MDWFP says drought-hit deer food plots may still be worth replanting

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks says most of Mississippi received less than an inch of rain during September and October, leaving many deer food plots struggling. The agency said food plots planted in early to mid-September may have germinated in heat and drought and then failed, while plots planted in late September or October that did not get enough rain to germinate should still have viable seeds once a soaking rain arrives.

MDWFP said those plots will be especially important during January and February, when acorns and other natural food sources become limited. For replanting, the agency recommends cold-tolerant options such as wheat, cereal rye, Austrian winter peas and crimson, red or white clover.

The department also said oats and brassicas, including turnips and radishes, may attract deer but are less tolerant of mid- to late-winter temperatures. If fertilizer was applied at planting, MDWFP said those nutrients should still be available in the soil, so additional fertilizer may not be necessary. The agency said readers can find more information on habitat management and food plots through its website.

Source: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.