Prepping Fall Food Plots For Oklahoma Whitetails

Prepare Fall Food Plots for Deer Hunting in Oklahoma

Fall and winter food plots are the foundation of late-season deer hunting success in Oklahoma. As native food sources dwindle and temperatures drop, deer shift their patterns in search of reliable high-energy nutrition. Properly prepared cold-season food plots can draw and hold mature bucks through bow, muzzleloader, and rifle seasons.

Unlike spring and summer food plots which emphasize protein and growth, fall and winter plots focus on energy and attraction. These plots should be placed strategically, designed for hunting access, and timed to peak right when deer activity is highest.

At December Ranch LLC, we provide complete fall and winter food plot installation and management across Oklahoma. From choosing the right blends to tilling, fertilizing, and maintaining plots throughout the season, we help landowners optimize for success.

Why Fall & Winter Food Plots Matter

Fall is when hunting heats up, and your food plots should do the same. During this time, bucks are burning calories searching for does, establishing dominance, and expanding their range. Winter brings even more stress as natural browse disappears. If you want to attract and hold bucks on your land, a solid winter plot is key.

Without late-season nutrition, your deer will quickly move to neighboring areas that offer better food sources. But if you give them what they need—carbohydrates, cover, and security—they’ll stay put and remain huntable even after heavy pressure.

Fall and winter plots also help build herd health for the coming spring. Does need energy to conceive and carry fawns, and bucks need to recover body condition post-rut. It’s not just about hunting—it’s about managing your deer year-round.

Best Cold Season Crops for Oklahoma

When choosing what to plant, think about what thrives in cool temperatures and provides energy-rich nutrition. Cold-tolerant crops that stay green and palatable into December and January offer the best attraction and late-season success.

Timing matters too. Most fall plantings should happen between mid-September and early October to allow germination and root development before the first hard frost. December Ranch LLC helps landowners time these plantings for maximum effectiveness.

Here are the top-performing winter food plot plants for Oklahoma properties:

1. Winter Wheat

  • Planting Time: Mid-September to early October
  • Soil Needs: Moderate fertility, pH 6.0+
  • Benefits: Early growth, frost-tolerant, attracts deer through spring green-up

2. Turnips & Radishes

  • Planting Time: Early September
  • Soil Needs: Loose, well-drained soil
  • Benefits: High-energy bulbs, great for late-season hunting, improves soil health

3. Brassicas (Rape, Kale)

  • Planting Time: August to September
  • Soil Needs: pH 6.0–6.5, high fertility
  • Benefits: Cold-hardy, high sugar content, draws deer after frosts

4. Oats

  • Planting Time: Early to mid-September
  • Soil Needs: Rich soil with good drainage
  • Benefits: Palatable in early season, good mix with wheat and clover

5. Clover Mixes

  • Planting Time: Late August to early September
  • Soil Needs: pH 6.0–7.0, moderate to high fertility
  • Benefits: Persistent through winter, spring green-up, fixes nitrogen

Soil Prep, Fertilization, and Maintenance

The key to any food plot is the soil. You can plant the best seed available, but if your pH is off or your nutrients are lacking, the results will fall short. That’s why soil testing is step one for every food plot we install at December Ranch LLC.

We use lab-tested soil kits to determine exact lime and fertilizer needs. Then we till your plot, spread amendments, and plant at the correct depth using commercial-grade equipment.

Once planted, we offer seasonal maintenance including mowing, weed control, overseeding, and trail creation. Your plot won’t just grow—it will perform under pressure.

Plot Placement and Hunting Strategy

Where you plant matters just as much as what you plant. A well-placed plot in relation to bedding cover, wind direction, and access routes is the difference between seeing deer and killing deer.

At December Ranch LLC, we help plan your entire hunting setup. That includes treestand and blind locations, wind access, trail cameras, and even travel corridors for rutting bucks.

Cold season plots are most effective when they’re both attractive and huntable. We use terrain features to your advantage and avoid spooking deer with smart entry and exit paths.

Build Your Dream Winter Plot with December Ranch LLC

Don’t let the late season go to waste. With the right cold season food plot, you can have the best hunting of the year after most hunters have given up. Bucks are easier to pattern, herds are more reliant on your plots, and the chance to harvest a post-rut giant increases.

December Ranch LLC offers turnkey winter food plot management in Oklahoma, including seed sourcing, installation, fertilization, and seasonal maintenance. We also assist with trail camera setups, harvest strategies, and overall habitat improvement.

Ready to get started? Visit decemberranch.com and talk to our land management experts today.