Wildlife Food Planting Guide For The Southeast

Printable PDF Version (32 pages)

Revised August 2004

Wildlife require suitable, healthy living areas to survive and increase population numbers. The living areas must provide the food, cover, space, and water needs of different animals. Together, these components create an animal’s habitat. Management of native vegetative species, from forbs (weeds) to mature trees, will impact habitat quality more than any food planting or supplemental efforts. Also, for many wildlife species, especially the ones mentioned in this publication, habitat management must include proper protection and harvest.

This guide has been designed for the Southeast to help landowners, recreation clubs, and hunters better manage populations of white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, bobwhite quail, mourning dove, and various species of waterfowl. These same techniques also will benefit many nongame wildlife species.

This guide covers several wildlife habitat and food-planting management techniques. The techniques provide information to increase natural food production, supplement the diets of game species, improve recreation, and to manage populations to meet user objectives. This guide is based on proven wildlife management techniques and ongoing wildlife research and is written to provide information that will help meet recreational and management objectives.

Soil and Vegetation Disturbances

Soil quality determines wildlife habitat and population potential. Soil disturbances, such as timber harvest, disking, mowing, and prescribed burning, can improve wildlife habitat, and, if you do it correctly, can reduce the need for food plantings. However, for the best vegetative habitat diversity and to help in wildlife harvest and viewing, you might want a mixture of both natural vegetation and food plots.

Disking can prepare seedbeds for planting and change the natural composition of plants by removing thicker, undesirable grasses and creating space for more desirable legumes and seed producers. Disking also increases insect production. The best method of disking is “strip disking.” This technique works best with fields (pastures or agricultural) and rights-of-way but may also be used in stands of open timber. The key is to disk strips that are 30 to 50 feet wide to leave similarly undisked strips in between them. Do this alternately across the length of the field or area. You should disk strips every 3 years or so for quail.

Strip disking is excellent for providing nesting and broodrearing habitat, insect production, and important seed (food) production for quail and turkeys. As an example, blackberries, an important food to deer, turkeys, and quail, grow on an average 3-year rotation and can be promoted on a 3-year disking schedule. Aquatic plants (such as maidencane and smartweed), which are important duck foods at certain times, can be encouraged by spring and summer disking in drawndown ponds or marshy areas. Legumes (such as partridge pea, beggarweed, vetches), forbs (such as croton, ragweed), and large seeded grasses can be encouraged with winter-to-spring disking of fields and plots. Always disk on the contour to prevent or to minimize soil erosion.

Mowing is used primarily for the bobwhite quail and wild turkey. Late-winter (February) and late-summer (August) mowing attracts insects that are critical in the diets of juvenile birds. Late-summer mowing of grassy plots and fallow fields can increase nutrient availability of plants by providing fresh, green growth. The highest nutrient availability in grasses is in the first 8 inches of growth. Mowing can also help provide browse for deer.

Prescribed burning is the skillful use of fire to natural fuels, under confinement, to get planned benefits for forest or wildlife. Prescribed burning often is the most economical and beneficial tool in wildlife management. It is also a controversial because of possible landowner liability and smoke management health concerns. Prescribed burning is often used in pine or upland mixed pine hardwood stands to reduce dry fuel hazards, to control hardwood competition, and to prepare sites for replanting of trees. Besides these timber management benefits, wildlife benefits include ground exposure, seed spread, legume spread, hardwood butt sprouts, and growth of nutrient-rich forbs, vines, and browse. Only responsible, trained, experienced persons should do prescribed burning! Report all unattended fires to state forestry personnel.

Landowners must have a burning permit to burn in any state. You can get the permit by contacting the state forestry agency. Also, several states, including Mississippi, have prescribed burn laws that might require training, certification as a burn applicator, and written plans before burning. Although a 1- to 2-year burning cycle is ideal for quail, an average 3- to 5-year burning schedule is best for maintaining habitat diversity for many other game species. A 3- to 5-year burning rotation consists of burning 1/3 to 1/5 of the habitat each year. By doing so, you maintain different plant stages in the habitat, ensuring enough food production and good reproductive, escape, and resting cover.

Here are some safe burning conditions that can bring greatest wildlife benefits:

1. Burning in January and February, when temperatures are lower than 40 °F.
2. Burning with wind speeds of 3 to 10 mph.
3. Burning with a relative humidity of 50 to 70 percent.
4. Burning at night when the humidity is higher, for safety reasons. (Note: Smoke is harder to manage at night, though.)
5. Burning with a backfire where possible.

Do not practice any of these during the critical March to August nesting periods for bobwhite quail, turkey, and other ground-nesting species of interest.

The goal is to keep fire between ground level and 18 inches high. Limit burning to fields or stands of pine at least 10 years old. Restrict fire from hardwood stands. Unlike southern yellow pines, the cambium layer of most hardwood species can stand only 120 °F of heat. The best wildlife burn is a patchy or incomplete burn, which will increase habitat diversity.

You can get professional help from state or federal agency wildlife biologists, forestry specialists, and private consultants. Many state forestry agencies will schedule and conduct burns on private lands for a small fee.

Openings

Openings are various-sized areas in the habitat where sunlight reaches the ground. Openings are critical for a variety of species. They provide low growth that attracts insects and provides green forage and other foodstuffs near ground level for deer, quail, turkeys, and other species. Openings can vary in size from a few square feet to many acres. A list of a few different openings might include pastures, agricultural fields, power lines, gas lines, road rights-of-way, and timber harvest areas. For example, turkeys can thrive in forested habitats that have anywhere from 15 to 60 acres of opening per 100 acres of habitat.

These areas naturally provide food and cover for wildlife but can also be controlled or planted to various crops. For example, you can strip plow or mow them and/or plant to foliage, such as bahiagrass or clover that attracts insects. Bobwhite quail and turkeys often nest near these areas, which serve as good sources of food and cover.

Clearcuts (harvest cuts) can be used to create openings and, if planned and harvested properly, can provide diverse habitat edges, excellent cover for nesting, brood rearing, and escape, and lots of nutrient-rich forage/foods. Small, irregularly shaped harvest cuts with streamside management zones (strips of timber left along drains) provide excellent habitat, if these areas are part of a mix of different habitat types. Depending on initial tree spacing and site quality, an area that has been harvest cut might provide good quail habitat for up to 3 to 4 years after replanting. Later in the rotation, if pine is being grown, with proper thinning and burning, these areas can again provide excellent habitat. Best deer browse occurs 2 to 4 years following complete timber harvest, and food and cover benefits can continue for years with proper timber/wildlife management.

Group selection, individual tree selection, thinning, seed tree, and other methods of timber harvest can create small to large openings that can be suitable for planting. These harvests, when paired with other practices, such as burning, can magnify benefits to wildlife species.

White Tailed Deer

Habitat and Food Requirements

The white-tailed deer (doe) has an average home range of at least 1 square mile (640 acres), while mature bucks may range more than 3,000 acres annually. When basic biological needs for white-tailed deer are met on a suitably sized unit of land, deer might be less likely to leave, unless pressured by people, environmental conditions, or other animals. Mature hardwood forests, mixed pine-hardwood forests, pine forests (including managed plantations and natural forest), and open fields are some habitat types useful in helping meet habitat requirements.

The white-tailed deer browses on grass and other plants. It has four stomachs that help digest various foods, making it versatile in its feeding habits. It eats a variety of leaves, twigs, bark, buds of trees and shrubs, plus hard and soft fruits, vines, forbs, lichens, mushrooms, cultivated crops, and some grasses.

