plot is accessible for planting and maintenance equipment.

Soil Preparation

  • Clearing: Remove existing vegetation and debris.
  • Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of 3–4 inches to create a loose seedbed.
  • Fertilization: Apply appropriate fertilizers based on soil test results.

Seeding

  • Timing: Plant in early spring or late summer, depending on the species.
  • Method: Use a broadcast spreader for even distribution; lightly rake to cover seeds.
  • Depth: Ensure seeds are planted at the recommended depth for each species.

Maintenance

  • Watering: Keep the soil moist until seeds germinate.
  • Mowing: Regularly mow to control weeds and encourage healthy growth.
  • Fertilization: Apply fertilizers as needed to maintain soil fertility.

Seasonal Considerations in Ontario

  • Spring/Summer: Focus on establishing perennial legumes and grasses.
  • Fall: Introduce brassicas to provide late-season forage.
  • Winter: Ensure plots are accessible and that deer have access to forage under snow.

Creating a successful deer food plot in Ontario involves selecting the right seed mixtures, preparing the site adequately, and maintaining the plot throughout the year. By incorporating a diverse range of forage species and following best practices for planting and maintenance, you can attract and sustain a healthy deer population on your property.

For more information on seed mixtures and planting techniques, consider consulting local agricultural extensions or wildlife management professionals.