Introduction
Have you ever felt like you were gambling when trying to attract whitetail deer to your property? You plant a single crop, hoping it will be the magic bullet, only to find it grazed down quickly or ignored altogether. Many hunters and landowners share this frustration. The key to a truly successful wildlife haven isn’t placing all your bets on one card. Instead, consider a strategy that mirrors the complexity and strategic depth of the classic poker game: the Seven Card Stud food plot.
This isn’t about luck; it’s about thoughtful planning and understanding the nutritional needs of whitetail deer and other wildlife throughout the year. A Seven Card Stud food plot is a meticulously designed blend of seven distinct plant species, each chosen for its unique contribution to the overall health and attractiveness of the plot. By creating a diverse and readily available food source, you’re not just attracting deer; you’re sustaining them, ensuring they return season after season.
Why is diversity so critical? Wildlife, like humans, requires a balanced diet. Their needs change with the seasons, from the high protein demands of antler growth and lactation to the energy-rich forage needed to survive harsh winters. A single crop rarely provides all the necessary nutrients at the right time. But a Seven Card Stud food plot, with its strategic combination of plants, offers a dynamic menu that caters to these fluctuating needs.
The Seven Card Stud food plot provides a strategic and sustainable approach to wildlife management by delivering a diverse menu that keeps wildlife coming back season after season. This isn’t about a quick fix; it’s about building a thriving ecosystem on your land, one that benefits both the animals and the environment.
Understanding the Cards: Key Plant Components
Let’s examine the seven “cards” in your winning hand, the essential plant components of a Seven Card Stud food plot.
The Early Spring Attractant: Oats
Consider oats your Ace in the hole. As winter releases its grip, deer are ravenous for fresh, green growth. Oats provide this early attraction like no other. They germinate quickly, offering a highly palatable and readily digestible source of carbohydrates. This jumpstarts their recovery after a long winter.
To maximize the effectiveness of oats, plant them in late summer or very early fall, depending on your region’s climate. A well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH is ideal. Prepare the seedbed by disking or tilling, then broadcast the oats at a rate of approximately three to four bushels per acre. Lightly drag the seed in to ensure good soil contact.
Spring and Summer Protein Source: Clover
Clover is your dependable King, providing a consistent source of high-quality protein throughout the spring and summer months. This is especially crucial for antler development in bucks and for does nursing fawns. Clover also fixes nitrogen in the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer for other plants in your food plot.
There are many types of clover to choose from, including Ladino, red, and white clover. Ladino clover is known for its large leaves and high yields, while red clover is more tolerant of less-than-ideal soil conditions. Ensure your soil pH is within the optimal range (around 6.0-7.0) and inoculate the clover seed with the appropriate rhizobium bacteria before planting.
Summer and Fall Attraction: Soybeans
Think of soybeans as the Queen of attraction, drawing deer in with their lush foliage and highly palatable beans. Soybeans are an excellent source of protein and energy, making them a valuable addition to any Seven Card Stud food plot. Deer will browse the leaves throughout the summer and eagerly consume the beans as they mature in the fall.
Select a soybean variety that is well-suited to your region and soil type. Soybeans require a sunny location and well-drained soil. Weed control is essential, especially during the early stages of growth.
Fall and Winter Energy Booster: Brassicas
As temperatures drop and other food sources dwindle, brassicas become the Jack of all trades, providing a critical energy boost during the late fall and winter months. Brassicas, such as rape, turnips, and kale, are cold-hardy plants that store energy in their roots and leaves. Deer often ignore them early on, but after a frost, the starches convert to sugars, making them incredibly attractive.
Plant brassicas in late summer, giving them enough time to establish before the first frost. They thrive in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH. Fertilize according to soil test recommendations.