As far as nutrition, the two most critical times for white-tailed deer are late summer, when deer population levels are high and food quality is poor, and late winter, when food quality and quantity are low and mast (fruit) from oaks and other trees is scarce. These are times food plots can be good for deer. If at least one percent of an area is planted in food plots, the plots can positively benefit white-tails.

During the spring and early summer, deer browse is high in protein and complex carbohydrates. At this time, weights are increased for winter. Body fat stores are increased during the fall and early winter months with a variety of mast crops, including red and white oak acorns, which are good sources of carbohydrates.

Eastern Wild Turkey

Habitat and Food Requirements

The eastern wild turkey has an average home range of about 1,500 to 3,000 plus acres, with hens having smaller home ranges on average than mature gobblers. It is hard to manage wild turkey populations on small tracts of land, but it can be done. Protection with gates and other ways to control access is critical to managing wild turkey populations.

The ideal habitat for turkey production includes a mixture of intensively managed (thinned and burned) pine plantations, natural pine forest, mixed pine-hardwood forest, mature hardwood forest (upland, bottomland, or creek bottom) for travel and mast production, and properly maintained roadsides and openings for reproductive, broodrearing, and feeding areas.

Openings are an important part of wild turkey habitat, and you will need several small and large permanent openings. A range of 25 to 50 percent of the total area to be managed for wild turkeys should be in small to large, permanent, grassy openings. You can easily manage turkeys, even if timber is your main objective. You can leave a streamside management zone (SMZ) when you harvest timber. SMZ’s can include hardwoods and/or pines left along creeks and drains to protect water quality and to provide travel paths and mast production for wildlife.

Turkeys often use intensively managed plantations that are thinned and burned as production areas (nesting, brood rearing, feeding). You can burn in pine stands as young as 10 years old. You can do commercial thinning early (13 to 17 years) in the rotation. Salvaged pine beetle (bug) spot areas, log loading decks, skid trails, and roadsides provide openings you can maintain in food plantings.

The eastern wild turkey is a strong scratcher and needs a diet of animal and plant matter. During their first 2 weeks of life, turkey poults feed almost entirely on protein-rich insects. After 4 weeks old, they need a diet like those of adults, which feed maily on a wide variety of plant matter (seeds, leaves, fruits, tubers, forbs, grasses) and insects. In addition to grassy “bugging” areas, summer and winter food plantings that provide desirable foliage, fruit, and seed production are beneficial. During fall and early winter months, turkeys use mast crops of oaks, pines, and several other fruit-producing trees and shrubs (such as dogwoods and huckleberry).

Bobwhite Quail

Habitat and Food Requirements

The bobwhite quail has an average home range of about 40 acres, but quail might stray from these areas if the habitat doesn’t meet certain requirements. Bobwhites are an easy game bird to manage on smaller tracts of land. Population numbers have been declining over the last 30 years, and the decline has increased over the last 10 years.

Bobwhites are an “edge” and early successional stage species and need a mixed pattern of open ground and weedy/grassy habitat and/or open (thinned and burned) timber. The best basal area (cross sectional square footage of trees on a per acre basis) for quail is a range of 40 to 60 square feet per acre. It is difficult to produce quail long term in short rotation pine pulpwood stands.

Harvest cut areas can provide good habitat and hunting for quail for up to 3 to 4 years after harvest, though. With proper management, these areas might provide good numbers of birds for 5 to 6 years. For sawtimber rotations, thinning, prescribed burning, mowing, and disking are beneficial quail management techniques where timber is the key objective.

The bobwhite quail favors patchy farming techniques where you keep 5-acre and smaller patches of different early successional habitats to include an abundance of brushy fence rows, ditch banks, and strips of open timber separating fields. Loss of suitable habitat because of clean farming techniques, loss of small farming operations, and other changes in land-use patterns have limited bobwhite quail populations.

The most critical factors in quail management include providing the right mix (mosaic) of habitat to meet food, bare ground, and cover needs. Quail will not venture far out into a large, open field to feed because of lack of cover. Neither can they scratch out foods in areas of heavy cover, if the seeds are available. You can ease these situations by mixing habitats and by creating transitional zones in the habitat. A transition is a middle habitat between two types of habitat.

The following are suggestions where transitional zones improve quail habitat:

• Build several long fences (preferably wooden, in a criss-crossed pattern) and let them grow up in vegetation. You can enhance this by fertilizing and planting rows of shrub lespedeza, honeysuckle, or muscadine on both sides of the fence row. Leave a buffer strip of 10 to 30 feet on both sides of the fence. You can plant this area to desirable seed-producing plants or perennial grasses that attract insects and can be mowed in late winter. A good substitute for fences would be to push up windrows where cut slash is available.
• Let field edges grow up next to wood lines.
• Build brush piles in large open fields or harvest cut areas, then let a buffer grow up around the brush pile.
• Plant 6 to 10 rows of pines in open fields, bordered by strips of annual reseeding lespedeza or broom sedge.
• Leave 30-foot buffer zones between cultivated crops and trees alongside ditch banks, roadsides, or fence rows.

Bobwhite quail, as do wild turkeys, eat animal and plant matter. Quail chick diets are mainly insects for the first 2 weeks of life. After about 8 weeks, their diets are more like those of adults. Adult quail diets, although supplemented by insects, are seeds, fruits, acorns, forbs, and grasses/green matter. Food plantings that attract insects and produce green stuff and seeds can be beneficial at all times during the year, especially in late summer, when nesting and brood rearing are complete. In the Southeast, free water is not generally considered critical for bobwhite quail habitat. Although quail will drink available water, they can hold enough water from fruits, dew on foliage, and insects to meet their needs.

Numerous wild plants, trees, and shrubs are good food sources for bobwhites. You can produce many of these native plants by seasonal diskings.

Mourning Dove

Habitat and Food Requirements

Mourning doves are migratory game birds that usually migrate through the Southeast from early fall through winter. Even so, many will nest in the Southeast and have habitat requirements that must be met. Doves need “grit” (small bits of gravel and larger grains of sand) in their diets to help grind food in the gizzard. Doves are often seen on sand and graveled roadsides and in gravel pits. Also, a water source (such as a farm pond) is needed within approximately one mile of the food source. Doves are herbivores and are characterized as seed eaters. They feed primarily on the seeds of forbs, grasses, and small grains. Doves prefer to light in areas where the ground is bare and then walk to the food source. A large machine-harvested field attracts doves because of the clean ground and scattered seeds. Doves seek food by sight, prefer clean ground, and will not scratch or dig in the ground for food.

Doves are federally regulated migratory birds, and you should place extreme care and attention on federal and state regulations regarding dove field management. Consultation with wildlife biologists or enforcement officers might help avoid illegal field situations. Normal and acceptable agricultural practices typically have been considered legal dove shooting areas.

It is important to plant summer grain crops no later than June 15, if you want to attract doves to fields for dove shoots in September. Doves are easily attracted to prepared grain fields of at least 10 acres, and larger fields will attract proportionately greater numbers of birds. Planting techniques should use small seed and grain crops such as browntop millet, grain sorghum, corn, and sunflower. Crop production will be maximized if drilled, but broadcasting seeds, followed by light disking and dragging, will produce acceptable results. Harvests of portions of the field beginning 6 to 8 weeks in advance of expected shooting dates and continuing weekly until the shooting date might help hold doves on the field. Waste grain and bare ground are critical to the doves using the field.

Dove fields can easily be overharvested but can be retained by using a harvest schedule. Schedules might include shooting only in afternoon hours, regulating all-day shoots (if legal) to one per week, or stopping shoots at least 1 hour before sunset to allow doves time to feed and water before roosting.

