Fall food plots call for a high‑performance crop — and Whitetail Oats Plus is engineered for just that. With proven deer attraction, exceptional winter hardiness, and versatile use cases, this premium forage consistently outperforms the competition.
Why Whitetail Oats Plus?
- Unmatched Deer Attraction: Built on Whitetail Oats, a variety so irresistible that deer grazing forced its removal from university grain tests.
- High Sugar Content: Deer key on sweetness — this variety offers top-tier sugar levels for maximum early-season draw.
- Winter-Hardy Blend: Includes small additions of winter wheat and triticale, boosting cold tolerance into the deep freeze.
Advantages You Can’t Ignore
• Rapid Establishment & Green-Up
Whitetail Oats Plus is among the fastest-germinating seeds on the market, sparking green growth almost immediately and delivering early attractiveness—even when rainfall is scarce.
• Versatility: Solo Use & Nurse Crop
- Solo Planting: Ideal for quick, high-impact plots; use at a full seeding rate (~90 lbs/acre) for rich coverage and attraction.
- As a Nurse Crop: Pair with clipped perennials like clovers or chicory—use at ~25–45 lbs/acre to establish soil cover, shade perennials, and ensure early-season deer presence even in drought.
• Habitat Enhancement
Creating a “soft edge” of oats around perennial plots provides structural cover, nesting habitat for upland birds, and spring browse—effectively expanding the value of your plot footprint.
Optimal Planting Strategy
• When to Plant
Planting windows vary by region — generally:
- Region 1: Aug 15 – Sep 15
- Region 2: Sep 1 – Oct 1
- Region 3: Sep 15 – Nov 15
But always delay planting until soil temps reach a steady 65 °F to ensure germination and root development.
• Site & Soil Prep
- Clear debris and weeds via tilling or herbicide.
- Use a soil test to determine liming or fertilizer needs for perennials.
- Oats Plus works well on sandy to heavy-bottomland soils, tolerating a broad range of conditions.
• Seeding Rates
- Solo Planting: ~90 lbs/acre.
- Nurse Crop: 25–45 lbs/acre with perennial broadcasting immediately after.
• Coverage
- One 45-lb bag covers up to ½ acre.
- 22.5-lb covers ≈¼ acre.
Maintenance for Performance
- Fertilizer:
- If planting solo: apply fertilizer per bag instructions.
- As nurse crop: initial fertilization by soil test; follow up with nitrogen (e.g. 34‑0‑0) only if edge planting alone.
- Weed & Grass Control: Mow or spray in spring before excessive heat or drought, especially when used as a nurse crop.
- Seasonal Monitoring:
- Deer often hit plots hard early in season, sometimes mowing the oats bare — plan accordingly.
- Even after browsing, oats persist through winter due to hardy genetics.
Strategic Applications
• High-Use Standalone Plot
Want a dense food plot that draws deer fast? Plant at full rate in fall—and expect immediate hits even before acorn drop.
• Complement to Perennials
Pair Oats Plus with fall-planted perennials (e.g. Clover, Alfa‑Rack, Fusion). The oats deliver rapid biomass and deer attention; the perennials come into strength later.
• Food Plot Edge Enhancement
Plant a border of Oats Plus around perennial food plots at full rate. It provides:
- Spring food & cover for turkeys, quail, and fawns.
- A diverse forage complex.
- Improved wildlife habitat beyond the plot center.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Whitetail Oats Plus |
|---|---|
| Deer Attraction | Industry-leading (high sugar content) |
| Winter Tolerance | Includes winter wheat & triticale |
| Green-up Speed | Very fast germination and emergence |
| Planting Use | Solo plots, nurse crop, plot edges |
| Coverage (per bag) | ¼ acre (22.5 lb), ½ acre (45 lb) |
| Maintenance Needs | Fertilize/weed control; mow as needed |
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