Long Term Support: Alfalfa
Alfalfa plays the role of the Ten, providing long-term support to the food plot ecosystem. A perennial legume, alfalfa offers a consistent source of high-protein forage for several years after planting. Its deep root system not only improves soil structure but also enhances water infiltration and nutrient availability. Alfalfa thrives in well-drained soils with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Proper weed control is essential during establishment, and periodic mowing will help maintain its productivity.
Soil Health: Radishes
Radishes act as the Nine of your food plot, quietly improving soil health and preparing the ground for future plantings. As a cover crop, radishes prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and break up compacted soils with their deep taproots. They also scavenge nutrients from deep in the soil profile, making them more available to subsequent crops. Plant radishes in late summer or early fall. They are relatively easy to establish and require minimal maintenance. As they decompose over the winter, they release nutrients back into the soil, enriching it for the following spring.
A Secret Ingredient: Sunflowers
Sunflowers serve as the Eight, adding visual appeal and attracting a diverse array of wildlife to your food plot. Their bright yellow flowers provide a splash of color, while their seeds offer a nutritious food source for birds and other small mammals. Sunflowers also attract insects, which can benefit other plants in your food plot.
Sunflowers require a sunny location and well-drained soil. Choose a variety that is appropriate for your region and planting schedule. While deer may occasionally browse the leaves, they are primarily attracted to the seeds as they ripen in the fall.
Designing Your Seven Card Stud Food Plot
The key to success with a Seven Card Stud food plot lies in thoughtful design and careful implementation.
Site Selection: The location of your food plot is crucial. Look for areas with adequate sunlight exposure (at least six hours per day), well-drained soil, and proximity to cover, such as woods or thickets. Consider the size of the plot and its shape. Larger plots generally attract more wildlife, but even a small, strategically located plot can be highly effective.
Soil Testing: Before planting anything, conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels. This will help you identify any deficiencies and amend the soil accordingly. Soil pH is particularly important for legumes like clover and alfalfa.
Plot Layout: There are several ways to lay out your Seven Card Stud food plot. You can create separate strips or blocks for each plant species, or you can mix them together. Consider the planting schedule and the growth habits of each plant when determining the layout.
Planting and Maintenance
Proper planting and maintenance are essential for the success of your Seven Card Stud food plot.
Planting Techniques: Prepare the seedbed by disking or tilling to create a smooth, firm surface. Seed can be broadcasted or drilled. Planting depths should be shallow to ensure successful germination.
Fertilization: Fertilize based on soil test recommendations. Apply fertilizer at planting and again as needed throughout the growing season.
Weed Control: Weed control is critical, especially during the early stages of establishment. Use pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides as needed. Mowing can also help control weeds and encourage new growth.
Fencing/Protection: Consider protecting young plants from overgrazing with temporary fencing. This will give them a chance to establish and thrive.
Benefits of the Seven Card Stud Approach
The benefits of a Seven Card Stud food plot extend far beyond simply attracting deer. This strategic approach creates a thriving ecosystem that benefits all wildlife.
Year-Round Attraction: A consistent food source throughout the year ensures that wildlife remain active on your property.
Nutritional Diversity: Meeting the varied nutritional needs of wildlife leads to healthier animals and improved reproduction.
Soil Health Improvement: Cover crops and nitrogen fixation enhance soil fertility and structure.
Increased Wildlife Viewing/Hunting Opportunities: A well-managed food plot provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and hunting.
Sustainability: Long-term benefits with proper management ensure that your food plot remains productive for years to come.
Conclusion
Creating a Seven Card Stud food plot is an investment in the health and vitality of your land and the wildlife that inhabits it. It’s a strategic approach that delivers consistent results, providing a diverse and nutritious food source throughout the year. Don’t leave your success to chance. Take control of your wildlife management efforts and create a winning hand with a Seven Card Stud food plot. By implementing this strategy, you’ll reap the rewards of a thriving habitat and witness the abundance of wildlife that it attracts. Start planning your Seven Card Stud food plot today and experience the satisfaction of creating a true wildlife sanctuary.
