“Be Prepared”: How to Be Ready When the Rain Comes
Across the country, fall brings a familiar challenge for land managers and hunters alike: drought. It’s a seasonal hurdle that tests our timing, our tools, and our patience. But if there’s one lesson I’ve learned from years of planting food plots and managing wildlife habitat, it’s this—the old Boy Scout motto still holds true: Be Prepared.
That phrase, coined in 1907 by English soldier Robert Baden-Powell, resonates deeply with anyone who’s tried to coax life from dry soil. As a wildlife biologist and seasoned food plotter, I’ve faced my share of fall droughts. And every time, preparation has made the difference between frustration and success.
The Tools of Readiness
Being prepared isn’t just a mindset—it’s a method. Here’s how I approach fall food plot prep to stay ahead of the weather:
- Start Early: I begin one to two months before planting by pre-disking or applying glyphosate to my fields. This helps make final seedbed preparation much easier.
- Conventional Tillage: Shallow disking at planting time to preserve soil structure while still creating a good seedbed.
- Drag and Wait: After tillage, I drag the plot with a harrow and check the forecast. Timing is everything—being prepared before the rain allows you to act quickly when it arrives. If the planting window is closing and there's still no rain, go ahead and plant into dry ground. It’s better to “dust” seed in if it's near the end of the planting dates, so the seed is set when the rain finally comes.
Stock Up Before the Storm
One of the most overlooked steps in food plot success is having your materials ready. I always recommend:
- Buying Seed and Fertilizer Early: Store them in a barn or garage so they’re on hand when the weather turns.
- Planning Ahead: Having your gear, seed, and soil prepped at least a month before planting dates gives you flexibility. When that narrow window of rain opens up, you’ll be ready to move.
Final Thoughts
Fall droughts are inevitable. But with preparation, they don’t have to derail your season. Whether you’re planting for deer, turkey, or other wildlife, the key is simple: Be Prepared. It’s more than a motto—it’s a strategy for success.
My personal go-to products for getting food plot growth started before it’s too late are Whitetail Oats Plus, No-Plow, Pure Attraction, and Full Strut. Each of these blends contains fast-growing grains that deliver timely, reliable forage. For smaller plots, Bow Stand or Secret Spot are excellent choices—they’re quick to establish and ideal for tight spaces. Just remember, your success hinges on how closely you follow soil test recommendations.
