CONSERVATION CORNER
Plan Now For Fall Food Plots
by James L. Cummins

Anyone who has ever spent an afternoon overlooking a food plot will certainly have a deep appreciation for wildlife plantings. Even the wildlife photographer, who maneuvers silently through a stand of pines into an opening that was planted in winter wheat, benefits from wildlife plantings.

Food plots are very attractive to wildlife because they can supplement their daily nutritional needs. Such plots can be established and maintained at a relatively low cost. These plots can be designed to serve as a source of food and, sometimes, cover. Well-managed food plots have the potential to increase numbers of wildlife, quality of health and observability.

To aid landowners who would like to plant wildlife food plots, Wildlife Mississippi, developed a Wildlife Habitat Seed Program. Through this program, Wildlife Mississippi has made seed available at a minimal cost.

The Wildlife Habitat Seed Program is designed to provide an incentive for landowners to establish and maintain food plots that will yield a variety of benefits to the landowner as well as the species(s) of wildlife he or she is managing.

Winter wheat is currently available through the Wildlife Habitat Seed Program. All seed has been treated and has excellent germination rates. The seed is provided by Pioneer Hi-bred International and is distributed through Resource Management, Inc. to the Foundation.

If planted properly, these plots will be utilized by a variety of species of wildlife. White-tailed deer, turkey, quail, doves and many species of songbirds will benefit from these plantings.

A recommended rate of 80 pounds per acre of winter wheat is suggested for optimum growth.

Wildlife Mississippi is now receiving orders by mail and will continue to do so through August 12, 2005.

Winter wheat is the only seed available at this time. The cost will be $5.00 per 50 lb. bag to help cover trucking and administrative fees incurred by the Foundation. Persons ordering seed will be required to pick-up the seed at either Amory, Greenville or Hattiesburg.

Interested in taking advantage of this unique program? If so, send a self-addressed, stamped, #10 envelope to Wildlife Mississippi, c/o Wildlife Habitat Seed Program, P.O. Box 10, Stoneville, MS 38776. We will promptly send you an order form and planting information. Each participant will be notified by mail when the seed is available for pick-up.

Wildlife Mississippi will be taking orders until August 12, 2005.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi. Their web site is www.wildlifemiss.org.