When it comes to drawing whitetails during the toughest months, few food plot blends match the potency of Imperial Whitetail Winter Peas PLUS.

Specially formulated as a cool-season powerhouse, the Winter Peas food plot mix doesn’t just attract deer—it keeps them coming back through the harshest weather. Here’s a complete, expert-level breakdown of why Winter Peas PLUS stands out and how to deploy it for maximum late-season hunting success.

What Makes Winter Peas PLUS Exceptional

Nutritional Breakdown

Winter Peas PLUS is engineered for high energy and digestibility. It boasts:

  • High protein levels (25–30%) to support antler growth and body mass
  • Elevated sugar content for palatability and metabolic heat during cold months
  • Rapid digestibility for consistent feeding

Winter peas, the core component, outperform standard field peas in attraction and yield. Kale, oats, and forage radish add structure, variety, and durability.

Cold Tolerance & Late‑Season Resilience

The blend thrives in cold climates and remains palatable long after frosts set in. Forage radish and kale become sweeter post-frost, maintaining deer interest deep into winter. Oats sprout quickly to provide early forage while winter peas establish.

Understanding the Blend: Peas, Oats, Kale & Radish

Complementary Plant Roles

Each species contributes a strategic advantage:

  • Winter peas: Primary attractant, nitrogen-fixer, protein-rich
  • Oats: Quick emergence, early attraction, soil coverage
  • Kale: Cold-hardy brassica, high in vitamin A and fiber
  • Forage radish: Deep taproot for aeration, frost-sweetened tubers

How They Improve Plot Longevity

This balanced blend ensures staggered maturity:

  • Early season: Oats dominate
  • Mid-season: Peas become dominant
  • Late season: Kale and radish take over

Science Meets Strategy—Why It Works

Deer Feeding Preferences & Phenology

Deer instinctively prefer legumes due to protein levels. As fall progresses and mast crops diminish, Winter Peas PLUS becomes a primary food source—reliable, digestible, and consistent.

Legumes & Nitrogen Fixation

Winter peas fix nitrogen, improving soil health for future plots. This reduces fertilizer dependency and supports successive plantings.

Soil Health Advantages

The radish’s deep taproot breaks compaction layers, while legumes and oats improve organic matter and topsoil moisture retention.

Best Practices for Planting & Maintenance

Soil Prep & Seeding

  • Soil test: Aim for pH 6.0–7.0
  • Seed rate: ~60–70 lbs/acre
  • Seeding depth: ½–1 inch
  • Fertilizer: Apply balanced NPK if peas are a small % of mix

Regional Planting Dates

ZonePlanting Window
1–4August 1 – August 20
5–6August 15 – September 10
7–8September 1 – September 25
9+September 15 – October 15

For Canadian growers (e.g., Ontario), Zone 4–5 guidelines are most relevant. Early August planting ensures germination before frosts.

Maintenance Tips

  • Mow or terminate winter food plots by spring to avoid reseeding competition
  • Rotate crops yearly to prevent soil fatigue and disease
  • Use exclusion cages to monitor deer pressure

Building Your Ideal Food Plot Strategy

Blending With Perennials

Pair Winter Peas PLUS with:

  • Clover for spring rebound
  • Chicory for summer drought tolerance
  • Brassicas for added winter draw

Sample Layouts

  • 1 acre split: ½ Winter Peas PLUS, ¼ Clover, ¼ Brassicas
  • 2 acre rotation: Year 1—Winter Peas PLUS, Year 2—Clover + Chicory

Results & Real-World Effectiveness

Case Studies

Hunters from Alberta to Pennsylvania report:

  • Increased daylight feeding during late season
  • Reduced pressure on ag fields
  • Higher survival of post-rut bucks

Competitive Comparison

FeatureWinter Peas PLUSAustrian Winter PeasPure Brassica Blend
Cold ToleranceHighMediumVery High
Early AttractionHighLowLow
Nutrient DiversityHighMediumLow
Soil ImprovementExcellentGoodPoor