What Makes a Good Food Plot in Central Wisconsin

It’s that time of year again — cool mornings, rut in full swing, and trail cams lighting up with deer moving through the property. A good food plot can make all the difference, but the truth is, not all food plots are created equal. A few extra steps before you plant can mean the difference between a patch of weeds and a deer magnet that lasts all season.

1. Start with the Soil

Everything begins below the surface. The best-looking plots start with a simple soil sample. At Deer Creek Contracting, we test the soil to figure out the pH and nutrient levels before putting anything in the ground. Around Central Wisconsin, most soils lean acidic — that’s why liming is usually step one. Getting your soil balanced means the seed can actually do its job instead of fighting bad conditions.

“You can plant the best seed on the market, but if your soil’s off, it’s a waste of money.”

2. Don’t Skip the Lime

It’s not the most exciting part, but it’s the most important. Lime raises the pH and helps nutrients absorb better. Think of it as giving your soil a tune-up. If you’re unsure, we handle the testing and application in-house so the land’s ready before the seed ever hits the dirt.

3. Pick the Right Mix for the Area

The seed blend depends on what you want to attract and when you want deer hitting the field.

• Early-season draw: oats, clover, and chicory mixes.

• Late-season holding power: brassicas, turnips, and winter rye.

• Year-round nutrition: a mix that carries deer from spring through the first frost.

We usually tailor blends to soil type and drainage — what thrives in heavy clay north of Medford might not do as well in soil around Abbotsford.

4. Sunlight and Drainage Matter

Location is everything. Food plots need at least a half day of sunlight and good drainage. Low spots that stay wet or shaded clearings tucked too tight in the woods rarely perform well. We look for gentle slopes, natural travel corridors, or edges of fields that already get traffic.

If the site needs work, we can grade and shape it before planting so water runs where it should — not through your seed bed.

5. Maintenance Keeps It Going

Once it’s growing, a quick mow or overseed mid-season keeps the plot lush. Fertilizing lightly before heavy rains helps too. A good food plot doesn’t just happen once — it builds up over a couple of years into a consistent draw.

The Takeaway

A successful plot starts long before the first seed goes in. Test your soil, fix your pH, choose the right mix, and give it good drainage and sunlight. Whether you’re planting your first quarter-acre or maintaining a multi-acre setup, taking the time upfront means more deer and healthier land long-term.

And hey — we know a thing or two about deer. We’re Deer Creek after all.

“The deer tell the truth — if they’re there every evening, you did it right.”