BUILDING AN EDGE - FOOD PLOT SECRETS

Maximizing Your Property: The Power of Natural Food Plot Borders

In the modern era of land management, food plots have become more than just a trend; they are a cornerstone for anyone serious about hunting and conservation. Almost every dedicated landowner in America now integrates some form of supplemental planting into their strategy. The reasons are clear: food plots provide a high-quality nutritional source that keeps deer on your property, supporting buck antler growth and doe lactation during the critical spring and summer months.

However, as the season shifts from fall to winter, the role of these plots becomes even more vital. When natural forage disappears, a well-managed plot becomes a literal lifesaver for the local herd. But according to experts, the most successful food plots offer more than just a place to eat—they provide a sanctuary.

The Science of the "Transition Zone"

I recently spoke with Jason Lupardus, the NWTF Field Supervisor for the Midwest, who highlighted a crucial but often overlooked aspect of plot design: the field border. His research suggests that plots featuring a soft transition—moving from a food source to cover and finally into hardwoods—are significantly more attractive to wildlife than fields that stop abruptly at the tree line.

“Creating a transition zone is extremely simple and effective,” Lupardus explained. “Instead of planting your crop all the way to the very edge of the woods, you simply stop a few rows shy. When this perimeter is left unplanted, it naturally reverts to native grasses and forbs.”

Benefits Beyond Nutrition

This "buffer zone" serves several critical functions that go beyond simple calories:

• Fawning Cover: High grasses provide a secure location for does to hide their fawns close to a reliable food source.

• Nesting Habitat: Turkeys are drawn to these tall borders because they can nest away from the prying eyes of predators.

• Protein-Rich Foraging: As spring turns to summer, these grassy edges become magnets for grasshoppers and other insects, providing essential protein for growing turkey poults.

A Low-Cost, High-Impact Strategy

The beauty of this method is that it is essentially free. While most land management projects require heavy investments in seed, lime, and equipment time, creating a border simply requires you to do less work.

By the second and third years, these borders become even more beneficial. They grow thicker and taller, providing increased security and even new food sources, like ragweed, which is highly utilized by birds in the late summer. If you want to see a visible difference in the amount of game holding on your land, leave an edge this year and watch how the local wildlife responds.

BY TRACY BREEN www.tracybreen.com