By Blake Jackson
Providing food, water, and shelter is key to attracting and keeping wildlife, especially whitetail deer, on your land. Understanding how to develop a productive fall food plot can significantly improve your property for hunting and wildlife observation.
The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is hosting a free workshop titled Fall Food Plots on Monday, August 11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The class is open to participants aged nine and older.
Experts from Valley Park Elevator and Hardware Store will guide attendees through the entire process of creating an effective food plot-from selecting the right location and seeds to proper planting techniques. Live demonstrations will show how to build plots that not only draw in deer but also support healthier, larger wildlife over time.
Topics will include how to choose the right seed mix based on your site’s conditions and how to prepare the ground for planting. Attendees will explore the advantages of various crops like oats, rye, clover, wheat, and beans.
The program also covers soil testing-why it matters, how to do it, and what the results mean. Decisions about using lime, fertilizers, overseeding, and incorporating clover will be discussed in detail.
Additionally, the workshop will help you understand the equipment needed for food plot success, including whether it's more practical to rent or buy tools. A Q&A session will follow the presentation, giving participants a chance to get advice tailored to their property.
This educational event is ideal for beginners and experienced landowners alike. Since part of the class will take place outdoors at the planting site, attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for walking through tall grass and uneven ground.
The Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center is located at 1100 Antire Road, just off I-44, Exit 269 in Eureka, Missouri.
Photo Credit: pexels-jim-fawns
Categories: Missouri, General