To attract ducks and geese to your property, consider planting a duck food plot. The mix in Hancock’s Duck Food Plot Mix is specifically designed for feeding waterfowl. Planting food plots will not only benefit waterfowl, but also improve the habitat of these migratory birds. To get the best results, plan to flood your site periodically. In addition to planting Japanese millet, you can fertilize the area with ammonium nitrate.
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Plant a variety of plants
There are several factors to consider before planting food plots for ducks. Soil preparation and broadcast rates are vital to success. Certain species require prolonged periods of moisture and may be difficult to grow without supplemental water. Other less-hydric species may grow best in drier areas, which can be flooded before duck season. Panic grass, for example, requires natural precipitation rates to mature. Plant a mixture of these species to provide an attractive habitat for ducks.
Millet is another plant that ducks love. Both proso and browntop millet are highly desirable to many duck species. These plants can grow up to three feet high and are readily available for planting. Browntop and white proso millet can be planted at a rate of 15 pounds per acre. Millet should be planted in early spring in moist soil with plenty of water.
Select a site that can be flooded
Ducks like shallow water areas and prefer a food plot area that is six to 18 inches deep. Make sure the soil is flat, free of weeds and debris, and preferably in a low, flood-prone area. You can make your duck food plot as attractive and as inviting as possible for the waterfowl as well. Ensure the soil is free of weeds and other plants before planting.
If you’re going to plant a duck food plot, choosing the right site is critical. Ducks are naturally attracted to water and use water sources to find food. Grass, sedges, and other vegetation can be found around water, so a site that is not too wet can still produce food for ducks. In order to make a duck food plot successful, you should select a site that receives adequate rainfall.
Plant Japanese millet
You can plant Japanese millet in duck food plots for both aesthetic and nutritional reasons. The seed is ripe in 60 days, but it may take more time if your climate is cold or wet. This plant is noted for its high seed yield. Yields are typically 1500 to 2000 lb per acre (or 1680 to 2240 kg per ha). In California, yields have exceeded 3000 lb per acre, which is equivalent to thirty to sixty bushels of seed per acre. Although it’s primarily a winter forage for waterfowl, Japanese millet is susceptible to escaping into ditches and roadside areas.
To prevent blackbirds from destroying the plants, plant Japanese millet in late summer. Planting too early may result in seed that is too mature. Another concern is blackbird flocks, which will consume the seeds before they are fully mature. So, plant in early September or October. Browntop millets and Japanese millet have shorter growing cycles and can be planted earlier in the season. Despite the lower risk of blackbird infestation, planting Japanese millet early could cause the birds to move on to other food plots, especially if the area is near water.
Fertilize with ammonium nitrate
When it comes to ducks, one of the best ways to make sure your food plots will be weed-free and healthy is to fertilize them with ammonium nitrate. This can be done at a rate of up to 200 pounds per acre. This amendment works well for both turkeys and ducks, and is fairly inexpensive. It is best to use it during the first couple of growing seasons, and after that, only when necessary.
When fertilizing your food plots for ducks, it’s essential to follow the application schedule provided by the manufacturer. You can fertilize them with urea or ammonium nitrate, but it is recommended that you use a granular product. Ammonium nitrate will significantly reduce the pH of the soil, so it is vital that you follow the instructions carefully.
Water control
When designing a duck food plot, one important detail is water control. Ducks can easily imprint on a food source. Therefore, they need to be managed to minimize hunting pressure. A proper water control structure will allow you to adjust the water level in the plot at your discretion. Here are a few tips for creating the ideal habitat. Read on to learn more about these important techniques. Hopefully, this information will help you plan your own duck food plots.
First, choose a plot location that experiences floods frequently. A one-acre diked impoundment can support the energy requirements of several thousand ducks in a day. Choose a suitable site in the area. If the area floods regularly, try using a manual pump to control water levels. If you want to keep the food plot area dry during the rainy season, plant chufa, Japanese millet and winter wheat. Chufa is also a good choice for waterfowl food plots.
