A lush and healthy perennial plot can be the perfect ambush site on early-season whitetails. If you have some good perennial fields such as clover, chicory, or alfalfa, here are some things you can do to get them sweetened up for that perfect 20-yard shot.
1. Fertilize for a Burst of Growth
A good dose of fertilizer just before the season can really help your clover take off and get that nice burst of growth when the moisture and cool temperatures from the early fall start coming in. A no-nitrogen fertilizer such as 0-20–20 is perfect for legumes, clover and alfalfa.
2. Increase Palatability Where You Want It
A highly effective way to encourage some fresh new growth in these perennial plots is to use a water-soluble foliar fertilizer such as BioLogic’s MEEN Green. It has an analysis of 15-40–5 and is perfect for plots that are blended with clover and chicory which will benefit from the nitrogen. BioLogic’s MEEN Green™ has a full micronutrient package as well that can really help plots that may have a micro nutrient deficiency. This fast-acting fertilizer can really make your plot jump and increase palatability right where you want it.
3. A Little Off The Top
A fresh cutting can also really encourage new growth out of perennials just before the fall arrives. You don't want to cut your plot too low, but just a clipping of the tops can get rid of any residual summer weeds and get some lush new growth that is very attractive to deer.
For more info on managing perennial food plots read “Make Your Clover Last for Years.”Most will claim a lifespan of three to five years on their perennials. However, if you care for them properly, a perennial stand can last for many years.
This tip is courtesy of the GameKeepers Field Notes, a weekly wildlife and land management email newsletter produced by the Mossy Oak GameKeepers.
A GameKeeper by definition is someone who truly loves AND lives the land, the critters and nature…not just during hunting season but all the time. A GameKeeper wants to be outdoors every day and work the dirt while living their personal “obsession”.
Find out more about what makes a GameKeeper by visiting our website.
