Every fall, someone walks into the store and asks us the same question.
“What’s the best thing to plant for deer?”
The answer usually isn’t what they’re expecting. The truth is, a successful food plot has as much to do with timing and planning as it does with the seed you buy. If you understand what deer are already eating and how they move across your property, you’ll have a much better chance of creating a plot they’ll actually use.
A well-planned food plot can become one of the most valuable wildlife management tools on your property. It does take a little preparation, but the payoff is worth it.
It’s better to work with nature, not against it
One misconception we hear quite a bit is that deer will automatically choose a food plot over native vegetation. They won’t.
When North Texas gets plenty of rainfall, the woods are full of tender forbs, native grasses, vines, and browse. That’s the food deer were designed to eat, and they’ll usually choose it first.
Instead of trying to compete with nature, think about filling in the gaps. A good food plot provides quality forage when native food sources begin to decline or become less attractive. That’s what keeps deer coming back.
August Is the Time To Plant
By the time October rolls around, most of the important decisions should already be made.
Late summer is the time to evaluate your property, decide where you want to plant, and get your equipment ready. In Texas, dry ground can be incredibly hard to work, so watch the weather and take advantage of any rainfall that softens the soil.
A little preparation in August often makes planting season much less stressful.
Plant for YOUR deer, not someone else’s
No two properties are exactly alike. The forage deer prefer in North Texas isn’t always the same as what works in South Texas or East Texas. Soil types, rainfall, and surrounding crops all influence what deer will use.
That’s why local experience matters. Helping landowners choose the right seed for North Texas has been part of what we do for years, and matching the seed to the property almost always produces better results than relying on a one-size-fits-all recommendation.
Oats continue to be a dependable choice
If we had to recommend one dependable food plot crop, oats would be high on the list.
Winter-hardy varieties like Bob Oats and Harrison Oats establish quickly, tolerate cold weather, and consistently attract deer.
Wheat is another reliable option because it’s easy to grow, but don’t overlook what’s happening around your property. If neighboring farms already have hundreds of acres planted in wheat, your food plot may not offer deer much incentive to stop.
Sometimes offering something different is exactly what makes a food plot productive.
A quality seed mix gives deer more reasons to visit
Food plot blends have become popular for a good reason.
Instead of relying on a single forage, quality mixes provide several plants that mature at different times and appeal to deer throughout the season.
One of our favorites is MBS Deer Season Mix, which combines:
- Oats
- Wheat
- Rye
- Winter peas
- Crimson clover
- Turnips
Plant it at approximately 75 to 100 pounds per acre for a diverse food plot that performs well across much of North Texas.
A simple trick that tells you a lot
Here’s something experienced land managers have been doing for years.
Before deer find your plot, fence off a small area, about three feet by three feet.
Leave the rest of the plot open.
As the season progresses, compare the protected area to everything outside the fence. The difference will quickly show you how much browsing pressure your deer herd is putting on the plot.
It’s a simple test, but it tells you far more than trail camera pictures ever will.
Don’t forget the edges
Large food plots have their place, but mature bucks don’t always like stepping into the middle of an open field before dark.
Smaller plantings tucked along wooded edges often become favorite feeding spots because they allow deer to stay close to cover.
That’s exactly where MBS Buck Plot Booster shines.
Its blend includes crimson clover, arrowleaf clover, yellow clover, hairy vetch, chicory, rapeseed, and turnips, making it an excellent choice for transition areas where mature bucks naturally feel more comfortable feeding.
Wildlife products you can trust
Choosing quality seed is only part of building a successful wildlife program.
At Johnson Feed, we stock brands we’ve trusted for years because they’ve consistently delivered results for hunters and landowners across Texas.
Our wildlife lineup includes:
Whether you’re planting your first food plot or managing hundreds of acres, we’ll help you choose products that fit your property and your management goals.
Our top picks for fall planting
If you’re getting ready to plant this season, these are the products we recommend most often.
MBS Deer Season Mix is an excellent choice for larger food plots where you want a diverse mix of forage throughout the season.
MBS Buck Plot Booster works especially well along wooded edges and transition areas where mature bucks naturally travel.
Super Buck Plot Mix is another proven option for establishing an attractive, productive food plot that keeps deer coming back.
Each has its strengths, and we’re always happy to help you decide which one makes the most sense for your property.
Build a food plot with a plan
The most productive food plots aren’t always the biggest ones. They’re the ones that are planned well.
If you’re getting ready for fall planting, stop by Johnson Feed. We’ll help you choose the right seed, answer your questions, and share the same practical advice we’ve been giving North Texas landowners for years.
Growing a better food plot starts long before planting day, and we’d be glad to help you get it right.
