By John Monzingo, Assistant County Agent

Too often, hunters wait until just a few months before hunting season to begin thinking about the land they hunt. Common preparations may include scouting, clearing shooting lanes, or planting food plots to attract wildlife. While these practices are valuable, I encourage landowners and hunters to take a broader approach by focusing on habitat improvement rather than simply attracting animals for harvest.

When establishing food plots, habitat management should be the primary objective. Wildlife requires adequate nutrition throughout the year, not just during hunting season. By implementing a year-round management strategy, landowners can provide consistent forage, improve habitat quality, and support healthier wildlife populations. While comprehensive habitat management encompasses many practices, this article focuses specifically on planting cool-season forages. Landowners should also follow all guidelines and regulations established by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries regarding hunting over or near planted areas.

In a previous article, I discussed the importance of site preparation and soil testing before planting food plots. Soil testing provides valuable information about nutrient levels, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as soil pH. These results help land managers apply the appropriate fertilizers and soil amendments, such as lime or sulfur, to optimize plant growth. Adjusting soil pH to the recommended range improves nutrient availability, increases fertilizer efficiency, and promotes vigorous forage production.

The following cool-season food plot mixtures are well-suited for wildlife in our region:

Cool-Season Planting Guide (September to Mid-October)

Four-Species Combination Option 1

• Rye (Secale cereale) – 75 lbs./acre, planted ½ to 1 inch deep
• Oats (Avena sativa) – 25 lbs./acre, planted ½ to 1 inch deep
• Arrowleaf Clover (Trifolium vesiculosum) – 10 lbs./acre, planted ¼ to ½ inch deep
• Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) – 10 lbs./acre, planted ¼ to ½ inch deep

Four-Species Combination Option 2

• Rye (Secale cereale) – 75 lbs./acre, planted ½ to 1 inch deep
• Oats (Avena sativa) – 25 lbs./acre, planted ½ to 1 inch deep
• Wheat (Triticum aestivum) – 20 lbs./acre, planted ½ to 1 inch deep
• Arrowleaf Clover (Trifolium vesiculosum) – 10 lbs./acre, planted ¼ to ½ inch deep

Other clovers suitable for wildlife food plots include white clover and ladino clover, which can be planted at a rate of 4 to 6 pounds per acre. In areas where shade may limit forage growth, subterranean clover is another excellent option.

Another valuable forage for deer and other wildlife is Austrian winter pea, which can be planted at a rate of 40 to 60 pounds per acre. This species provides highly palatable forage and can enhance the nutritional value of food plots during the cooler months.

Note: The seeding rates listed above are intended for broadcast planting. If using a drill, rates can generally be reduced by 20 percent. For food plots designed primarily for quail or turkey habitat, rates should be reduced by 40 to 60 percent to maintain more open habitat conditions.

Incorporating clovers, peas, and beans into wildlife plantings offers benefits beyond forage production. These crops belong to a group of plants known as legumes. Legume roots form symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria that convert atmospheric nitrogen into a plant-available form. This natural process helps improve soil fertility, reduces fertilizer requirements, and promotes long-term soil health.

By taking a long-term approach to habitat management, hunters can improve wildlife nutrition, enhance habitat quality, and increase hunting opportunities while contributing to the sustainability of Louisiana's wildlife resources for future generations.

For additional information or assistance with food plot establishment, soil testing, or habitat management, contact the LSU AgCenter Extension Office at 318-927-3110.