Imagine this: the crisp autumn air is here, and the deer are actively searching for their next meal. But are your hunting grounds offering them the best options? Choosing the right food plot for deer in the fall can feel like a puzzle. You want to attract those big bucks, but with so many seeds and plants out there, where do you even begin? It’s easy to get overwhelmed and wonder if you’re planting the right things to truly make a difference.
This is where understanding fall food plots becomes your secret weapon. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which plants are deer favorites when the leaves start to change. We’ll break down the best choices, explain why they work so well, and give you practical tips to set up a plot that will have deer flocking to your land. Get ready to transform your hunting experience and become a food plot pro!
Our Top 5 Food Plot For Deer In Fall Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Food Plot For Deer In Fall Detailed Reviews
1. EVOLVED HARVEST 7 Card Stud Adaptive Food Plot Seed – Full Season High-Protein & Minerals Forage for Deer
Rating: 9.0/10
Want to draw more deer to your hunting spot all season long? The EVOLVED HARVEST 7 Card Stud Adaptive Food Plot Seed is designed to do just that. This special mix of seven different plants creates a super tasty and nutritious buffet that deer can’t get enough of. It’s packed with protein and minerals, helping your deer herd grow stronger and healthier. Plus, it keeps growing through fall and winter, when food is hard to find.
What We Like:
- This blend offers food for deer from early to late season.
- It’s packed with high protein and minerals for deer health.
- The mix is very adaptable to different places and weather.
- Deer love the sweet taste of this seed mix.
- It’s a fast-growing seed that gives you a lot of food.
- Evolved Harvest chooses seeds for the best wildlife attraction.
What Could Be Improved:
- As an annual seed, it needs to be planted every year.
This 10lb bag of seed provides a reliable food source for deer throughout the year. It’s a smart choice for any hunter looking to improve their land for wildlife.
2. Evolved Habitats Throw & Gro X-treme w/Radish Forage for Deer – Easy-to-Plant Fast-Growing No-Till Food Plot Seeds
Rating: 8.8/10
Want to give the deer in your area a super tasty and healthy meal? The Evolved Habitats Throw & Gro X-treme w/Radish Forage for Deer is a fantastic way to create your own personal deer buffet. This special seed mix makes it super easy to grow a food plot that deer will love, thanks to the nutritious and fast-growing radish. It’s designed to give them the protein and minerals they need, especially during important growing times.
What We Like:
- It’s packed with nutrition and tastes great to deer.
- You can create your own special feeding spot for them.
- It’s a no-till formula, meaning you don’t need to plow or use heavy equipment.
- Planting is simple and saves you a lot of time and effort.
- It grows fast, giving deer food quickly.
- You can plant it in spring or fall for year-round benefits.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5 lb bag covers 1/4 acre, so for larger areas, you’ll need multiple bags.
- While it’s easy to plant, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact without tilling might require a little extra effort like dragging.
This seed mix is a game-changer for any hunter or wildlife enthusiast looking to support their local deer herd. It offers a simple, effective, and rewarding way to improve habitat.
3. Whitetail Institute Winter-Greens Deer Food Plot Seed for Fall Planting
Rating: 9.3/10
This Whitetail Institute Winter-Greens Deer Food Plot Seed is designed for fall planting. It’s an annual brassica blend that aims to draw deer in during both the early and late hunting seasons. This seed mix is built to handle tough weather, being very cold and drought tolerant, and a 3-pound bag covers about half an acre.
What We Like:
- It attracts deer better than other brassica mixes the Whitetail Institute has tested.
- It includes a bit of the Whitetail Institute’s Tall Tine Turnip for extra appeal.
- It provides a really good food source for deer late in the season.
- It’s super tough against drought and cold, growing fast.
- It grows a lot of food and gives deer the energy they need, especially in the early and late parts of the season.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bag size is 3 lbs, which might be too small for larger food plots.
- It’s an annual blend, meaning you’ll need to replant it every year.
This seed mix offers a reliable way to boost your deer attraction and provide essential nutrition. It’s a strong choice for hunters looking to improve their food plots.
4. Domain Outdoor Hot Chic Food Plot Seeds for Deer
Rating: 9.1/10
Looking to create a fantastic food plot that will keep deer and turkey coming back for more? The Domain Outdoor Hot Chic Food Plot Seeds are your answer. This blend is packed with chicory and two types of clover, offering a nutritious and appealing meal for your game. You can plant it in the spring or fall, and best of all, it’s designed to last for several years thanks to its hardy, perennial nature. This mixture is tough, handling acidic soils and dry spells like a champ, and it even helps fight off weeds.
What We Like:
- Covers a generous 1/2 acre (22,000 sq. ft.) with just one 3 lb. jug.
- Comes in a handy, reusable container for easy storage.
- The perennial mix is built to last for years, providing consistent forage.
- Tolerates acidic soils, making it great for a variety of locations.
- Resists drought and helps crowd out weeds, simplifying plot maintenance.
- Perfect for starting a brand new food plot from scratch.
- Attracts game throughout spring, summer, and fall.
What Could Be Improved:
- Requires fertilization and occasional mowing for best results, adding to the upkeep.
This seed blend offers an excellent, long-lasting solution for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. It’s a smart investment for creating a thriving food plot that benefits your local wildlife season after season.
5. EVOLVED HARVEST Throw & Gro No-Till Forage for Deer – Easy-to-Plant Fast-Growing Food Plot Seeds
Rating: 8.7/10
Want to create a deer-friendly spot in your backyard or hunting land? The EVOLVED HARVEST Throw & Gro No-Till Forage for Deer is a super easy way to grow delicious and nutritious food for your local deer herd. You just toss these seeds, and they grow into a tasty snack packed with protein and minerals.
