Agricultural News
Oklahoma Wildlife Food Plot Demonstration July 12th
Mon, 07 Jul 2014 15:43:17 CDT
While most hunters are on summer vacation, many who manage property for wildlife year-round have just completed their summer food plots. Planting food plots is one of the most enjoyable aspects of wildlife management for many Oklahomans today. Wildlife management is fast becoming a popular reason traditionally farmed or ranched properties are being bought and sold in the U.S. Landowners are thinning timber, conducting prescribed burns, strip disking and of course planting food plots to manage for their favorite wildlife species. Food plots are intended to attract wildlife to an area for viewing, photography, or for hunting purposes. Many are also planted to provide cover or nutrition for species such as quail, turkey, waterfowl or deer.
Food plots should be one segment of a more holistic approach to land and wildlife management and should not be considered a silver bullet. Food plots specifically for deer should be planted at typical forage-production rates in large blocks of several acres or more. Just like any agricultural crop, seedbed preparation and correct fertilization are essential for the successful establishment of any plot. Rainfall is also a major factor in food plot success. Fertilizer and lime are sometimes necessary to achieve the greatest results from a food plot. Oklahoma State University Extension will analyze soil samples for $10.00 and these results dictate how much fertilizer or lime to apply.
Food plots for deer should be at least 3-5 acre blocks especially when planting summer legumes like mungbean, lablab or soybeans which can be overgrazed when young. For areas with high deer densities, grain food plots like wheat, oats, or rye should be planted in blocks of 3 acres or larger rather than small plots to withstand continuous browsing pressure. In addition, doe harvest should increase accordingly in-line with current herd management objectives of the property or food plots will likely fail due to high deer densities. Grain sorghum, guar, and cowpeas are also suitable for larger plots ranging in size from 3 to 5 acres, depending on deer density. To learn more about planting wildlife food plots, make plans to attend an upcoming workshop showcasing dozens of the best food plot species for Oklahoma. This free event will take place south of Norman in the town of Slaughterville, OK.
Cleveland County landowner Andy Wooliver, Oklahoma State University Extension and several state and national seed companies have joined forces to display several acres of wildlife food plots for public viewing. Single species along with multiple seed blends will be on display during this event. This field demonstration will be held Saturday July 12th
11:00. Directions are as follows: From the Shamrock Station at Highway 77 and Slaughterville Road (south of Noble, OK) travel 4.6 miles east on Slaughterville Road. Look for a white OSU sign immediately on north. This is a free event, but participants must RSVP to Cherry Slaughter at cherry.slaughter@okstate.edu or call 405-321-4774.
Oklahoma Cooperative Extension and Oklahoma State University offer their programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran and are Equal Opportunity Employers.
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