Food Plots For Turkey are essential for attracting and holding birds on your property. By providing a consistent and readily available food source, you can significantly increase your chances of successful turkey hunts and enjoy observing these majestic birds throughout the year.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a wildlife enthusiast looking to attract more turkeys to your backyard, strategically planting food plots tailored to their dietary needs is key. This guide delves into the world of food plots for turkey, offering valuable insights and practical tips to help you create an irresistible haven for these magnificent birds.
Understanding Turkey Diet and Habitat
Before diving into the specifics of food plots, it’s crucial to understand what turkeys eat and the habitats they prefer. Turkeys are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they have a diverse diet consisting of both plant and animal matter. Their diet changes throughout the year, adapting to the available food sources in their surroundings.
During spring and summer, insects, grubs, and fresh vegetation make up a significant portion of their diet. As fall approaches and winter sets in, they transition to consuming more nuts, seeds, and fruits.
Turkeys thrive in areas with a mix of open fields, woodlands, and water sources. Open areas provide foraging opportunities, while trees offer roosting sites and protection from predators. Access to water is vital for both drinking and sanitation.
Choosing the Right Food Plot Location
The success of your food plot largely depends on its location. Consider the following factors when selecting a site:
- Sunlight: Turkeys need open areas with ample sunlight for foraging. Aim for a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water Source: Proximity to a water source, such as a creek, pond, or even a small spring, is essential.
- Edge Habitat: Opt for areas along the edges of woods, fields, or other transitional zones. These edge habitats provide both food and cover.
- Accessibility: Choose a site that is easily accessible for planting, maintenance, and hunting, but not in areas of high human disturbance.
Best Food Plot Seed Mixes for Turkey
Selecting the right seed mix is crucial for attracting turkeys. Here are some top choices:
- Clover: A highly palatable and nutritious option that provides year-round forage. White clover and red clover are excellent choices.
- Chufa: This perennial nut sedge produces small tubers that turkeys find irresistible. It’s a low-maintenance option that can thrive in various soil conditions.
- Chicory: This perennial herb is highly attractive to turkeys and can tolerate drought conditions. Its deep taproots make it an excellent choice for improving soil health.
- Soybeans: A high-protein food source that turkeys love, especially during the fall and winter. Choose a variety that is resistant to deer browsing.
- Corn: While not as nutritious as other options, corn can be a good supplemental food source. Plant it in small patches to minimize waste.
Turkey Food Plot Seed Mix
Planting and Maintaining Your Food Plot
Proper planting and maintenance techniques are essential for a successful food plot. Follow these steps:
- Soil Test: Conduct a soil test to determine the pH level and nutrient content. This will help you choose the right fertilizer and amendments to ensure optimal plant growth.
- Prepare the Seedbed: Clear the area of existing vegetation, rocks, and debris. Till or disc the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches to create a loose and well-drained seedbed.
- Plant the Seeds: Follow the recommended seeding rates on the seed packet. Use a spreader for even distribution or plant in rows according to the specific crop.
- Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer based on the recommendations from your soil test.
- Control Weeds: Weeds can compete with your food plot plants for nutrients and sunlight. Implement a weed control strategy, either through herbicides or regular mowing.
Planting Food Plot for Turkeys
Attracting Turkeys Beyond Food Plots
While food plots are essential, attracting turkeys involves more than just providing food. Consider these additional tips:
- Roosting Sites: Mature trees with horizontal branches offer safe and secure roosting sites for turkeys.
- Dusting Areas: Create dusting areas by mixing sand and wood ash. Turkeys use these areas for dust baths to control parasites.
- Predator Control: Implement measures to control predators such as foxes, raccoons, and snakes, which can pose a threat to turkey nests and poults.
- Hunting Regulations: Familiarize yourself with your state’s hunting regulations and obtain the necessary permits and licenses.
Conclusion
Creating a turkey paradise on your property requires careful planning, execution, and maintenance. By understanding the dietary needs and habitat preferences of turkeys, selecting suitable food plot locations, and implementing appropriate planting and maintenance techniques, you can significantly enhance your chances of attracting these magnificent birds.
Remember to supplement your food plots with other attractive features such as roosting sites, dusting areas, and predator control measures. With a little effort and dedication, you can transform your land into a thriving habitat that will bring you years of enjoyment observing and hunting these magnificent birds.
food plots in sandy soil are a great way to provide supplemental forage for turkeys.
FAQs
1. When is the best time to plant a food plot for turkeys?
The optimal planting time varies depending on your location and the specific seed mix. In general, fall is an excellent time to plant cool-season crops like clover and chicory, while spring is suitable for warm-season options like soybeans and corn.
2. How large should my food plot be?
The ideal size depends on your property size and the number of turkeys you want to attract. Aim for a plot that is at least 1/4 acre in size.
best deer and turkey food plots are typically larger, ranging from 1 to 5 acres in size.
3. How often should I fertilize my food plot?
Fertilization frequency depends on your soil test results and the type of fertilizer you are using. In general, it’s best to fertilize at least once a year, preferably in the spring or fall.
4. What are some natural food sources for turkeys?
Turkeys naturally forage on a wide variety of plants, including acorns, berries, fruits, insects, and grubs. Providing a diverse habitat with a mix of trees, shrubs, and open areas can help support their natural foraging habits.
food plot sunflower seeds are another great option for providing a natural food source for turkeys.
5. How can I protect my food plot from deer?
Deer can quickly decimate a food plot intended for turkeys. Consider using deer-resistant fencing or planting deer-resistant crops like chufa or chicory.
6. What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating food plots for turkeys?
- Poor location: Choosing a site with inadequate sunlight, drainage, or proximity to water.
- Inadequate soil preparation: Failing to properly clear, till, and fertilize the soil.
- Incorrect seed selection: Planting seeds that are not well-suited to your soil type or climate.
- Lack of maintenance: Neglecting to control weeds, fertilize, or reseed as needed.
evolved harvest food plot seed is a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance food plot option.
7. Can I plant food plots for turkeys in my backyard?
Yes, you can create small food plots to attract turkeys to your backyard. Choose a sunny location and plant a mix of their favorite foods, such as clover, chufa, and sunflowers.
Need help with your food plots? Give us a call at 02437655121, email us at [email protected], or visit us at 3PGH+8R9, ĐT70A, thôn Trung, Bắc Từ Liêm, Hà Nội, Việt Nam. We are available 24/7 to help.