What We Like:
- This mix is super yummy and good for deer. It has special ryegrass, tasty clovers, and brassicas that deer love.
- You don’t need to dig or use any heavy machines to plant it. This means you can plant it almost anywhere!
- Planting is a breeze! Just spread the seeds evenly. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a quick and easy food plot.
- You can plant it in the spring to help deer during the growing season or in the fall to give them food during tough times.
- It grows fast, giving deer a great food source quickly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions mention dragging the plot with fencing to help the seeds grow if the ground isn’t already broken. This is an extra step some might not have tools for.
- While it’s easy to plant, getting the best results might require some attention to ground contact.
The EVOLVED HARVEST Throw & Gro No-Till Forage for Deer is a fantastic option for creating a simple, effective food plot. It makes it easy to support your local wildlife with healthy food.
Fall Food Plots: Your Guide to Attracting Deer
Fall is a fantastic time for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts to create food plots that will draw deer to their land. A well-planned food plot provides essential nutrition during a critical time of year and can significantly improve your hunting success. This guide will help you choose the best seeds and understand what makes a successful fall food plot.
Key Features to Look For
When selecting seeds for your fall food plot, think about what deer love to eat and what grows well in cooler weather.
Nutritional Value
- High Protein: Deer need protein, especially in the fall as they build up reserves for winter. Look for seeds like clover, peas, and alfalfa.
- Carbohydrates for Energy: Roots and grains provide energy. Think about planting wheat, oats, or rye.
- Vitamins and Minerals: A diverse mix offers a broader range of nutrients.
Drought and Cold Tolerance
- Hardiness: Some plants handle dry spells better than others.
- Frost Tolerance: Many fall plants actually taste sweeter after a light frost, making them more attractive to deer.
Ease of Planting and Growth
- Quick Germination: You want to see results relatively quickly.
- Low Maintenance: Some mixes require less soil preparation and ongoing care.
Important Materials
The “materials” for your food plot are primarily the seeds you choose.
Seed Types
- Annuals: These plants complete their life cycle in one year. They are great for quick results and often provide abundant forage. Examples include oats, wheat, and peas.
- Perennials: These plants live for multiple years. They require more initial effort but offer long-term benefits. Examples include clover and alfalfa.
- Brassicas: This category includes plants like turnips, radishes, and rape. They are packed with nutrients and can be a deer magnet in the fall.
Seed Mixes
- Many companies offer pre-made “fall mixes” that combine several beneficial plants. These are often a convenient and effective choice. They balance different nutritional needs and growth times.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your food plot a deer paradise or a barren wasteland.
Improving Quality
- Soil Testing: Knowing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels helps you choose the right amendments. Lime and fertilizer can greatly boost growth.
- Proper Site Selection: Choose a location that gets enough sunlight and has decent drainage.
- Good Seed-to-Soil Contact: Pack the soil down after planting to ensure seeds can sprout.
- Timely Planting: Follow the recommended planting dates for your region.
Reducing Quality
- Poor Soil: Planting in rocky, compacted, or nutrient-poor soil will limit growth.
- Inadequate Sunlight: Shady areas will not support healthy plant development.
- Planting Too Late: Seeds may not have enough time to establish before harsh winter weather arrives.
- Ignoring Pests and Weeds: These can outcompete your desired plants.
User Experience and Use Cases
Creating a fall food plot is a rewarding experience for many.
For Hunters
- Attracting Deer: Food plots act as natural magnets, bringing deer to specific areas. This makes observation and hunting much easier.
- Improving Deer Health: Providing quality nutrition helps deer grow larger antlers and healthier bodies, which benefits the entire deer population.
For Wildlife Enthusiasts
- Observation: Even if you don’t hunt, food plots offer excellent opportunities to observe deer and other wildlife up close.
- Habitat Improvement: You are actively creating a better environment for local wildlife.
Getting Started
- Small Plots: You don’t need a huge area. Even a quarter-acre can make a difference.
- Simple Mixes: Start with an easy-to-grow annual mix if you are new to food plotting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the best seeds for a fall food plot?
A: Great seeds include oats, wheat, rye, clover, peas, turnips, radishes, and brassica mixes. A mix of grains and legumes is often ideal.
Q: When should I plant my fall food plot?
A: Plant in late summer or early fall, typically 4-8 weeks before your first hard frost. Check local planting guides for specific dates in your area.
Q: Do I need to test my soil?
A: Yes, soil testing is highly recommended. It tells you what nutrients are missing and if you need to adjust the soil’s pH with lime.
Q: How much seed do I need?
A: The amount of seed depends on the type of seed and the size of your plot. Seed bags usually list the recommended planting rate per acre.
Q: Can I plant a fall food plot on poor soil?
A: While you can plant, growth will be much better on decent soil. Improving the soil with amendments will yield significantly better results.
Q: What if deer eat my seedlings too quickly?
A: This is a good problem to have! It means deer like your plot. If they eat it down too much before it establishes, you might need to plant a bit more or choose plants that grow faster.
Q: Do I need to fertilize my food plot?
A: Fertilizing is often beneficial, especially if your soil test shows nutrient deficiencies. Follow the recommendations from your soil test.
Q: What is the difference between annual and perennial food plot seeds?
A: Annuals grow and die in one year, providing a quick food source. Perennials live for multiple years, offering long-term benefits but requiring more initial effort.
Q: Can I hunt over a food plot immediately after planting?
A: It’s best to wait until the plants have had time to establish and grow, usually a few weeks. This also allows deer to discover and get comfortable with the new food source.
Q: How do I maintain my fall food plot after planting?
A: For annuals, you may not need much maintenance. For perennials, you might need to mow or manage weeds. Ensure adequate moisture, especially during dry periods.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.