Waterfowl

Habitat and Food Requirements

The mallard and wood duck are two of the most popular species of waterfowl in the Southeast. Both of these ducks are herbivores, are characterized as grazers and seed eaters, and have diverse diets of grasses, forbs, seeds, fruits, acorns, cultivated crops, and aquatic plants. Mallards and wood ducks are further characterized as dabbling ducks or puddle ducks, and feed in shallow water.

Waterfowl are federally regulated, migratory species, and most nest from the northern tier of the United States into Canada. Wood ducks, however, also nest in the Southeast in great numbers, and, unlike most waterfowl (which are ground nesters), use natural tree or man-made cavities. The number of wood ducks can be increased by providing nest boxes around water sources where there are inadequate numbers of natural cavities.

Cover, food, and shallow water are habitat requirements important for waterfowl impoundment management. Farm/beaver ponds and other impoundments of at least 5 acres can be made attractive to waterfowl. Food plantings of corn, Japanese millet, and other small grains planted around the edges and in these impoundments can provide excellent habitat and good hunting. Those trees not producing small acorns and other duck foods can be removed from the pond’s edge to allow seed-producing weeds and grasses to flourish. Water levels where beavers are active can be controlled by using the Clemson drain or similar devices.

One of the best techniques used in waterfowl management is the greentree reservoir. This technique involves constructing a levee in a hardwood drain or bottom (with an adequate water source such as a creek, sizeable watershed, or well) that contains oaks and other small, hard mast-producing trees and shrubs. Water levels are controlled via a structure such as a weir or flashboard riser. The timber is flooded in the fall to an average depth of about 18 inches and often attracts good numbers of dabbling ducks, depending on mast crops. Do not continue flooding longer than 4 to 5 months, to prevent timber damage. Landowners and clubs interested in this technique can receive technical and often material assistance regarding location, permits required, and/or cost estimates from the Natural Resource Conservation Service, Cooperative Extension Service, state wildlife agency, Ducks Unlimited, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Most of these areas are considered wetlands and might require federal and state approvals before development.

Similar techniques can be used with agricultural production areas, pastureland, and with any impoundment that has a water-control structure. These areas can be drained by March 1, and native food production can be promoted by disking and fertilizing the soil, or they can be planted to crops that will tolerate some flooding.

Some wild plants in wet areas or drawndown ponds are beneficial to ducks and might be enhanced by mechanical soil disturbance.

Supplemental Forages

Research indicates clearly that no one particular supplemental forage variety can meet all the needs of any one wildlife species on a year-round basis. However, combining different forages in food plantings, including warm and cool season forages, is an excellent way to maximize benefits of food plantings. Selections of adapted varieties should be based on soil and site characteristics, as well as cost and the wildlife species managed. Experiment with different varieties and planting combinations. Initially, plant small areas to serve as test plots before establishing large acreages.

Soil Quality and Fertilization

Wildlife seek and consume foods that are high in nutrient content. Since plants and animals are by-products of soil quality, determining soil quality and correcting problems in fertility and pH are the first steps in food-plot preparation.

To test soil quality, collect soil samples 3 months before planting. Soil testing kits are available from the Extension Service or Natural Resource Conservation Service. One way to sample soils is to collect a handful of topsoil from 3 to 5 locations throughout the plot. Mix the soil in a container and remove a small sample (handful) to go in a small bag. Label the container with name and address and include the plant variety to be planted in the plot (s). Soil test results can give different NPK and lime (pH) rates for particular plant varieties. Contact the agencies listed for information on analysis of samples.

Planting food plots without proper fertilization and liming wastes time and money and, in most cases, is of little value to wildlife. In addition to fertilizing food plantings, fertilizing native vegetation in fallow fields, along roadsides, fence rows, and wooded areas with scattered openings also has benefits. Honeysuckle, for example, is an excellent wild vine to fertilize for deer forage production. If you cannot get a soil test, for most cereal grains, use a good complete fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium applied at the rate of 200 to 400 pounds per acre. NPK is expressed as a number on the fertilizer sack, such as 15-15-15. Most legumes, however, require only low nitrogen levels, such as 6-24-24.

Liming involves applying agricultural lime (if needed) to bring up soil pH to the proper level to maximize growth, yield, fertilizer efficiency, and palatability of food plantings. For slightly acidic soils, applying 2 to 4 tons per acre is generally required to adjust pH to the proper level. Many clovers need a pH of 6.5 to 7.0 to promote reseeding.

Food Plot Size, Shape, and Placement

Match food plot size to the animal species you are managing. The size of food plots can vary from a few square feet to 20 or more acres. Deer, for example, will best use a 1- to 3-acre plot every 100 acres, and quail will best use a 1⁄4- to 1⁄2-acre plot every 15 to 20 acres. Generally, plans should address a percentage of the total area managed and/or controlled to be planted in food plots. Plant at least one percent of the managed area in food plots for deer.

For greatest plant diversity and cover, plant long, narrow plots between two or more types of timber stands. For example, plant a plot between a stand of hardwoods and a stand of pine, between two separate ages of pine stands, or on the edge of a clear cut near the surrounding timber. Planting fruit- and nut-producing trees and shrubs in plots can add diversity and increase wildlife use of these plantings.

Food-planting locations that might not impact timber production very much include wide fire lanes, rights-of-way of gas and power lines, logging roads, old log-loading decks, and small, salvaged spots of timber. You can also overseed permanent roadsides. Do not plant food plots next to public roads, since these plots are too easy to get to. You should control access to plots by gates and fencing placed at least 100 yards inside property boundaries.

Food plantings located near drains, bottomland, or flatwood sites usually are more productive because of soil fertility and topsoil depth. Unless you can reduce soil movement to insignificant levels, don’t locate food plots on steep slopes that might erode. Unless waterfowl is the target species, don’t plant areas that routinely flood. Available sunlight is a major consideration in food-planting placement. Although some plants and shrubs are shade tolerant, most are not.

Preparing Food Plots

Some farm equipment is needed to plant and maintain wildlife food plantings. A tractor large enough to pull 5-foot implements is sufficient in most cases. Useful implements include a heavy-duty mower, disk, broadcaster (seeder), and a planter or drill with at least two rows. Although a row planter or drill is not essential, for most plantings it can be useful in making productive grain plots, and you can use it to plant areas that are level with little soil preparation (low till).

A hand seeder is also useful for planting small-seeded crops, such as clovers, or for seeding remote, wet, or steep areas. Direct seeding can be feasible for small seeded plants and might not require disking or other soil preparation. You can use direct seeding (no till) on roadsides, fire lanes, or other areas with freshly disturbed soils. Roadside food-planting management will provide edges, openings, and food for wildlife, as well as help control erosion of roads and ditches. Disk roadsides only along flat stretches and away from ditches. Fertilize and plant in a desirable grass, legume, or seed-producing plant. Cover with wheat straw or other type mulch to help prevent erosion and to hold seeds in place.

Soil-preparation techniques useful for food plots include fallowing and preparing firm seedbeds. Fallowing builds and maintains soil before planting legumes and is done by letting fields or plots lay out several months before planting. You can disk plots before planting time. To prepare firm seedbeds, let disked plots settle before planting. Usually this happens with one good rain and several days of sunshine. Lightly cover seeds by dragging a piece of railroad iron or a piece of chain link fence behind the seeder. Five tires chained together in a V will also cover seeds and help level plots.

