Introduction
Tired of deer overgrazing your food plots before they even have a chance to mature? Are you looking for ways to hold more wildlife on your property and create better hunting opportunities? A strategic screen planting can make all the difference. In the world of wildlife management, understanding the intricacies of food plots is paramount. But simply planting a desirable food source is not always enough. To truly maximize the effectiveness of your food plots, you need to consider the strategic use of food plot screen seeds.
Food plots are cultivated areas specifically designed to attract and sustain wildlife. These plots provide a consistent and reliable food source, helping to improve the health and population of various species, particularly deer, turkey, and other game animals. However, a well-maintained food plot is more than just a patch of forage. It’s a carefully planned ecosystem that should offer food, cover, and security for the wildlife you’re trying to attract. This is where the often-overlooked concept of a food plot screen becomes invaluable.
A food plot screen is essentially a tall, dense planting that serves as a visual barrier and a physical deterrent. It offers numerous benefits, including concealing food plots from roads or neighboring properties, shielding developing forage from excessive grazing pressure, creating travel corridors that direct wildlife movement, and even providing secure bedding areas close to feeding locations. The strategic use of a food plot screen can transform a simple food plot into a wildlife magnet, improving hunting success and overall habitat quality.
Therefore, selecting the appropriate food plot screen seed is a crucial element of successful food plot management. This decision requires careful consideration of several factors, including regional climate, prevailing soil conditions, the desired height and density of the screen, and the specific wildlife species you are targeting. Choosing the right seed will ensure a thriving screen that effectively serves its purpose, creating a more productive and sustainable food plot ecosystem.
Understanding Food Plot Screen Seed Options
Numerous options are available when choosing food plot screen seeds, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Let’s explore some of the most popular choices:
Sorghum and Sudangrass Hybrids
Sorghum and Sudangrass hybrids are popular choices for creating quick and effective screens. These annual grasses grow rapidly, reaching impressive heights that can effectively conceal food plots and create travel lanes. The fast growth is a significant advantage, as it allows you to establish a screen quickly, even in areas with shorter growing seasons. However, because they are annuals, these hybrids require replanting each year, which can be a drawback for some land managers. While cost-effective initially, the repeated expense can add up over time.
Egyptian Wheat
Egyptian wheat, a type of sorghum, is another reliable option. This tall-growing annual not only provides excellent cover but also produces grain heads that offer an additional food source for wildlife. The combination of food and cover makes Egyptian wheat a particularly attractive choice. Like other sorghum varieties, Egyptian wheat needs to be replanted annually. Additionally, it can be prone to lodging, meaning the stalks may fall over under heavy wind or rain, which can reduce its effectiveness as a screen.
Corn
Corn, a familiar and readily available food source, can also be used as a food plot screen. Its tall stalks create a substantial barrier, providing excellent concealment and protection. Corn also offers a valuable food source, attracting deer, turkeys, and other wildlife. However, using corn as a screen can be relatively expensive, and it requires specific equipment for planting and harvesting, which may not be accessible to all land managers.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a beautiful and functional choice for food plot screens. These annuals grow tall and produce large seed heads that attract pollinators and provide a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife. Sunflowers add an aesthetic appeal to your food plots while also serving as a screen. However, sunflowers can be susceptible to deer browsing when they are young, requiring temporary fencing or other protection measures to ensure their survival.
Perennial Options
For a longer-term solution, consider perennial options such as switchgrass and big bluestem. These native grasses establish slowly but provide excellent cover for many years. Perennial grasses require less maintenance over time, making them a sustainable choice for landowners seeking a low-input option. The slower establishment rate can be a challenge, and they may require more intensive weed control during the initial growing season. However, once established, they offer a durable and effective screen that will last for years.
When choosing food plot screen seeds, it’s important to consider the unique conditions of your region. In northern climates with short growing seasons and cold winters, prioritize fast-maturing varieties and winter hardiness. In southern climates with longer growing seasons and higher temperatures, focus on drought tolerance and disease resistance. The Midwest, with its variable conditions, may benefit from a mix of different screen seed types to ensure resilience and adaptability.
Before planting any food plot screen, conduct a soil test to determine the pH and nutrient levels. This information will guide your decisions regarding soil amendments such as lime or fertilizer. Adjusting the soil conditions to meet the specific needs of your chosen seed varieties will ensure optimal growth and performance.
Choosing between seed blends and single species depends on your goals and preferences. Seed blends offer diversity and resilience, as different species can thrive under varying conditions. Single species plantings may be simpler to manage and can provide a more uniform screen.
Planting and Maintenance
Proper planting and maintenance are essential for establishing a successful food plot screen. First, prepare the site by clearing existing vegetation using herbicides or tilling. Then, prepare the soil by tilling, disking, or using a no-till method. The best approach will depend on your equipment and soil conditions.
Planting methods vary depending on the seed type and your equipment. Broadcasting involves spreading seed by hand or with a spreader, while drilling uses a no-till drill for precise seed placement. Pay close attention to the recommended planting depth and timing for each seed type to ensure optimal germination.
Fertilize the soil according to the recommendations from your soil test. Use pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicides to control weeds. Mowing can also be used to manage weeds, particularly in established screens. Provide adequate moisture, especially during the initial establishment phase.
Annual fertilization is essential for maintaining the health and vigor of your food plot screen. Thinning may be necessary if the screen becomes too dense, and replanting is required each year for annual screens.
Strategic Placement of Food Plot Screens
Identifying key areas for screen placement is crucial. Consider screening food plots from roadways to reduce disturbance, creating visual barriers between properties, connecting bedding areas to food sources, and concealing access to hunting stands.
The width and length of the screen should be determined by the size of the area you wish to conceal and the desired level of protection. Use screens to create funnels and pinch points that direct wildlife movement to specific areas. Integrate screens with other habitat management practices to maximize their effectiveness.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Poor germination can be caused by poor seed quality, incorrect planting depth, or lack of moisture. Overgrazing can be prevented by using larger screens or temporary fencing. Weed infestations can be controlled with herbicides or mowing. Lodging can be minimized by selecting lodging-resistant varieties or providing support if necessary.
Conclusion
Implementing food plot screens can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your food plots, improving hunting success and overall wildlife habitat. By carefully selecting the appropriate seed varieties, implementing proper planting and maintenance techniques, and strategically placing your screens, you can create a wildlife haven that attracts and sustains a healthy population of game animals. Food plot screen seed selection is an investment in the long-term health and productivity of your land. Start planning your food plot screens today for a more successful hunting season and a thriving wildlife habitat. Don’t underestimate the power of strategic cover.
