At Windy Ridge Outfitting, we have one of the most
extensive food plot programs of any Midwest whitetail outfitter. We feel that
the time, money, and hours of work are well worth the investment into our deer
herd. It truly helps set us apart from anyone else in the industry.
While others may feel supplemental feeding helps
the overall health of the deer on their properties, it has been proven that a
deer will only consume 20-25% of their diet from even the best supplemental feeding
program. Deer that live on properties with the proper foodplots will consume 75-80%
of their diet from food plots.
Most deer biologist will agree that in order for
deer to truly realize their potential, they will need a diet consisting of at
least 16% protein. While most supplemental feeds offer 20% protein, remember
the deer are only consuming the feed as 20-25% of their overall diet. By supplemental
feeding, you will see little or no increase in the carrying capacity of the
land.
Considering nearly all the food plot varieties we
plant contain 25%-38% protein and the deer will consume 75-80% of their diet
from our food plots, it is very clear to us what the benefits of food plots are
versus a supplemental feeding program. By planting food plots, the carrying
capacity of the land increases significantly.
Not only will deer herds benefit more from food
plots than supplemental feeding, the risk of disease being spread is much
lower. When deer are eating from a pile, they are in much closer in proximity
to each other and will transmit disease and parasites much easier. When they
are capable of browsing through a food plot, disease and parasite transmission
is much lower.Most states do not allow “baiting” during the hunting season, meaning any supplemental feeding will need to be stopped prior to and during the hunting season. This allows for a maximum 8-9 months of feeding and nothing holding the deer on their properties during the hunting season. This is the most vital time to ensure your deer are staying on your property, and all feeding must be halted. By planting different varieties of food plots that provide optimum food throughout the year, you are able to provide 12 full months of nutritional food and keep the deer on your property during the hunting season.
The choice has been obvious to us at Windy Ridge
Outfitting for the past 8 years. We will continue to implement and improve our
food plot program, all the while increasing the holding capacity of our ground.
