How to Save Your Food Plot During a Drought

Planting a food plot is one of the best investments you can make in your deer hunting property. But nothing is more frustrating than watching weeks of work and money dry up when the rain stops. A dry spell during summer or early fall can quickly stunt growth, reduce yield, and even wipe out your food plot completely.

The good news? With the right tools and strategies, you can keep your food plot alive and thriving — even in the middle of a drought.

Why Droughts Devastate Food Plots

Food plots depend heavily on consistent rainfall during germination and early growth stages. When the soil dries out:

• Seeds may fail to sprout.

• Young plants become stressed and stunted.

• Weeds take over faster than the desired crop.

• Deer may abandon your property for greener fields elsewhere.

That’s why adding a water management plan to your food plot strategy is just as important as choosing the right seed.

Using Pumps, Hoses, and Natural Water Sources

If you’re lucky enough to have access to a pond, lake, creek, or even a deep ditch, you’ve already got the perfect water source. With a simple pump and hose setup, you can deliver water directly to your food plot when nature doesn’t cooperate.

Here’s how many landowners do it:

1. Water Pump – A small gas-powered or electric pump can pull water from your pond, creek, or well.

2. Hoses or Poly Pipe – Lay hoses out to your food plot to direct water flow. For larger plots, poly pipe or lay-flat hose works well.

3. Sprinklers or Drip Lines – A sprinkler can cover more ground quickly, while drip lines are efficient for smaller plantings like tree screens or shrubs.

4. Timing – Water early in the morning or late evening to reduce evaporation and get maximum benefit from each gallon.

This method not only saves your food plot during dry spells but also boosts plant growth and ensures your deer herd has consistent, reliable forage all season.

Remote Watering Services for Food Plots

If setting up pumps and hoses sounds like more than you want to tackle, we’ve got you covered. At The Deer Store, we offer Remote Watering Services designed for food plots, tree screens, and other habitat plantings. We bring the equipment, handle the setup, and keep your property watered so your hard work pays off.

👉 Learn more about our Remote Watering Services here.

Final Thoughts

Drought doesn’t have to spell disaster for your hunting property. With a little planning — whether you set up your own pump system or call in professional help — you can save your food plot, hold more deer on your property, and head into hunting season with confidence.