Weed Growers: Evolution of Food Plots, Roundup Spraying, and Deer Habitat Management

JASON HEWETT knew how to grow food and habitat for wildlife. He’d managed land since he was 16 years old and oversaw 15,000 acres in South Carolina. While the properties raised quails, they didn’t produce the desired quality of deer.

“We had plenty of resources and 600 acres of food plots, but we weren’t growing 160-inch deer,” Hewett says.

Knowing South Carolina wasn’t a big-deer state, Hewett sought help from Craig Harper, a University of Tennessee professor who offered a new perspective on land management.

Harper pointed out that the properties were focused on quail rather than providing quality native forage for deer.

Food plots, Harper explained, should be the ice cream of deer food. The focus should be on native species with high protein content, achieved through fire, disking, and targeted herbicide use.

Hewett followed Harper’s advice, and the deer responded. After four years, 160-inch bucks started appearing on his land.

Harper, Hewett, and others belong to a growing community of habitat managers promoting a philosophy of deer habitat management that requires less time, money, and herbicide use. This trend comes at a relevant time, as Bayer AG, the owner of Roundup, announced plans to pull the product from home and garden supply shelves.

While the holistic approach to land management doesn’t completely eliminate herbicides like glyphosate, it emphasizes managing land for native plants, resulting in better deer hunting.

The Plot Thickens

The food plot trend started in the 1980s, with the goal of growing and killing big whitetail bucks. Landowners began plowing and spraying open fields and planting crops like clover, wheat, oats, or brassicas.

While food plots gained popularity, concerns around herbicides like Roundup gave rise to alternative methods. Some habitat managers advocate for managing native vegetation instead of relying solely on food plots.

Roundup: A Controversial Chemical

Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is the most widely used herbicide globally due to its effectiveness and low cost. However, it has raised concerns over its impact on human and environmental health.

Roundup-resistant genetically modified plants have been developed, allowing farmers to kill weeds while protecting crops. The health effects of glyphosate have sparked numerous lawsuits and divided opinions among researchers and regulators.

The National Deer Association states that glyphosate is safe for use when following label instructions.

Cutting and Burning

By taking a step back and focusing on native vegetation, landowners can create better deer habitat. Using controlled burns, selective timber harvests, disking, and targeted herbicides allows for the growth of natural seed banks and reduces reliance on food plots.

A Better Way for Wildlife

Landscape management that emphasizes native vegetation benefits both deer and wildlife. The goal should be to manage fields and properties properly, rather than relying solely on food plots.

Implementing these strategies can result in a healthier and more abundant deer herd.

Tips for Planting Food Plots Without Roundup

Grow annuals: Use quick-germinating and quick-growing annuals that compete against weeds and provide good biomass for mulch.

No-drill and no-till: Utilize no-till broadcast methods like frost seeding to avoid seedbed preparation.

Pull ’em: Hand-pull weeds like thistles and horse nettles before they flower and spread seeds on small plots.

Alternatives: Seek suggestions from local co-ops on chemicals to use that are tailored to the region’s specific needs. —Gerry Bethge

This story originally ran in the Deer issue of Outdoor Life. Read more OL+ stories.