MONTGOMERY-Landowners frequently have questions about wildlife food plots. How large should they be? What should be planted? Where is the best place to plant food plots? Several things should be taken into consideration during the planning process for food plots. Specifically, three things should be kept in mind: the wildlife species being targeted, the lay of the land, and the total size of the property.
Knowing your target species will determine proper planting. For instance, a blend of 
wheat, oats and clover may be planted to target deer and turkeys, but this particular blend benefits a variety of species. An example of planting for a specific species, such as dove or quail, would be to plant browntop millet.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has resources available including several publications that are helpful in steering hunters and land managers in the right direction when deciding what to plant. In addition to beneficial foods for wildlife, the Extension System also provides information about planting cover for specific species. The Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries has a publication entitled Effective Food Plots for White-tailed Deer in Alabama that might prove helpful.
Another consideration when planting food plots is the lay of the land. Planting near edges – where a wooded area meets an open field – is preferred when possible. In Alabama, food plots are commonly planted along gas or power lines where timber has been removed. Escape cover is readily available along edges and typically will increase utilization and benefits.
The overall size of the property and land management goals must be considered when initiating food plot construction and planting. The percentage of land in wildlife openings varies greatly across Alabama depending on land ownership. There is no one right answer when planning the size of a food plot. A good rule of thumb is to strive for putting 5 percent of the total property in wildlife openings.
Because not all food plots are intended for the same purpose and every situation is different, beginning with the basics of knowing your targeted species, the lay of the land and the size of the land will help ensure you have a successful and effective food plot.
For more information on planting food plots in Alabama, contact your Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries district office.
MEDIA RELEASE/Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources/ Casey Norris
