By: Mark Turner

Dr. Mark Turner is an assistant professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist in the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management at Oklahoma State University. His research and Extension programming focuses on applied habitat management practices including prescribed fire, forest stand improvement, and non-native species management. He is also an NDA member and Level 2 Deer Steward. Follow him on Instagram @extensionwildlifedoc.

5 Clovers That Help Fall Food Plots Feed Deer in Spring and Summer, Too

Aug 6, 2025 Mark Turner

Many deer hunters are interested in producing larger-antlered bucks, healthier does, and more robust deer populations, yet their food plot programs often fall short at providing high-quality nutrition when deer require it most – in…

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One Type of Plant is the Greatest Source of Deer Nutrition. Here’s How to Grow It.

May 21, 2025 Mark Turner

After analyzing over a thousand deer forage samples from 25 states, I learned there’s only one type of plant that consistently meets a deer’s nutritional needs. However, most hunting properties aren’t producing enough of them…

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How to Fix Overgrazed Food Plots, Now and Later

Oct 23, 2024 Mark Turner

I’ve visited many properties managed for deer across the eastern United States, and the number one most consistent problem I see is overabundant deer populations. This problem becomes apparent quickly when you step into an…

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When to Plant Fall Food Plots, and How to Recover If They Fail

Jul 17, 2024 Mark Turner

Whether you’re in the feed store, local diner, or viewing internet forums, there’s an inevitable conversation happening right now. Starting around July every year, deer hunters begin asking the same question: when should they start…

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3 Factors in Smart Food Plot Seed Mixtures

Jul 3, 2024 Mark Turner

About this time each year, shelves at sporting goods stores begin filling with bags of food plot seeds, many with a picture of a large buck or two on the bag. Some hunters purchase these…

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Fallow Food Plots Offer Hidden Benefits for Deer. Don’t Replant Until You Read This.

Mar 6, 2024 Mark Turner

Most deer hunters have relatively limited food plot acreage and wish to maximize deer forage production on every acre. For many, it would stand to reason that planting both warm- and cool-season forages on every…

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6 Tips for Designing Small Deer Hunting Food Plots

Jan 31, 2024 Mark Turner

I’ll bet you realized a passion for land management when you planted a small food plot for the first time. Whether you are just starting to learn about food plots or have been planting for…

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Plan Next Deer Season Before This One Is Gone

Dec 13, 2023 Mark Turner

Most whitetail hunters have less than a month of season left, and hunters in the Deep South still have great rut action coming up. I look forward to getting out several more times this year…

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Avoid Herbicide Trouble in Food Plots With Simple Plant-Back Intervals

Jun 7, 2023 Mark Turner

Soil-active herbicides can greatly improve weed control in food plots as they control weed seedlings before they compete with planted species. However, soil-active herbicides can have similar, damaging effects on your future plantings if the…

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Maximize Clover Food Plots for Deer with Winter Maintenance Now

Feb 1, 2023 Mark Turner

Perennial clover is perhaps the most popular food plot planting for deer, and with good reason! Clover food plots provide attraction during hunting season, high-quality forage during spring and early summer, and several years of…

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