Spring Preparation: Setting the Stage for Your Best Season Yet

As the frost begins to fade and the first signs of green emerge, the experienced hunter knows that the work for a successful fall season starts right now. At Plant & Pursue, our mission is to empower you to pursue your passions with confidence and excellence. Whether you are a veteran land manager or a new hunter just entering the world of the outdoors, spring is the most critical time to cultivate a deeper connection to your land and ensure a thriving herd.

Here is your guide to essential spring preparations to maximize your hunting success.

1. Evaluate and Clear Your Ground

The foundation of a great hunting season is a strategic layout. Start by scouting your property to identify high-traffic travel corridors and bedding areas.

• Location Strategy: Choose secluded "honey hole" spots away from public roads to decrease poaching risks and keep deer feeling safe.

• Clear the Way: Remove thick brush and existing vegetation to open up space for new growth. Sunlight is a "make or break" factor for food plots—aim for at least 4–6 hours of daily sun.

2. The Science of the Soil

Success doesn't happen by accident; it happens by design. Before you put a single seed in the ground, you must understand your soil.

• Soil Testing: This is the most common advice for a reason. For less than $20, a soil test tells you exactly what nutrients you need, saving you money on wasted fertilizer.

• Balance the pH: Most deer-preferred plants, like clover, thrive at a pH of 6.0–7.0. If your soil is too acidic, apply lime 4–6 weeks before planting to balance the pH and unlock the effectiveness of your fertilizer.

3. Choosing Your Spring Powerhouse: Real World G2 Soybeans

When it comes to spring planting, soybeans are widely considered the ultimate choice for land managers. We highly recommend Real World Generation-2 Soybeans for their unmatched nutritional profile and longevity.

• High-Oil Nutrition: Unlike standard forage soybeans, G2 soybeans are higher in oil content, making them more attractive to whitetails and providing the vital nutrients bucks need for antler growth and does need for healthy fawns.

• Shatter Resistance: These beans are bred to stay in the pod longer. This means while other plots may fail after the first frost, G2 soybeans remain standing and available to feed your herd throughout the entire hunting season and well into winter.

• Timing: Wait for soil temperatures to reach 60°F—typically May through June—before planting.

4. Diversity in the Field

While soybeans are a staple, adding variety ensures your property remains a magnet for wildlife year-round.

• Clover & Chicory: These perennials provide high protein (up to 30% in chicory) and are extremely drought-resistant, filling the nutritional gap when other forage goes dormant in the summer heat.

• Bedding Cover: Consider planting "Bedding-In-A-Bag" native grasses. These 6'-8' tall grasses create immediate cover, giving deer a place to stay on your property rather than just passing through.

Cultivating Success

Preparation is more than just a chore; it is an investment in the health of your herd and the quality of your hunt. By putting in the labor now—from soil tests to strategic planting—you are ensuring that when the season finally arrives, you are ready. Get your spring food plot items today!

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