Wildlife Food-Planting Mixtures/Strip Planting

Food plots planted with two or more crops or mixtures provide diverse food and cover and often are used by more wildlife species than a one-crop field. These mixed plots can provide year-round use on smaller acreage. When planted, if one crop does not make, a second or third probably will produce. The better technique used for mixing crops is strip planting. Plant several long strips about 30 to 40 feet wide to alternating crops.

The following plant mixtures work well in a single plot. If you plant them together rather than in strips, there will be some competition.

The following mixtures contain at least one excellent soil holder, several perennials, annual reseeders, and several good wildlife food plants. They are designed for the least site preparation and are small seeded, so you can distribute them with a hand seeder or a broadcaster and tractor. These are excellent for planting on roadsides, disked fire lanes, or log decks. You should cover plantings with wheat straw and fertilize, if direct seeded, for greatest benefit. Application will be around 60 pounds per acre for the total mix, and the cost will be in the $1 to $1.50 per pound range. Plant large seeded crops first, cut in, then apply small seeded crops (clovers) on top and cover lightly.

These plant mixtures are for minimal site preparation and are small seeded, so you can distribute them with a hand seeder or a broadcaster and tractor.

Plant Applications

Cool-season annuals are planted in late summer and early fall to provide forage and seed crops for fall, winter, and spring uses. These often make the best mixtures.

Before planting legumes, inoculate the seeds with a plant-specific packet of inoculum-containing bacteria (rhizobium) that fix nitrogen to the nodules of legume roots and allow nitrogen production and intake by plants. Inoculation of legume seeds will increase production of legumes, decrease fertilizer cost, and build soil quality. Mix the packet with a small amount of water or sugar water, then mix thoroughly with the seed just before planting. Avoid fertilizer contact with inoculated seed, if possible.

Perennial plants will continue to sprout each year after establishment. Some fertilizing and liming are required for continual growth. Periodic competition control, such as mowing or disking, is often needed.

Warm-season annuals are planted in early to late spring to provide forage and seed crops for summer and fall uses.

Planting Materials Guide

Alfalfa

Companion plants

None; do not mix with other plants.

Description

A cool-season perennial legume, widely used by deer and turkey in the spring, summer, and fall. Provides nesting habitat, seeds, insects, and foliage for turkeys.

Fertilization

Soil tests are necessary; generally requires 150 pounds of phosphorus and 300 pounds of potassium per acre.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test or use amounts necessary to bring soil pH to 7.0.

Management

Mowing is required in early spring and late summer to keep shoots green and tender. Apply 75 pounds of (P) and 150 of (K) per acre annually after the first mowing.

Planting dates

September 1 to October 15.

Planting rates

Alfalfa inoculant required. Drill 15 pounds per acre at 1/4 of an inch, or broadcast 18 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Requires fertile, well-drained soils; not suited to heavy clay or wet soils.

Soil preparation

Disk plot in June and leave plot fallow until planting date; redisk and plant in a firm seedbed.

Varieties

Apollo, Vanguard, and Florida 77.

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Austrian Winter Peas

Companion plants

Perennial grasses.

Description

A cool-season annual legume. Provides excellent fall, winter, and early spring foliage for deer and turkeys. Seeds mature from May to June.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or use 250 pounds per acre of 0-14-14.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts necessary to maintain a soil pH of 6.0-7.0.

Planting dates

September 1 to November 1.

Planting rates

Vetch inoculant required. Drill 40 pounds per acre at 1/2 of an inch, or broadcast 40 to 60 pounds per acre; cover 1 inch.

Soil adaptation

Better adapted to heavy clay; moderately fertile to fertile soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-disked seedbed.

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Bahiagrass

Companion plants

Clovers, winter peas, and annual lespedeza.

Description

A warm-season perennial grass. Used heavily by wild turkeys as a source of insects and choice seeds.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or use 400 pounds per acre of 13-13-13 or 15-15-15.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test or to maintain a soil pH of 5.5-6.0.

Management

Mow in early spring and late summer. Apply 150 pounds per acre of 34-0-0 annually after first mowing.

Planting dates

March 1 to June 1; September 1 to November 1.

Planting rates

Drill 15 pounds per acre at 1/4 of an inch, or broadcast 18 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Well adapted to most soils; best stands are obtained in sandy soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a firm seedbed.

Varieties

Argentine, Paraguay, Pensacola, and Wilmington.

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Barley

Companion plants

Ryegrass, clover, and vetch.

Description

A cool-season, annual small grain. Provides choice seeds for game and nongame birds and choice foliage for deer in early stages of growth. Barley is tolerant to cold weather.

Fertilization

Soil tests are recommended, or use 60 pounds of (N), 80 pounds of (P), and 80 pounds of (K)/acre.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts necessary to maintain a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Management

(Optimal) Apply 120 to 200 pounds per acre of 34-0-0 in February.

Planting dates

September 1 to November 1.

Planting rates

Drill or broadcast 1.5 bushels or 80 pounds of seeds per acre and cover 1 inch.

Soil adaptation

Adapted to well drained, light textured soils. Does not grow well in poorly drained or heavy clay soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well disked seedbed.

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Bird's-Foot Trefoil

Companion plants

Ryegrass, clover, and vetch.

Description

A cool-season perennial legume. Mostly planted for quail and turkey. Provides a good source of foliage and insects. Grows to heights of 2 feet.

Fertilization

Soil tests are necessary. Generally, 75 pounds of (P) and 150 pounds of (K) are required.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test or use amounts necessary to maintain a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.0.

Management

Mow in early spring and late summer.

Planting dates

September 1 to October 15.

Planting rates

Inoculation required. Drill or broadcast 12 pounds per acre and cover seed 1/4 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Most productive in the mountain and Piedmont regions. Adapted to well-drained soils.

Soil preparation

Disk plot in June and leave fallow until planting date. Redisk and plant seeds in a firm seedbed.

Varieties

Fergus, Empire, and Viking.

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Buckwheat

Companion plants

Sunflower, millets, and grain sorghum.

Description

A warm-season annual grain. Used by deer, turkeys, waterfowl, quail, and doves. Hard to establish when deer populations are high.

Fertilization

Soil tests are recommended, or use 200-300 pounds per acre of 13-13-13 or 15-15-15.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts necessary to maintain a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.0.

Planting dates

May 1 to June 1.

Planting rates

Drill 30 pounds per acre at 1/4 of an inch, or broadcast 40 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Widely adapted to fertile and infertile soils. Grows best on well-drained sites.

Soil preparation

Plant in a firm seedbed.

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Burnett

Companion plants

Clovers.

Description

A warm-season perennial forb planted mainly for quail. This is a small, creeping, seed-producing plant.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or use 150 pounds per acre of 13-13-13 or 15-15-15.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts necessary to maintain a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.0.

Planting dates

March 1 to May 1.

Planting rates

Drill 4 pounds per acre at 1/4 of an inch or broadcast 6 pounds per acre and cover 1/4 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Requires fertile, well-drained upland soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a firm seedbed.

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Puna Chickory

Companion plants

Oats, Crimson, or Ladino clover

Description

Perennial herb; a member of the lettuce family. Selected for high yields in New Zealand. Planted in the fall, grows slowly until spring, then grows rapidly until it blooms in late summer. May last up to 3 years.

Fertilization

Soil tests are recommended, or use 50 units of nitrogen fertilizer every month.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts necessary to maintain a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.0.

Management

When stand declines, reseed in fall and cover lightly.

Planting dates

August 15 to October 31.

