Now is the time for deer enthusiasts in the state to gear up for hunting season.

Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist, said planting a food plot is one tool to consider.

"A food plot is an agricultural planting that is done to attract wildlife," Elmore said.

Some misconceptions are that food plots will produce larger antlers or better body condition. However, this will be the case only in rare situations.

"Because the food plots are not so effective in increasing body condition and animal health, except in certain circumstances, we don't really emphasize summer food plots as much as we do winter food plots," Elmore said. "If you're trying to harvest more game on your property, then winter food plots are really effective."

Planting annuals like winter wheat or rye is very cost-effective and well-adapted to Oklahoma's climate. Perennials, such as clover or other legumes, are more expensive but last for several years.

"If your objective is only to attract animals for harvest, it probably doesn't need to be very large, maybe an acre or two acres, at the most," Elmore said.

Animals can consume plots smaller in size very rapidly. Bare ground can make people think their plot was unsuccessful, but that is not always the case.

"When planting, put a small cage (woven wire mesh about 3-feet by 3-feet) around some forage to keep out deer and rabbits to see how well it grows," he said. "A lot of times, you will see that the bare ground is caused by the deer and rabbits consuming the forage."

Elmore said there is not necessarily a need for many plots on the landscape if the habitat is in good condition. Also, if the habitat is not in the best shape, there are other options than simply planting a bunch of plots.

"I would advise people to spend the vast majority of their resources, time and money on prescribed fire and thinning their forest, and use food plots as a tool in the toolbox but not the primary tool to manage for whitetails," Elmore said.