United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service		 Wisconsin Go to Accessibility Information
Skip to Page Content





Solution: Wildlife Food Plot

Wildlife Food Plot:  Establishing a variety of plants that provide food for wildlife.

How it WorksPhoto of a wildlife food plot.

Food plots can be established within an existing crop field or in a separate location. A few rows of corn left standing after harvest or a small plot planted elsewhere will help wildlife through the winter when food is in short supply.

Planning

  • Locate food plots close to wildlife wintering areas to make food easily available.
  • Food crops include corn, sorghum, sunflowers, buckwheat, millet and soybeans.
  • Make sure there is adequate cover, travel lanes and water to support wildlife.
  • Do not place the food plot close to high traffic areas where wildlife will be endangered.
  • Plant block-shaped food plots at least one acre in size to prevent the entire plot from filling with deep snow.
  • Remember to control erosion when preparing the seedbed and planting the food plot.
  • Exclude livestock from the area.

Maintenance

If herbicides are needed to control noxious weeds, spot spray and avoid herbicides that will endanger adjacent seedlings.

 

 

Questions? Ask a Conservationist!

< Back to Farm Conservation Solutions