Choosing between wheat and oats for deer supplemental feeding sites

Oats are considered the preferred option for the early season due to their high palatability, ensuring quick consumption by livestock animals. Wheat, in turn, is less attractive to deer during the initial growth stages; however, it provides significant benefits during the winter months when other food sources become scarce. Combined sowing of both crops allows for a full-fledged feed base: oats attract deer at the beginning of the season, while wheat serves as a source of feed during the cold season.

For the successful cultivation of both crops, soil quality is critical. Good drainage is a mandatory requirement, as waterlogging leads to root system rot and stunted growth. Before sowing, it is recommended to conduct a soil analysis to identify nutrient deficiencies and provide subsequent fertilizer application. The optimal time for establishing forage fields is the period from late summer to early autumn, approximately 6–8 weeks before the first frosts.

Seeding rates vary depending on the crop: for oats, they are 60–80 lbs per acre; for wheat, 80–120 lbs per acre. Both crops are suitable for cultivation using no-till technology, which allows for the conservation of soil moisture and the reduction of erosion. During the growing season, crops may be exposed to pests, such as aphids, cutworms, and slugs, as well as fungal diseases, including rust and powdery mildew. Weed management is carried out using agrotechnical methods and the application of herbicides.

Since wheat and oats are annual plants, maintaining the efficiency of the plots requires annual sowing, although in mild climates, wheat is sometimes capable of self-seeding. To increase the nutritional value of the site, experts recommend supplementing the deer diet with clover, forage kale, or alfalfa. In the case of overgrazing, it is recommended to use fencing, repellents, or to increase the area of the forage fields to distribute the load on the vegetation.