Planting rates

Plant 5 to 6 pounds per acre, and cover 1/4 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Prefers well-drained site with good water-holding capacity.

Soil preparation

Plant in a firm, smooth seedbed prepared by plowing and dragging. Broadcast seed and cover lightly.

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Chufa

Companion plants

Grows best alone.

Description

A warm-season sedge. Chufa produces small, underground, nutlike tubers. These are choice foods for turkey, deer, and ducks, and are even tasty to humans. Chufa is also a delicacy to raccoons and can be severely damaged if plots are small and raccoon populations are high.

Fertilization

Soil tests are recommended, or use 300 pounds per acre of 13-13-13 or 15-15-15.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts necessary to bring soil pH to 5.5 to 6.5.

Management

Second-year crops can often be obtained by disking in February to March and reapplying 100 to 150 pounds per acre of 13-13-13 or 15-15-15. Rotate crops to avoid nematode infestations.

Planting dates

April to May.

Planting rates

Plant 30 pounds per acre in 24 to 36 inch rows at 9 inch spacings, or broadcast 50 pounds per acre and cover seeds 1 inch.

Soil adaptation

Grows on well-drained to moderately well-drained soils; can be flooded if duck hunting is desired.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-disked plot.

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Clovers

NOTE: Clovers are excellent forages that provide high protein levels in winter for deer. Clover can be mixed with other cool-season annuals. The clovers discussed in this publication are best suited for the Southeast. Clover is expensive, ranging from $1.70 per pound to $2.50 per pound. Be careful to check clover prices carefully. Mixes packaged and marketed to produce trophy animals carry high price tags and often can be mixed at local seed dealers for half the cost. Clovers are site specific and perform best when lime is used to correct pH problems.

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Alyce Clover

Companion plants

Plant with forage cowpeas and/or joint vetch. Reduce seeding rate to 10 pounds per acre when planting combinations.

Description

A warm-season legume that provides forage in the summer and early fall. Especially important to whitetailed deer; one of the few warm-season forages that holds up well to grazing pressure.

Fertilization

Apply according to soil test, or apply 200 pounds per acre of 0-14-14 after planting is established.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test or apply amounts necessary to bring pH to 6.5-7.0.

Planting dates

May 1 to June 15.

Planting rates

Inoculate seeds. Broadcast 15 to 20 pounds per acre or drill 16 pounds per acre.

Soil adaptation

Suited to most moderate to well-drained soils, including bottomland sites.

Soil preparation

Disk and plant in a firm seedbed.

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Arrowleaf Clover

Companion plants

Ryegrass, barley, oats, wheat, and rye; although these will often outcompete clovers.

Description

A cool-season, reseeding annual legume. Grows to heights of 40 to 50 inches under fertile conditions. Seeds germinate in the fall, and plants grow slow in winter, then grow rapidly in spring. Flowers are white and pink. Seeds mature from late June to early August. Arrowleaf provides excellent foliage that attracts insects for turkeys and produces choice forage for deer, although palatability might be lower than some other clovers.

Fertilization

Apply according to soil test, or apply 300 pounds per acre of 0-20-20.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or apply amounts necessary to bring soil pH to 6.5 to 7.0 to ensure reseeding.

Management

Reseeding may be enhanced by bushhogging or light disking and fertilizing at the rate of 200 pounds per acre of 0-20-20 in October the following year.

Planting dates

September 1 to November 15.

Planting rates

Arrowleaf inoculant required. Drill 6 pounds per acre at 1/4 of an inch or broadcast 6 to 8 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Best suited to fertile, well-drained soils. Grows best in sandy loams and light clay soils.

Soil preparation

Disk plot in July and leave fallow until planting date. Redisk and plant seeds in a firm seedbed.

Varieties

Meechee, Yuchi, Amclo, and Chief.

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Ball Clover

Companion plants

Grasses.

Description

A rapid growing, cool-season annual legume that grows on sites not suitable to other clovers. Provides foliage and insects for turkeys and forage for deer.

Fertilization

Apply according to soil test, or use 200 pounds per acre of 0-20-20.

Management

Reseeding can be encouraged by mowing or disking and fertilizing at the rate of 300 pounds per acre of 0-20-20 in September.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts necessary to bring soil pH to 6.0.

Planting dates

September 1 to November 15.

Planting rates

White clover inoculant required. Drill 3 pounds per acre at 1/4 of an inch, or broadcast 3 to 4 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Adapted to a wide range of soils. Grows in heavy clays, poorly drained soils, and light-textured soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well disked plot, or broadcast over a closely mowed grass.

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Crimson Clover

Companion plants

Ryegrass, small winter grains, other clovers, and vetch.

Description

A cool-season annual legume. Tolerant of acidic soils. Provides insects and foliage for turkeys and forage for deer. Has pink-red blossoms and grows to heights of 3 feet. This is an excellent crop to plant to control erosion and beautify roadsides. Can be used in combination with other clovers, since it initiates growth quicker, but seeds out earlier than most clovers.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or apply 300 pounds per acre of 0-20-20.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts necessary to bring soil pH to 6.5 to 7.5.

Management

Reseeding may be enhanced by disking or mowing the following fall. Apply 150 pounds per acre of 0-20-20 after soil disturbance.

Planting dates

September 1 to November 15.

Planting rates

Inoculation required. Drill 15 pounds per acre at 1/4 of an inch, or broadcast 20 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Best adapted to fertile, well-drained soils. Grows in loamy clay and heavy clay soils. Does not grow well in sandy soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a firm seedbed. Can be planted immediately following summer pea crops with one disking.

Varieties

Autange, Chief, Dixie, and Tibbee.

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Red Clover

Companion plants

Red clover grows best alone but can be planted with dallisgrass.

Description

A coolseason legume. Provides insects and foliage for turkeys and forage for deer.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended. Apply 300 pounds per acre of 0-20-20.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts necessary to maintain a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5.

Management

Mow in October and fertilize at the rate of 200 pounds of 0-20-20 per acre.

Planting dates

September 1 to November 15.

Planting rates

Requires a red clover inoculant. Drill 8 pounds per acre at 1/4 of an inch or broadcast 810 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Grows best on fertile, well-drained soils. Does not grow well on sandy soils. Prefers a sandy, clay loam.

Soil preparation

Disk plot in July and leave fallow until planting date; redisk and plant in a firm seedbed.

Varieties

Kenland and Redland II.

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Subterranean Clover

Companion plants

Warm-season perennials, ryegrass, cool-season winter grains, and vetch.

Description

A cool-season annual legume; very tolerant to shade; can be planted on temporary food plots, such as logging roads, and in strips of thinned timber. Makes excellent plots in short-rotation pine and provides foliage and insects for quail and turkeys and forage for deer.

Fertilization

Soil test recommended, or apply 250 pounds of 0-20-20 per acre.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts required to maintain a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.0.

Management

Reseeding can be enhanced by mowing or fall disking and fertilization of 200 pounds per acre of 0-20-20.

Planting dates

September 1 to October 15.

Planting rates

Requires subterranean inoculant. Drill 8 pounds per acre at 1/4 of an inch, or broadcast 15 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Best adapted to well-drained, sand, loam, or clay soils.

Soil preparation

Plant seeds in a well-prepared, firm seedbed.

Varieties

Mount Barker, Woogenellup, Tallarook, Nangech, and Meterora.

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Ladino Clover/White Clover

Companion plants

Ryegrass, cool-season annual small grains, and vetch.

Description

A cool-season annual legume. A very popular clover for providing deer forage and foliage and insects for quail and turkey.

