Soybeans for Deer

Soybean, botanical name Glycine max, is a legume, mostly used for extracting oils. Soybean after de-fatting is a popular, low cost protein source (contains 30-45 percent protein) for most animals. This mild nutty flavored oilseed plant is also a favorite food for deer. Considering the high nutritional value of soybeans, most animal lovers consider these legume plants as the best deer feed available. This is the reason as to why, hunters and landowners prefer planting soybeans for deer feed.

Soybeans for Deer Feeds
There are very few alternatives of warm-season forage for deer, that are as valuable as soybeans. This strong flavored legume also promotes rich milk production in female deer. Not only do the soybean seeds contain protein, but the leaves are also a rich source of protein. Hence, whether the deer feed on foliage or seed pot of soybean plants, they get the benefit of proteins. If you are residing near the woods and have a passion for deer, then you can enjoy the view of deer grazing right in your yard by planting soybeans.

Soybean Variety for Deer
Soybeans are used for attracting deer in the plot. Basically two types of soybeans are used for planting a food plot. The first is bobwhite soybeans, which are most frequently used in food plots for attracting deer and quails. Being a climber, this variety is best grown with other sturdy crops like sorghum, corn and sunflower. On maturity, the small, protein rich seeds turn greenish brown in color.

Another variety of soybean for deer is the Laredo type, which produces higher amount of green plant material than other varieties. It is tolerant to a wide range of environmental conditions and usually gives a very high yield. The small black soybean seeds are rich in protein, but contain less oil and fat. Similar to bobwhite soybeans, they are best planted with other food plot plants.

Planting Soybeans for Deer
So, when to plant soybeans for deer? Well! Planting deer food plots is best done during early fall. Though this legume can grown in any soil, it grows best in well drained soil. Accordingly, select the plantation site for soybeans (preferably 3-5 acres). You can use approximately 1 pound soybean seeds for 1000 square feet. Provided that there is enough moisture, soybean seeds germinate within a few days after sowing. Deer enjoy feeding on soybean plants since they sprout till maturity.

The worst problem is deer overgrazing and killing the young soybean plants. This usually happens when there are a large number of deer in the area. In order to prevent overgrazing, you can erect a deer fence until the soybean plants are well established in the soil. Thus, as per the expected deer population that will be feeding in your yard, you can take this preventive measure to avoid overfeeding in the early stages of soybean growth.

Roasted Soybeans for Deer
Even if you cannot manage to plant areas of soybeans for deer, you can still attract deer by placing a homemade deer feeder or any type of deer feeder in your yard. If available, purchase roasted soybeans for deer, rather than opting for the regular, unprocessed soybeans. As roasted soybeans are more aromatic and flavorful, I am sure that the deer will get attracted to the feeder and visit your yard. By doing so, you are supplementing the diet of the visiting deer with a rich source of protein.

This was a brief information about soybeans for deer. Today, after analyzing the results, soybean fields are specifically maintained for estimating the number deer in a particular region. For better nutrition, you can plant together the crops - soybeans, corns, rice bran, alfalfa, oats and acorns in the deer food plot. Or else mix these grains and legumes for adding in the deer feeder.