Would having more cover in food plots result in deer using them more during the day?

By Grant Woods,

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Dr. Woods,

I am graduate from Eastern Kentucky University and an active hunter, I didnt begin hunting until after I returned home from active duty in 2009. After receiving my degree in wildlife management I have been practicing different approaches for my families food plots. One approach I have not put into practice yet and was wondering what your opinion would be, is creating horizontal cover in the form of a food source. Instead of having that abrupt edge created from the food plot being put in a wooded area like we have in Kentucky, would it be beneficial to apply a horizontal cover aspect? Such as a few rows of corn at the edge created by the food plot, then just inside that wheat or soy beans that will grow chest high, and then clover or brassicas in the center of the food plot?

In my mind, I think it would create a transition zone that would relax the more mature deer and instead of standing on the edge and looking into the opening created, it would be more inviting for them and then they may be a little less cautious.

Thank you for your time in answering this and I look forward to your thoughts and learning something new as I do when watching growingdeer.tv

Robbie,

Congratulations on finishing your degree in wildlife management!

Deer tend to use food sources that they don’t associate with danger during daylight.  Cover, such as corn may help a bit. However if deer associate the location with danger they will still avoid it.  This is true with tall native warm season grasses, corn, etc.

One consideration with having a tall forage crop is that it may block a clean shot to the kill zone.

Enjoy creation,

grant.