Fertilization

Soil tests are recommended, or use 400 pounds per acre of 0-20-20.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts necessary to maintain a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.0.

Management

Reseeding can often be enhanced by fall disking or mowing and fertilizing at the rate of 200 pounds per acre of 0-20-20.

Planting dates

September 1 to November 15.

Planting rates

Requires white clover inoculant. Drill 3 pounds per acre at 1/4 of an inch, or broadcast 4 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Very well adapted to fertile, bottomland, and moist soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a firm seedbed. In wet areas, seeds and fertilizer can be broadcast and lightly disked in.

Varieties

Osceola, Tillman, Regal, Louisiana S1, and California.

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White Dutch Clover

Companion Plants

Bahiagrass, dallisgrass, ryegrass, and cool-season annual small grains.

Description

A cool-season perennial legume. Grows well in shaded areas and can be planted on logging roads, decks, and in strips of thinned timber. Provides foliage and insects for quail and turkey and forage for deer.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or apply 300 pounds per acre of 0-20-20.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts required to bring soil pH to 6.0 to 7.0.

Management

Reseeding can be enhanced by fall mowing and fertilization of 200 pounds per acre of 0-20-20.

Planting dates

September 1 to November 15.

Planting rates

Requires a white clover inoculant. Drill 4 pounds per acre at 1.4 inches, or broadcast 4 to 6 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Well adapted to fertile, bottomland, wet soils.

Varieties

New Zealand.

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Corn

Companion Plants

Soybeans, cowpeas, and winter legumes.

Description

A warm-season annual; a very favored and sought-after crop for wildlife. Corn is high in carbohydrate energy.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or use 300 pounds per acre of 15-15-15 on poor sites and 200 to 250 pounds per acre of 6-12-12 on fertile sites.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test or use amounts required to bring soil pH to 6.5-7.0.

Management

For ducks, if flooding is desired, do not plant with any winter legumes. Japanese millet and cereal grains can be planted in close proximity to provide height/diet diversity. For deer, leave standing in patches near the wood's edge. For turkey and quail, allow seeds to fall naturally or knock down by hand or with a mower. For doves, mow in strips to provide scattered seeds and clean ground.

Planting dates

Ideally, April 1 to May 1.

Planting rates

Plant 12 pounds per acre in 36 inch rows, no till-in with legumes, or broadcast 12 to 15 pounds per acre and cover 1 inch.

Soil adaptation

Well-drained loam or light clay soils are best. Moderately drained soils may be chosen if flooding is desired for ducks.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-prepared seedbed.

Varieties

There are numerous varieties. Those that produce low- growing "ears" are best for wildlife.

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Cowpeas

Companion plants

Other warm-season annual peas and browntop millet.

Description

A warm-season annual legume. Browsed by deer and rarely eaten by doves, but highly used by turkey and quail.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended or use 100 pounds per acre of 0-20-20.

Lime requirements

A soil test is recommended, or use amount required to maintain a soil pH of 5.5 to 7.0.

Planting dates

May 1 to July 1.

Planting rates

Plant 15 pounds per acre in 24 to 36 inch rows or broadcast 25 pounds per acre and cover 1 inch. Inoculant required.

Soil Adaptation

Adapted to well-drained soils, from sandy loams to heavy soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a firm seedbed.

Varieties

Thorsby Cream, Tory, Wilcox, and Cat Jang.

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Dallisgrass

Description

A long-lived perennial bunch grass; can be planted in spring and fall with other grasses and clovers. Attracts insects, provides foliage and good nesting habitat for turkeys; also good for erosion control.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or use 400 pounds per acre of 13-13-13.

Management

Early spring and late summer mowing with one annual fertilization of 250 pounds per acre of 13-13-13 after the first mowing.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or 12 tons per acre in absence of test.

Planting dates

February 15 to May 15 or September 1 to October 15.

Planting rates

Broadcast 10 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Adapted to fertile, moist, well-drained, light- and heavy-clay-textured soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-prepared seedbed.

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Egyptian Wheat

Description

Egyptian wheat is actually an annual sorghum that grows to heights of 8 feet. It grows in thick stands, and heads will easily fall to the ground (lodge) at maturity. Makes cover and choice seeds for quail and turkey.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or use 200 pounds per acre of 13-13-13.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts required to maintain a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Planting dates

April 1 to May 15.

Planting rates

Drill 6 pounds per acre at ¼ of an inch, or broadcast 6 to 10 pounds per acre and cover ½ of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Widely adapted to well-drained, light-textured soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in well-disked plots. Best to plant in patches 8 to 12 feet wide and 30 to 50 feet long. Excellent for providing cover in large fields; can be strip planted alternately with other warm-season grasses.

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Elbon Rye

Companion plants

Other cool-season, annual small grains, ryegrass, vetch, and clover.

Description

An annual, cool-season, small grain (similar to wheat). Choice food of doves, ducks, quail, turkeys; browsed heavily by deer in early stages of growth. Rye grows very fast and loses its protein level early. Rye is a cold-tolerant small grain; provides forage for deer in fall and winter, if kept mowed. Rye provides nesting, bugging areas, and seed for quail and turkey; usually dies back in early summer.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or apply 200 pounds of 13-13-13 per acre.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts required to maintain a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Management

Apply 200 pounds of 34-0-0 per acre in February.

Planting dates

September 1 to November 15.

Planting rates

Drill or broadcast 1.5 bushels or 80 pounds of seed per acre and cover 1 inch.

Soil adaptation

Adapted to well-drained, light-textured clay soils. Does not grow well in poorly drained soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-disked seedbed.

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Grain Sorghum

Companion plants

Browntop millet, corn, sunflower, and winter legumes.

Description

A very hardy, warm-season annual with tall, medium, and dwarf varieties. Favorite foods of turkeys, quail, doves, and, less often, ducks.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or use 150 to 250 pounds of 13-13-13 per acre.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test or use amounts required to maintain a soil pH of 5.6 to 6.5.

Management Management

If larger varieties are chosen, knock down with mower at maturity; second crops often can be made after pruning heads with mower.

Planting dates

April 15 to June 15.

Planting rates

Plant 8 pounds per acre in 24 to 36 inch rows, or broadcast 12 to 15 pounds per acre and cover 1 inch.

Soil adaptation

Bottomland, well-drained, heavy clay to clay loam soils are best. However, moderately-drained soils are acceptable when flooding is desired.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-disked seedbed.

Varieties

Choose non-bird resistant, dwarf varieties such as Kafir, Hegair, Milo, and small game food sorghum.

Lespedezas
NOTE: Lespedeza is an excellent crop for the bobwhite quail. Annual lespedezas can be planted with other summer grasses, legumes, and grains. Seeds will also germinate and sprout without soil disturbances, especially on areas overseeded following prescribed burning. These are good plantings for seeding roadsides. Sericea lespedeza is widely planted for soil erosion and hay. However, its seeds are not palatable to quail and turkeys. Better stands of shrub lespedeza are obtained by transplanting prepared seedlings from a nursery.

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Lab Lab

Companion Plants

Other drought-resistant warm-season legumes; millet, corn, and sorghum.

Description

Very drought tolerant, fast growing, erect, warm-season legume that is weakly perennial and does not readily reseed. Used widely in south Texas. Highly preferred by deer.

Fertilization

Soil tests are recommended, or use 300 pounds per acre of 0-20-20.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts necessary to maintain a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5.

Management

Seedlings are not competitive. Keep seedbed free of weeds and avoid grazing or browsing for the first month following establishment. Must be reseeded each year. Inoculate before planting.

