Answering what to plant for peak deer and turkey forage in fall, these seed mixes are designed to attract wildlife, deliver high-protein nutrition, and tolerate seasonal stresses. This guide highlights five top options and explains who each is best for, plus practical buying tips. Whether you’re planting a half-acre or larger, you’ll find mixes optimized for cold tolerance, late-season attractiveness, and diverse forages that keep wildlife coming back.
The table below compares the five recommended products to simplify your decision. All options are suitable for fall plantings, with various blends that emphasize clover, grains, radish, turnip, or chicory. Choose based on your target species, soil conditions, and seasonal timing.
| Product | Main Benefit | Best For | Typical Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whitetail Institute Imperial Clover | Antler-building protein and drought/heat tolerance | Deer, fall plantings, cold snaps | 2 lbs (.25 acres) |
| Whitetail Institute Grunt N Gobble | Fall attraction with grain and clover blend | Deer and turkey in late season | 10 lb (¼ acre) |
| Antler King Fall/Winter/Spring Blend | High-protein winter forage with peas and cereal rye | Deer in fall, winter, and early spring | 17 lbs (½ acre) |
| Evolved Harvest 5 Card Draw | All-season, high-protein mix with minerals | Deer, multi-season planting | Varies by site |
| Crooked Bend Big Bulbs 50 LBS | Radish and turnip heavy root forage for late season | Deer and turkey, no-till desired | 50 lbs (bulk) covering larger areas |
Whitetail Institute Imperial Clover Deer Food Plot Seed
The Imperial Clover mix is built around antler-supporting clover and protein-rich forage. It is pitched as highly cold-tolerant and resilient to heat and drought, making it suitable for fall plantings that must endure autumn temperature swings. Best for deer-focused plots that want a dependable clover backbone, especially in soils that respond well to legume growth. A note: this seed is supplied in a small bag (2 lbs) and covers a limited area, so it’s ideal for a targeted, high-quality plot or starter strip rather than a large-field approach.
- Best for: Deer seeking protein-rich forage through fall and early winter.
- Why selected: Strong antler-building protein potential and robust tolerance to temperature extremes.
- Caution: Limited coverage means you’ll need multiple bags for larger plots or plan for rotation to maintain forage density.
Whitetail Institute Grunt N Gobble Fall Food Plot Seed Mix
This mix emphasizes full-season attraction with grains and clovers designed to stay appealing into late season. It’s described as favorable for both whitetail deer and wild turkeys, plus it supports insect biodiversity in spring and summer—potentially boosting overall plot attractiveness across the year. Suitable for fall plantings that aim to extend forage into late-season windows.
- Best for: Plots targeting both deer and turkey with extended seasonal appeal.
- Why selected: Variety supports multiple wildlife species and longer forage windows.
- Caution: May require maintenance to sustain attractants across late fall in colder regions.
Antler King Fall/Winter/Spring Late Season Blend
Antler King’s blend is built to fuel deer through fall, winter, and into spring, featuring high-protein winter peas and cereal rye. This mix is notable for staying green and providing energy when forage becomes scarce. It’s a strong choice for larger plots that require a durable, all-season option with a winter energy component.
- Best for: Deer needing winter energy and continued forage into spring.
- Why selected: High protein content supports buck nutrition and winter survival.
- Caution: The mix’s strength in cold weather can be less effective in very poor soils without soil prep.
Evolved Harvest 5 Card Draw Food Plot Seed
5 Card Draw blends oats, wheat, perennial white clover, turnip, and chicory for an all-season forage mix. It emphasizes a sweet-tasting diet that deer find attractive, with minerals included for nutrition. This option adapts to a variety of soil conditions and planting schedules, making it a flexible choice for mixed plots and variable fall weather.
- Best for: Plots needing a versatile, all-season forage with high protein and minerals.
- Why selected: Wide adaptability and a mix designed to appeal to deer in multiple seasons.
