Best Food Plots for Texas Deer: What to Plant, When & Where

A well-planned food plot can transform your deer hunting. After years of observing what works in Coleman County and surrounding areas, here's my guide to creating food plots that actually attract and hold deer.

Why Food Plots Work

Food plots provide:

• Nutrition: Especially important during stress periods
• Attraction: Draw deer to specific areas
• Holding Power: Deer stay where food is available
• Visibility: Create hunting opportunities

But they're not magic. Food plots supplement native habitat—they don't replace it.

Best Food Plot Species for Texas

Cool Season Plots (Plant Sept-Oct)

Oats

• Most reliable for our area
• Plant: September 15 - October 15
• Rate: 100 lbs/acre
• Why it works: Drought tolerant, deer love it, easy to establish

Wheat

• Similar to oats, slightly later maturity
• Plant: October 1 - November 1
• Rate: 80-100 lbs/acre
• Works well blended with oats

Clover (Crimson or Arrowleaf)

• Adds protein and variety
• Plant: With oats or wheat
• Rate: 10-15 lbs/acre in mix
• May struggle in dry years

Brassicas (Turnips, Rape)

• High protein content
• Plant: Early September
• Rate: 5-8 lbs/acre
• Deer prefer after frost

Warm Season Plots (Plant April-May)

Lablab

• Heat and drought tolerant
• Plant: April 15 - May 31
• Rate: 15-20 lbs/acre
• Excellent summer nutrition

Cowpeas

• Iron clay variety works best
• Plant: April 15 - May 31
• Rate: 20-40 lbs/acre
• Easy to establish, deer love them

Grain Sorghum

• Provides cover and food
• Plant: April - May
• Rate: 8-10 lbs/acre
• Good for screening and feed

Site Selection

What Makes a Good Food Plot Location

Access

• Easy for you to maintain
• Can reach with tractor/ATV
• Away from neighbor boundaries

Soil

• Deeper soil holds moisture better
• Avoid solid rock or caliche
• Old agricultural fields ideal

Shape and Size

• 1/4 to 2 acres is typical for small properties
• Irregular shapes with cover nearby
• Long narrow plots work for hunting

Water

• Near water sources when possible
• Deer visit water and food together
• Helps plot establishment

Where I See Good Plots on Area Properties

The best food plot locations in Coleman County typically:

• Use old cultivated fields
• Sit near creek bottoms or stock tanks
• Have brush cover on at least one side
• Allow hunting from downwind positions

Soil Preparation and Planting

Basic Steps

Soil Test: Critical but often skipped

- Test through county extension - Know pH and nutrient levels - Amend before planting

Spray Existing Vegetation

- Glyphosate 4-6 weeks before planting - May need second application - Critical for good establishment

Till or Disk

- Work soil 4-6 inches deep - Create good seedbed - Remove major debris

Fertilize

- Based on soil test results - 13-13-13 or similar for maintenance - Don't skip this step

Plant at Right Time

- Cool season: September - October - Warm season: April - May - Plant before expected rain

Cover or Pack

- Light disking to cover seed - Or cultipacker to press seed - Seed-to-soil contact essential

Common Mistakes

Planting Too Early September planting into hot dry soil fails. Wait for cooler temps and rain. Skipping Soil Test Throwing seed on acidic or depleted soil wastes money. Test and amend. Too Many Species Simple mixes work better than complex ones. Oats + clover is plenty. Wrong Seed Rate More isn't better. Follow recommended rates for proper spacing. No Weed Control Competition kills plots. Spray before planting.

Hunting Over Food Plots

Plot Hunting Setup

• Place stands/blinds downwind of prevailing winds
• Use terrain for approach concealment
• Don't overhunt—rotate plots
• Hunt edges during daylight, interiors at dusk

What to Expect

• Deer may take time to find new plots
• Trail cameras show usage patterns
• Morning and evening activity typical
• Mature bucks often visit after dark

Budget Considerations

Minimal Investment Approach

• Oats only: $30-50/acre
• Basic equipment: ATV spreader
• Timeline: Plant and pray

Better Results Approach

• Soil test: $15-25
• Spray: $15-30/acre
• Seed mix: $50-80/acre
• Fertilizer: $40-60/acre
• Total: $120-200/acre

Equipment Needs

• ATV with sprayer and spreader: Basic plots
• Tractor with disk and drill: Larger, better plots
• Cultipacker: Improved seed contact

Food Plots and Property Value

Well-established food plots add value by demonstrating:

• Active management
• Quality deer habitat
• Hunting infrastructure
• Ongoing improvement program

When I list properties with established plots, I highlight them in marketing. Buyers recognize the value.

Questions About Food Plots?

I've seen what works and what doesn't on properties across Coleman County. Call (325) 465-1342 if you want to discuss food plot strategies for your land.