Planting dates

April 15 to June 15.

Planting rates

Drill 5 to 10 pounds per acre at 1/4 of an inch, or broadcast 10 to 20 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Grows on well-drained, sandy, upland sites. Very drought tolerant; will not tolerate wet soils.

Soil preparation
        Plant in a well prepared, firm seedbed.

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Annual Lespedeza

Description

Kobe and Korean lespedeza are reseeding annual legumes. Kobe grows about 6 to 10 inches in height, and Korean grows about 12 to 18 inches high. Both produce seeds for quail and turkey.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended or use 200 to 300 pounds of 0-20-20 per acre.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts required to maintain a soil pH of 5.0 to 6.5.

Management

Reseeding can be enhanced by disking and fertilizing with 100 pounds of 0-20-20 per acre.

Planting dates

March 1 (Kobe) to May 1 (Korean)

Planting rates

Broadcast 10 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Adapted to well drained soils, primarily sandy loams to clay loams.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-disked seedbed or direct seed along fire lanes and roadsides.

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Shrub Lespedeza

Description

Two types of shrub lespedeza are commonly planted in this region. Bicolor is the number-one planted lespedeza and is a sought-after plant of the bobwhite quail. Bicolor produces choice seeds for quail and turkeys and provides suitable nesting cover. Deer will also heavily browse these plants. The other is Thunbergii. It also provides choice seeds for quail and turkey but supposedly is more deer resistant than other lespedezas. Both of these species are perennial legumes that grow to heights of 5 to 8 feet.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or apply 400 pounds of 0-20-20 per acre in fields (depleted areas), or 250 pounds per acre in woods.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts necessary to maintain a soil pH of 6.0.

Management

Shrub lespedeza should be bushhogged and refertilized with 200 pounds of 0-20-20 per acre just before spring green-up.

Method of establishment

Direct seeding or seedling transplants.

Planting dates

November 15 to March 1.

Planting rates

Broadcast 15 pounds per acre or plant seedlings in rows 2 to 3 feet apart with 18- to 24-inch spacings between plants. A long and narrow plot 4 to 5 rows wide and at least 200 feet long (1,000 to 2,000 plants) is recommended. Plant along fence rows and at edge of woods for transition zones and through thinned timber of fields to break up contiguous, single vegetative layer areas.

Soil adaptation

Well-drained sandy loam to clay loam sites.

Soil preparation

If lespedeza is to be seeded, plant in a well-prepared, firm seedbed. Although not necessary, disking would help hand-planting tremendously. A tractor with three-point hitch planter is essential when planting considerable numbers/plots of bush lespedeza seedlings.

Varieties

Bicolor Strain 101; Thunbergii Amquail and Attaway.

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Browntop Millet

Companion plants

Winter legumes, grain sorghum, and sunflower.

Description

A summer annual grass that grows to heights of 3 feet and matures in 60 days. Seeds are choice foods of quail, turkeys, doves, waterfowl, and non-game birds.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or use 300 pounds of 6-12-12 per acre. Additional use of nitrogen may cause less seed production and more grass production, which is not desirable, unless planted for hay.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts required to maintain a soil pH of 5.5 to 7.0.

Planting dates

For doves, plant 80 days before the season. For ducks, plant in late July to early August and flood several weeks before desired hunting date.

Planting rates

Drill 8 pounds per acre at 1/4 of an inch, or broadcast 10 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch; can be planted in 2 to 3-foot rows at 8 pounds per acre.

Soil adaptation

Well adapted to all upland soils and well-drained bottomland soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well disked seedbed.

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Dove Proso Millet

Companion plants

Grows best alone.

Description

A warm-season annual grass that grows to heights of 6 feet. Seeds mature in 80 days; choice seeds of doves, quail, and turkeys.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or use 300 pounds of 6-12-12 per acre.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts necessary to maintain a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Planting dates

May 15 to June 15.

Planting rates

Drill 15 pounds per acre at 1/4 of an inch, or broadcast 15 to 20 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Adapted to well-drained fertile soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-disked seedbed.

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Foxtail Millet

Companion plants

Usually outcompetes other grasses.

Description

A warm-season annual grass that varies in height according to variety. Seeds mature in 90 days; choice seeds of doves, quail, and turkeys.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or apply 300 pounds per acre of 6-12-12.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts required to maintain a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Planting dates

May 15 to June 1.

Planting rates

Drill 15 pounds per acre at 1/4 of an inch, or broadcast 15 to 20 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Adapted to well-drained upland soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-disked seedbed.

Varieties

Common, German, and Hungarian.

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Japanese Millet

Companion Plants

Grows best alone.

Description

A warm-season, annual reseeding grass that grows to heights of 2 to 4 feet. Seeds mature in 50 to 60 days. Japanese millet is the most popular planting used for ducks. This plant can withstand shallow flooding during growth. It produces choice seeds for ducks, doves, quail, and turkeys and provides forage for deer.

Fertilization

Apply 200 pounds per acre of 13-13-13. Fertilization is not required when direct seeding on mud flats.

Lime requirements

Use amounts required to maintain a soil pH of 6.0.

Management

Flood 2 weeks before duck season. It is prone to lay over and sprout if flooded for extended periods.

Planting dates

As near August 1 as possible for waterfowl.

Planting rates

Broadcast 20 pounds per acre and cover 1/4 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Grows best on wet soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-disked seedbed or direct seed onto mud flats.

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Oats

Companion plants

Ryegrass, clover, vetch.

Description

A cool-season annual small grain that is a choice food of doves, ducks, quail, turkeys, and browsed by deer in early stages of growth. Oats are not as cold hardy as are wheat, barley, and rye.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or use 200 pounds per acre of 13-13-13.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts required to maintain a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Management

Apply an additional 200 pounds per acre of 34-0-0 in February.

Planting dates

September 1 to November 1.

Planting rates

Broadcast or drill 1.5 bushels or 80 pounds of seed per acre and cover 1 inch.

Soil adaptation

Adapted to well-drained, light-textured soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-disked seedbed.

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Partridge Pea

Description

A reseeding, warm-season annual legume with small fern-like leaves, yellow flowers, and short pods containing black seeds. Grows naturally along roadsides, fence rows, ditch banks, and fallow fields. Seeds are a staple of the bobwhite quail.

Fertilization

Not required on fertile sites; infertile sites require 200 pounds per acre of 0-20-20.

Management

Partridge pea needs to be disked in February, every third year to ensure proper reseeding

Planting dates

February 1 to March 15.

Planting rates

Drill or broadcast 15 pounds of scarified seed per acre.

Soil adaptation

Grows naturally on all soils in this region.

Soil preparation

Can be planted on closely mowed grasses and lightly disked in, or can be planted in a well-disked seedbed.

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Rape

Companion Plants

Wheat, rye, turnips.

Description

An erect, warm-season perennial that resembles turnips. Highly preferred by deer.

Fertilization

Soil tests are recommended, or use 50 to 75 pounds per acre of 10-10-10.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil tests, or use amounts necessary to maintain a soil pH of 6.5 to 7.0.

Planting dates

August 1 to September 15.

Planting rates

Plant 8 to 10 pounds per acre and cover 1/4 of an inch.

Soil adaptation

Well suited for damp soils.

Soil preparation
       Plant in a firm seedbed. A good plant for no-till seed combinations.

Varieties

Dwarf essex

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Ryegrass

Companion plants

All cool-season small grains, clover, and vetch.

