Minerals, feeds and food plots play equally important roles in every land management strategy. Every area has its own intricacies that you’ll need to take into consideration: climate, native wildlife, soil conditions and more. This guide provides a basic approach that you can adapt to your circumstances.

Spring

Minerals: Mineral consumption is high as does carry and nurse fawns. Bucks also seek high amounts of minerals during this time to begin new antler growth.

Feeds: Feeds supplement diet to add nutritional value as the herd recovers from the long winter months.

Food Plots: Spring planting begins for various warm season forage varieties. Other food plots will begin sprouting growth during this time.

Summer

Minerals: Deer consume minerals as needed for improved overall health. Bucks reach their final antler growth potential during this time.

Feeds: Feeds provide the last push of nutrition before the rut. This is also the time to begin patterning and attracting deer to trail camera and stand locations.

Food Plots: Leafy forage plants reach optimal growth for deer consumption.

Fall

Minerals: During the rut, does consume more minerals while bucks consume fewer. However, rutting bucks will visit mineral sites in search of does.

Feeds: Feeds attract and pattern deer to trail camera locations and hunting areas. This helps hunters monitor and ultimately harvest the appropriate animal(s).

Food Plots: Fall planting begins for various cool season forage varieties. The remainder of leafy forage is consumed during this time.

Winter

Minerals: Mineral consumption aids in preparing the herd for the cold months ahead.

Feeds: Feeds are crucial to help deer maintain body fat and provide an energy source when food is scarce.

Food Plots: While leafy forage may be depleted, food plots continue to provide nutrition via underground bulbs (such as radishes) that deer root up and consume.