Planting soybeans for deer is a popular strategy among hunters and wildlife enthusiasts aiming to attract and feed deer populations. Soybeans are an excellent choice for deer food plots because they are rich in protein, providing essential nutrients for deer growth and development. However, the timing of planting soybeans is crucial for maximizing their effectiveness as a deer attractant. In this article, we will delve into the world of deer management and explore the latest you can plant soybeans for deer, ensuring that your efforts yield the best possible results.
Understanding Deer Nutrition and Food Plots
Before discussing the specifics of planting soybeans, it’s essential to understand the nutritional needs of deer and how food plots fit into their diet. Deer are ruminants, meaning they have a four-chambered stomach that allows them to digest and extract nutrients from plant-based foods efficiently. Their diet consists mainly of grasses, leaves, twigs, and other vegetation, but they also require supplements of protein, especially during periods of growth and antler development.
The Role of Soybeans in Deer Diets
Soybeans are an excellent source of protein for deer, containing about 40% protein on a dry matter basis. They are also rich in energy, making them an ideal crop for deer food plots, particularly during the summer and early fall when natural forage quality and quantity may be declining. By planting soybeans, hunters and land managers can provide deer with a consistent and reliable source of nutrients, which can lead to improved health, larger antlers, and a more substantial body size.
Factors Influencing Soybean Planting for Deer
Several factors need to be considered when planning to plant soybeans for deer, including climate, soil type, and the specific objectives of your deer management plan. For instance, in areas with a short growing season, early maturing soybean varieties may be more suitable to ensure the crop reaches maturity before the first frost. Additionally, the soil should have the appropriate pH and nutrient levels to support healthy soybean growth.
Timing of Soybean Planting for Deer
The timing of planting soybeans for deer is critical to ensure the crop is available when it’s most needed by the deer population. Generally, soybeans for deer are planted in the late spring to early summer, allowing the crop to mature in late summer to early fall, a period when deer start to prepare for the winter months by increasing their food intake.
Spring Planting of Soybeans
In most regions, the ideal time to plant soybeans for deer is after the last frost date, typically in late April or early May. This allows the soybeans to germinate and grow during the warmest part of the year, maximizing their growth potential. However, the exact planting time can vary depending on your location and the specific weather conditions of your area.
Late Planting of Soybeans
While traditional wisdom suggests planting soybeans in the spring, there are scenarios where late planting can be beneficial for deer management. For areas experiencing a prolonged summer or for plots intended to provide forage during the early hunting season, planting soybeans in late June or early July can provide a fresh source of food that attracts deer during this period. However, late-planted soybeans may not reach full maturity before the first frost, potentially reducing their yield and nutritional value.
Considerations for Late-Season Planting
When contemplating late-season planting of soybeans, it’s crucial to select varieties that mature quickly, typically within 60 to 90 days. These early-maturing varieties can produce a crop before the first frost, providing deer with a valuable source of nutrition during a period when other food sources may be scarce. Additionally, the use of inoculants and fertilizers can help promote healthy growth and maximize the yield of late-planted soybeans.
Best Practices for Planting Soybeans for Deer
To ensure your soybean planting effort is successful and attracts the desired deer population, follow these best practices:
Plant soybeans in well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Ensure the plot receives adequate moisture, either through rainfall or irrigation, especially during the germination and early growth stages.
Select soybean varieties that are resistant to diseases and pests common in your area.
Consider planting soybeans in combination with other crops, such as corn or peas, to provide a diverse and nutritious food source for deer.
Managing Soybean Plots for Deer
After planting, managing the soybean plot is crucial to maintain its attractiveness to deer and ensure the long-term health of the soil. This includes controlling weeds, which can compete with soybeans for water and nutrients, and possibly re-planting or supplementing the plot in subsequent years to maintain its productivity.
Conclusion
Planting soybeans for deer can be a highly effective strategy for attracting and nurturing deer populations, but it requires careful planning and execution. By understanding the nutritional needs of deer, selecting the right soybean varieties, and timing the planting correctly, hunters and wildlife managers can create attractive and nutritious food plots. Whether you’re aiming to improve the health of your local deer herd or attract deer to your hunting grounds, soybeans are an excellent choice, provided you consider the factors influencing their growth and plan accordingly. Remember, the key to a successful soybean planting for deer is flexibility and the ability to adapt your strategy to the unique conditions of your area and the evolving needs of your deer population.
What is the ideal time to plant soybeans for deer attraction?
The ideal time to plant soybeans for deer attraction varies depending on the region and climate. In general, it is recommended to plant soybeans in late spring to early summer, when the soil has warmed up and the risk of frost has passed. This allows the soybeans to mature and produce pods during the fall, which is a critical time for deer nutrition. In areas with a longer growing season, soybeans can be planted as early as late April or as late as early July.
However, the specific planting time may vary depending on the specific goals and objectives of the deer attraction strategy. For example, if the goal is to attract deer during the early bow season, it may be better to plant soybeans a bit earlier, in late May or early June. On the other hand, if the goal is to attract deer during the late rifle season, it may be better to plant soybeans a bit later, in early to mid-July. It’s also important to consider the specific variety of soybean being planted, as some varieties mature more quickly than others.
How late can I plant soybeans and still expect them to produce a decent crop for deer?