Description

A cool-season annual grass heavily browsed by deer; provides forage and insect habitat for turkeys and quail.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended or apply 250 pounds per acre of 13-13-13.

Management

In December, apply 150 pounds per acre of 34-0-0.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test or use amounts necessary to maintain a soil pH of 6.0.

Planting dates

September 1 to November 1

Planting rates

Drill or broadcast 20 to 30 pounds of seed per acre and cover inch.

Soil adaptation

Adapted to all textured, well-drained soils, except sandy soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-disked seedbed.

Varieties

Gulf Coast, Marshall (cold tolerant), and Jackson (rust resistant).

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Sawtooth Oak

Description

An oak introduced from Asia that can produce mast crops of acorns in 5 to 6 years. It has long, shallow, lobed leaves like Chestnut Oak and produces acorns about 5/8 of an inch to 1 1/4 inches long. Deer, turkeys, and squirrels are attracted to these acorns. Sawtooth oak is in the white oak group.

Fertilization

Not recommended until second year. At that time, apply 4 to 6 ounces of 15-15-15 per tree in a circular fashion around the tree.

Lime requirements

While research is still being conducted on exact rates, a pH of 5.5 to 6.0 is desirable for other white oaks.

Management

After the second year, continue to fertilize with 4 to 6 ounces of 13-13-13 until mast crops appear. Control weed competition by mowing or disking. Thinning is required when limbs start to touch.

Planting date

January.

Planting rates

Obtain 1 year old seedlings. Plant in a 10 by 8 foot spacing, with trees 8 feet apart and rows 10 feet apart.

Soil adaptation

Adapted to fertile, well-drained sites and can withstand flooding in the dormant season. Sawtooth oaks are difficult to establish on many Southeastern sites.

Soil preparation

Plant in an area that can be mowed.

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Soybeans

Companion plants

Corn.

Description

A warm-season annual legume. Provides food and cover for rabbits, turkeys, quail, doves, and ducks. Browsed heavily by deer in early stages of growth.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or use 300 pounds per acre of 0-20-20.

Management

If planted for waterfowl, remember that non-reseeding variety seeds will spoil in 30 days after flooding. Also, waterfowl do not use the protein in soybeans efficiently, even though they readily consume them. Plant large plots in areas with high deer densities, or plots will be overgrazed quickly.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts required to maintain a soil pH of 5.8 to 7.0.

Planting dates

May 1 to June 1.

Planting rates

Plant 30 pounds per acre in 24 to 36 inch rows or drill 30 pounds per acre at 10 inch row spacing or broadcast 50 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch; inoculant required.

Soil adaptation

Adapted to well-drained, medium-textured soils such as sandy loams and clay loams.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-disked, firm seedbed.

Varieties

There are hundreds of varieties; reseeding varieties, such as Bobwhite and Quailhaven, are being studied at the SCS Plant Materials Center in Coffeeville. Select "forage-type" varieties for best performance.

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Sunflower

Companion plants

Browntop millet, grain sorghum.

Description

A warm-season annual that is a highly favored food source for mourning doves. Seeds are also used by turkeys, quail, and non-game birds. Plant the dwarf varieties where possible.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or use 300 pounds per acre of 13-13-13.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or apply amounts necessary to maintain a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Management

Mow several strips randomly through plot to clean the ground and scatter the seeds; should be done at least 14 days before dove season.

Planting dates

April 15 to June 15. If planted for doves, plant before May 15 to ensure seed maturity for dove shoots in September.

Planting rates

Drill or broadcast 10 to 15 pounds per acre at 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch. For best results, plant 15 pounds of seed per acre in 36 inch rows.

Soil adaptation

Best adapted to fertile, well-drained soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-disked seedbed.

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Vetch

Companion plants

Cool-season small grains, ryegrass, clover.

Description

A cool-season annual legume. Grows rapidly in late winter and early spring. Provides choice seeds and foliage for turkey and bobwhite quail, browsed heavily by deer.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or use 300 pounds per acre of 0-20-20.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts required to maintain a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Management

To enhance reseeding, disk plot every third year in February, and apply 100 pounds per acre of 0-20-20.

Planting dates

September 1 to November 1.

Planting rates

Drill 20 pounds per acre at 1/4 of an inch, or broadcast 25 to30 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch; inoculant required.

Soil adaptation

Adapted to well-drained, medium textured soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-disked seedbed.

Varieties

Hairy vetch, the most hardy and widely planted; smooth vetch, same as hairy, without hairs on stem; grandiflora, the best reseeder of the three and can be encouraged naturally by winter diskings.

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Joint Vetch (Deer Vetch)

Companion plants

Warm-season perennial grasses.

Description

A warm-season annual, reseeding legume. Provides excellent forage for deer and succulent foliage and seeds for dove, quail, and turkeys. Will grow on wet sites and can be flooded 18-24 inches for ducks.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or use 300 pounds per acre of 0-10-20.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or apply amounts necessary to maintain a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Management

Reseeding can be enhanced by spring disking; reapply 300 pounds per acre of 0-10-20. Not competitive -- might require preplanting herbicide application.

Planting dates

March 1 to June 1.

Planting rates

Broadcast 8 to 10 pounds per acre and cover 1/2 of an inch; inoculation required.

Soil adaptation

Adapted to moist, and wet, light textured soils. Do not plant in sandy soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-disked, firm seedbed.

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Wheat

Companion plants

Ryegrass, clover, vetches.

Description

A cool-season, annual small grain, widely planted; highly favored by ducks, doves, quail, and turkey as a source of seed; also, heavily browsed by deer in early stages of growth.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or use 200 pounds per acre of 13-13-13.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts necessary to maintain a soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5.

Management

Apply an additional 200 pounds per acre of 34-0-0 in February.

Planting dates

September 1 to November 1.

Planting rates

Broadcast 80 pounds (1.5 bushels) per acre and cover 1 inch.

Soil adaptation

Adapted to well-drained, lightly textured soils; does not grow well in poorly drained soils or heavy clays.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-disked seedbed.

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Wild Winter Peas

Companion plants

Bahiagrass and dallisgrass.

Description

A cool-season, annual reseeding legume. Grows to heights of 3 feet and makes rapid growth in spring. Seeds mature in June. These peas are also known as rough winter peas, singletary peas, and caley peas. These peas are choice food of quail and turkeys and heavily used by deer.

Fertilization

A soil test is recommended, or use 300 pounds per acre of 0-20-20.

Lime requirements

Apply according to soil test, or use amounts necessary to maintain a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

Management

Reseeding can be enhanced by early fall disking and reapplication of fertilizer at the rate of 200 pounds per acre of 0-20-20.

Planting dates

September 1 to November 15.

Planting rate

Broadcast 30 pounds per acre and cover 1 inch. Must use scarified seed. Vetch inoculant required.

Soil adaptation

Better adapted to heavy clay, fertile to moderately fertile soils.

Soil preparation

Plant in a well-disked seedbed.

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Revised by Dr. Ben West, Assistant Extension Professor, Wildlife & Fisheries. Originally adapted by Dean Stewart, Extension Wildlife Specialist, from Wildlife Food Planting Guide for PCA Recreation Users by David McArthur, Wildlife Manager, Tennessee Packaging. Photographs courtesy of Dean Stewart, former Extension Associate; Dr. Richard Kaminiski, Professor of Wildlife; and Dr. Harry A. Jacobson, Professor of Wildlife, Mississippi State University.

Mississippi State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, group affiliation, age, disability, or veteran status.

Publication 2111
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914. JOE H. MCGILBERRY, Director

(rev-2500-08-04)