Summer food plots for deer are the cornerstone of a year-round nutritional strategy, transforming a simple patch of land into a powerful wildlife management tool. While hunters often focus on fall and winter food sources, the true magic happens during the growing season when these plots provide essential nutrition for antler development, fawn survival, and overall herd health. Understanding how to select, plant, and manage these summer plots is the difference between attracting a passing animal and sustaining a thriving population on your property.
Why Summer Nutrition is Non-Negotiable
The biological demands placed on white-tailed deer during the summer are immense, and meeting these demands requires high-quality forage. This is the primary period for antler growth, where bucks are building racks that can weigh up to 10% of their body weight. Without adequate protein and minerals, antler development stalls, resulting in smaller, less impressive racks. Concurrently, does are recovering from the rigors of the previous winter and gestation, and they require a nutrient-dense diet to produce enough milk for their fawns. A fawn’s survival is directly linked to the milk production of its mother, making summer nutrition a critical link in the chain of herd sustainability.
Soil Testing and Plot Location
Before a single seed hits the ground, a soil test is the most important step you can take. Guessing the fertilizer requirements is a waste of time and money, as soil pH and nutrient levels vary dramatically across different properties. A soil test will reveal the exact pH balance and deficiencies in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, allowing you to amend the soil specifically for the crops you intend to grow. Equally important is the location of the plot; you need a spot that receives a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Access is another key factor; the plot should be located near bedding cover, such as thick timber or brush piles, to give deer a safe corridor to travel from security to the feeding area.
Top Performing Summer Food Plot Species
Not all plants are created equal when it comes to summer deer nutrition. The most successful plots are often diverse, combining legumes for protein with grains for energy. Clover, particularly varieties like Ladino or arrowleaf, is a summer staple that fixes nitrogen into the soil and provides a highly digestible protein source. Lablab cowpea is another excellent choice, as it is incredibly drought-tolerant and produces abundant vines and leaves that deer find irresistible. For high-energy carbohydrates, consider planting corn or sorghum, which help meet the caloric needs required for rapid antler growth. Sunflowers also serve a dual purpose, attracting deer with their tender shoots while breaking up the visual monotony of a large plot.
Companion Planting for Resilience
Relying on a single species is a risky strategy, as weather and disease can wipe out a monocrop quickly. The solution is companion planting, which creates a resilient and attractive food source. Mixing clover with brassicas like turnips or forage rape creates a plot that offers variety in texture and nutrition. The brassicas will mature late in the summer and provide a frost-tolerant option that keeps the plot active into the fall, while the clover maintains a steady protein level throughout the heat of the summer. This diversity ensures that there is always something palatable and nutritious available, regardless of external conditions.
Planting Techniques and Weed Control
Successful establishment hinges on proper planting technique. Seeds must make direct contact with the soil to germinate, so preparing a smooth, firm seedbed is essential. No-till drilling is the preferred method, as it disturbs the soil less and places seeds at the ideal depth. If broadcasting by hand, you must ensure the area is mowed short and the seeds are dragged in with a harrow or cultipacker to ensure soil contact. Weed control is the biggest challenge in summer plots; you cannot rely on tillage to kill grass. Instead, utilize a grass-specific herbicide before planting to eliminate existing competition, and be prepared to spot-treat any invaders that emerge after your desired forage is established.