While the ideal time to plant soybeans for deer attraction is in late spring to early summer, it is possible to plant soybeans later in the season and still expect a decent crop. In general, soybeans can be planted as late as early August in most regions, although the yield and quality of the crop may be reduced. This is because soybeans require a certain amount of time to mature, and planting them too late in the season can result in the crop not having enough time to fully develop before the first frost.
However, there are some factors to consider when planting soybeans late in the season. For example, the soil moisture and temperature can affect the germination and growth of the soybeans, and planting them too late in the season can increase the risk of disease and pest pressure. Additionally, the specific variety of soybean being planted can affect its ability to mature quickly and produce a decent crop. Some varieties are bred specifically for late-season planting and can mature in as little as 90 days, while others may require more time. It’s also important to consider the specific climate and weather patterns in the area, as a warm and dry fall can help to mature the soybeans more quickly.
What are the benefits of planting soybeans for deer attraction?
Planting soybeans for deer attraction can provide a number of benefits for both the deer and the landowner. One of the primary benefits is that soybeans are an excellent source of protein and energy for deer, particularly during the fall when other food sources may be scarce. Soybeans are also relatively easy to plant and maintain, and can be used in a variety of habitats and soil types. Additionally, soybeans can help to attract and hold deer on a property, which can be beneficial for hunting and wildlife viewing.
Another benefit of planting soybeans for deer attraction is that they can help to improve the overall health and quality of the deer herd. By providing a high-quality food source, soybeans can help to promote healthy growth and development in deer, particularly fawns and young deer. Soybeans can also help to support the nutritional needs of deer during times of stress, such as during the rut or when other food sources are scarce. Furthermore, planting soybeans can be a cost-effective and efficient way to manage a deer property, as they can be used in conjunction with other habitat management practices to create a diverse and productive habitat for deer.
How can I ensure that my soybean crop is attractive to deer?
To ensure that a soybean crop is attractive to deer, it’s essential to plant a high-quality variety that is specifically bred for deer attraction. These varieties are typically designed to produce a high amount of protein and energy, and may have other characteristics that make them more appealing to deer, such as a sweeter taste or a more attractive seed coat. It’s also important to plant the soybeans in a location that is easily accessible to deer, such as in a field or meadow that is adjacent to a wooded area or other habitat.
In addition to planting a high-quality variety, there are several other factors to consider when trying to make a soybean crop attractive to deer. For example, the size and shape of the field can affect the amount of cover and habitat that is available to deer, and the surrounding vegetation can provide additional food and shelter. It’s also important to consider the timing of the soybean crop, as deer are more likely to be attracted to fields that are producing fresh, green soybeans. Finally, it’s essential to maintain the soybean crop properly, including controlling weeds and pests, to ensure that it remains healthy and attractive to deer throughout the growing season.
Can I plant soybeans in a food plot that is already established?
Yes, it is possible to plant soybeans in a food plot that is already established, although it may require some additional planning and management. One approach is to plant the soybeans as a summer crop, after the existing crop has been harvested or has died back. This can help to provide a continuous source of food for deer, and can also help to attract deer to the area during the summer months when other food sources may be scarce. Another approach is to plant the soybeans as a cover crop, to help protect the soil and provide additional habitat for deer.
However, there are some factors to consider when planting soybeans in an established food plot. For example, the existing vegetation can compete with the soybeans for water and nutrients, which can reduce the yield and quality of the crop. Additionally, the soil may need to be prepared or amended to ensure that it is suitable for soybean growth. It’s also important to consider the specific goals and objectives of the food plot, as well as the needs and preferences of the deer that are using it. By carefully planning and managing the soybean crop, it is possible to create a diverse and productive food plot that provides a high-quality source of food for deer throughout the growing season.
How can I protect my soybean crop from deer damage?
While deer are an important part of the ecosystem, they can also cause significant damage to soybean crops, particularly during the growing season. To protect a soybean crop from deer damage, it’s essential to use a combination of management practices, such as fencing, repellents, and crop selection. Fencing can be an effective way to exclude deer from the crop, particularly if it is at least 8 feet tall and made of a durable material such as high-tensile wire or plastic mesh.
In addition to fencing, there are several other ways to protect a soybean crop from deer damage. For example, repellents such as predator urine or hot pepper sprays can be used to deter deer from feeding on the crop. Crop selection is also important, as some varieties of soybeans are more resistant to deer damage than others. It’s also essential to monitor the crop regularly, to identify any signs of deer damage or other problems, and to take prompt action to address them. By using a combination of these management practices, it is possible to protect a soybean crop from deer damage and ensure a high-quality harvest.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when planting soybeans for deer attraction?
There are several common mistakes to avoid when planting soybeans for deer attraction, including planting the wrong variety, planting too late in the season, and failing to prepare the soil properly. Planting the wrong variety can result in a crop that is not as attractive to deer, or that does not provide the desired level of nutrition. Planting too late in the season can result in a crop that does not have enough time to mature, or that is more susceptible to disease and pest pressure.
Another common mistake is failing to prepare the soil properly, which can result in poor germination, growth, and yield. This can include failing to test the soil pH and nutrient levels, or failing to amend the soil as needed. Additionally, failing to control weeds and pests can also reduce the yield and quality of the crop, and make it less attractive to deer. By avoiding these common mistakes, it is possible to create a high-quality soybean crop that provides a valuable source of food and nutrition for deer, and helps to attract and hold them on the property.