When it comes to attracting and sustaining deer during the challenging late-season months, few food plot options rival the effectiveness of Whitetail Institute’s Winter-Greens. This annual seed blend is specifically engineered to provide a highly palatable and nutritious food source when natural forage is scarce, ensuring that deer remain on your property throughout the winter.
What is Whitetail Institute Winter-Greens?
Winter-Greens is an annual blend of cool-season WINA brassicas, meticulously developed to thrive in late-season conditions. Its unique formulation includes a small amount of Whitetail Institute’s proprietary Tall Tine Turnip, enhancing both the nutritional value and attractiveness to deer with the use of Whitetail Institute’s winter greens approach.
Key Features:
- Late-Season Attractant: Specifically designed to draw deer during the late fall and winter months.
- Cold and Drought Tolerant: Demonstrates exceptional resilience in harsh weather conditions, maintaining palatability even under snow cover.
- Rapid Establishment: Quick germination and growth ensure timely availability for deer.
- High Nutritional Value: Provides essential energy and nutrients critical for deer survival during winter.
Why Choose Winter-Greens for Your Food Plot?
1. Superior Attraction:
Field tests have shown that Winter-Greens is more attractive to deer than other brassica blends tested by the Whitetail Institute. Its palatability increases after the first frost, making it a preferred choice for late-season hunting with whitetail institute’s winter approach.
2. Nutritional Benefits:
The blend offers a high-energy food source, crucial for deer during the winter when natural forage is limited. The inclusion of Tall Tine Turnip adds to the overall nutritional profile, supporting deer health and antler development through the benefits of winter greens.
3. Resilience in Adverse Conditions:
Winter-Greens exhibits remarkable drought resistance and can withstand extremely cold temperatures. Its ability to remain upright under snow ensures that deer can access the forage when other food sources are buried or depleted, following the Whitetail Institute winter greens strategy.
Optimal Planting Guidelines
Planting Dates:
Planting dates vary by region. For Zone 5, which includes parts of Ontario, the recommended planting window is from July 15 to September 15 to achieve optimal results with Whitetail Institute’s winter greens.
Seed Rates and Coverage:
- 3 lbs. covers 0.5 acre
- 12 lbs. covers 2 acres
- 24 lbs. covers 4 acres.
Planting Instructions:
- Soil Preparation: Ensure a firm seedbed by tilling and removing debris.
- Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels.
- Seeding: Broadcast the seed at the recommended rate.
- Seed Coverage: Do not cover the seed; ensure good seed-to-soil contact by cultipacking or rolling.
User Experiences and Testimonials
Hunters and land managers have reported significant success with Winter-Greens:
“After planting this product, we experienced a drought here in Ohio like no other (4 weeks without a drop of rain). I thought my plot failed completely until I checked my deer barrier cage and inside it, the brassicas were a foot or taller, while outside this cage it was still dirt.”
“Central Wisconsin deer have been hammering it since it started coming up! I put in about 3/4 of an acre, and it seems to be holding up to a lot of browsing pressure.”
These testimonials underscore the blend’s resilience and effectiveness in attracting deer even under challenging conditions, consistent with the Whitetail Institute’s winter greens product.
Comparative Analysis: Winter-Greens vs. Other Blends
When compared to other Whitetail Institute products like FUSION, Winter-Greens stands out for its late-season performance with its winter greens formula. While FUSION is a perennial blend suitable for a broader range of conditions, Winter-Greens is specifically formulated for cold weather, providing a crucial food source when other forages are unavailable.
Whitetail Institute’s Winter-Greens is an exceptional choice for hunters and land managers aiming to maintain a healthy deer population during the late season. Its superior palatability, nutritional value, and resilience make it a reliable component of any comprehensive deer management strategy.
By following the recommended planting guidelines and leveraging the blend’s unique attributes, you can enhance your property’s attractiveness to deer, ensuring successful hunting experiences and contributing to wildlife conservation efforts with Whitetail Institute’s winter greens.