I hunt in Eastern Washington. I want to plant 6 acres above a deep draw with heavy elk and deer traffic. I won't be able to plant until this spring Any tips on what to plant for both elk and deer (we have mulies and whitetail) for this area? The location is on my Dad's dryland wheat farm and there is no irrigation. Spring is somewhat wet, but the summer is typically warm-to-hot and dry. I hunt in September (mostly) for elk (in the rut) and deer, but this year I'll be there during the Thanksgiving holiday for bucks in the rut and elk as well. So....I'm looking towards next year as my first hunt with a food plot.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Sorry it took so long to post a reply…it’s hunting season!

It would depend exactly where you are in your state because some areas can be VERY arid. But in Washington State for both elk and deer with emphasis on September attraction I would definitely start with Clover Plus planted in the spring. You will need to maintain it by mowing and possibly some selective grass herbicide (Select or Poast). I would also plant some Outfitter’s Blend or Trophy Oats (or both). Those should be planted during mid August and I would also plant a blend with a high concentration of brassicas, Maximum or Full Draw would be my choices.

Much would depend upon your late summer moisture. If you can let me know your average rainfall in August and September I may change things, but with what I know so far and if it were my 6 acres I would plant;
2 acres of Clover Plus, spring plant
1 acre Trophy Oats, plant mid August
1 acre Outfitter’s Blend, plant mid August
1 acre of Maximum, plant early August
½ acre of Full Draw, plant early August
½ acre of Winter Peas, plant mid-August

If you have the moisture to get these seeds germinated and through lag phase, this should provide you with excellent attraction from September until the food runs out. If moisture you think would be a problem I may change my recommendation, but I would need to know more specifically what the temperatures and rainfall are on average for August and September.

Thanks for your advice. I don't think I can mow where I decided to plant. I like the clover idea but can't mow.

The average rainfall is only about 16 inches per year where I want to plant (Pomeroy, WA) at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. As it turns out, I can only plant about three acres and in the summer there is very little rain. In fact, when I archery hunt in September it is normally around 85 degrees and dry. Rough hunting weather when you get an animal down. Got to cool them off quick!
My main goal would be to attract elk. By the time I hunt (normally) all the wheat in the area has been harvested.

Based on the high fall temps and the dry conditions is a spring planting of clover the best bet? I really am new to the food plot idea and have no idea what to do. I just know I want to try something. The area is private dryland wheat farmland (as I mentioned before) and there is plent for the animals to eat. When we hunt we often see dozens of dear a day and are into elk nearly every day as well. I think what I would like to do is palnt a food plot and set up a couple tree stands in strategic areas to see how it works. I've already got three tree stands on teh property but haven't had the patience to sit very long. My trail cameras showed me the error of my ways. Had I been in the stand I would have had animals passing by me almost daily.

Thanks again for any advice you can give me Food Plot Guy.

No, any spring planting of clover will likely shrivel up and turn into dust with only 16 inches annual rainfall. You’ll have to stick to planting spring and late summer planted annuals. For summertime I would say some spring planted Lablab would be your best bet. For hunting time attraction I would plant Outfitter’s Blend, Trophy Oats, Full Draw or Green Patch Plus during late August and then pray for rain.