- Caution: The diverse blend may require careful site preparation to maximize germination in poor soils.
Crooked Bend Big Bulbs 50 Lbs Fall Seed Mix
This bulk mix emphasizes late-season forage with a heavy focus on root crops like radish and turnip, complemented by sugar beet seeds. The Big Bulbs blend is designed for no-till or minimal-till methods, making it suitable for larger plots or areas where soil disruption is minimized. The root bulbs can provide a prime late-season food source for deer and turkey.
- Best for: Large plots needing robust late-season root forage and no-till-friendly options.
- Why selected: High root availability helps sustain wildlife during cold months.
- Caution: Bulk packaging requires proper storage and adequate seedbed preparation for best germination.
Crooked Bend Big Bulbs 25 Lbs
This mid-size option mirrors the Big Bulbs concept with a focus on late-season bulbs while remaining practical for smaller plots. It offers a good balance of radish, turnip, and sugar beet seeds that deer and turkey frequently browse after harvest or frost events. Best for homeowners with moderate acreage who still want a robust fall forage strategy.
- Best for: Medium-sized plots seeking reliable late-season forage without bulk logistics.
- Why selected: Maintains seasonal attractiveness and root-based forage as temperatures drop.
- Caution: Performance depends on soil fertility; consider amendments for best emergence in acidic soils.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Fall Food Plot Seed Mixes
Choosing the right mix depends on your land, wildlife targets, and management goals. Use these practical questions to guide your decision.
What wildlife do you primarily want to attract?
Deer-focused plots often benefit from clover- and legume-rich mixes with high protein, while turkey-attracting blends may favor grains and diverse forages that appeal to ground-foraging birds.
What is your soil condition and planting window?
Soil pH, calcium levels, and drainage influence germination. Fall plantings should match your region’s first frost dates and available moisture. Some mixes tolerate poorer soils, while others demand better prep for optimal results.
How large is your planting area?
Smaller plots may be suited to single-bag mixes (like Imperial Clover or Grunt N Gobble), while larger areas benefit from bulk blends (like Crooked Bend Big Bulbs) to cover more ground efficiently.
Do you plan no-till or minimal tillage?
Several blends advertise no-till compatibility. If you’re not tilling, choose roots and brassica-rich mixes that establish with minimal soil disruption.
What is your target planting season?
Autumn plantings should prioritize cold tolerance and continued forage into winter. Some mixes show strong winter performance, while others are optimized for early-fall establishment and late-season attraction.
How will you maintain the plot through winter?
Consider supplements like protein-forward blends and winter-energy components to keep deer on the plot during lean periods. Beet and radish-heavy mixes can help with root-based forage after frosts.
How should you manage hunter-friendly plots?
Additionally, balance safety, accessibility, and habitat variety. Rotating between different blends yearly can reduce forage fatigue and improve overall wildlife use.
FAQ
- Q: Which seed mix is best for a small plot? A: Imperial Clover or Grunt N Gobble are well-suited for limited spaces due to their compact coverage and strong attractant profiles.
- Q: Can these mixes stay green through winter? A: Some blends, like Antler King’s Winter-appropriate mix, are designed to stay green and provide energy, though performance depends on climate and soil.
- Q: Should I till the soil before planting fall mixes? A: Tilling helps with even germination for many blends, but several no-till friendly mixes exist. Follow the product’s guidance for your soil type.
- Q: How long before deer start feeding on a new plot? A: Many blends begin attracting deer within a few weeks of emergence, with peak attraction typically in late fall when natural forage declines.
- Q: Are there blends that attract turkeys specifically? A: Yes, several blends emphasize ground-foraging grains and varied forages that support turkey populations in addition to deer.
- Q: Do these mixes require ongoing maintenance? A: Most plots benefit from seasonal maintenance such as weed control, soil amendments, and occasional reseeding to maintain vigor and attractiveness.