First Thoughts on the Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers
As a seasoned outdoorsman, my primary mission is to create the perfect hunting haven on my property. This means providing deer with nutritious food sources year-round. That’s why the Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers caught my eye.
I’ve always been a fan of Whitetail Institute products, and the promise of a new turnip variety specifically bred for deer preference, coupled with the dual food source of foliage and tubers, was incredibly enticing. This product is designed for late summer/early fall planting and boasts exceptional drought and cold tolerance.
Unboxing the Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers, the bag felt substantial, reassuring me I was getting a good amount of seed. The seed mix itself looked clean and well-prepared. My initial thought was that this could be the ultimate late-season food plot solution.
Compared to other turnip-based mixes I’ve used in the past, like a generic forage turnip blend from the local co-op or even some of the “bargain bin” mixes, the Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers stands out due to the Whitetail Institute’s reputation for quality and research. The promise of a genetically superior turnip variety specifically designed for deer preference is the differentiating factor. I opted for this over those cheaper alternatives, betting on quality and effectiveness over initial cost savings.
My first impression was excitement mixed with cautious optimism. While I’ve had success with other food plots, the promise of a rapidly establishing, drought-tolerant, and highly palatable late-season option had me eager to get this in the ground. I was particularly interested to see if the “Tall Tine Turnip” lived up to the hype regarding deer preference.
Real-World Testing: Putting Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers on a one-acre plot in a partially wooded area of my property. The planting took place in late August after a period of adequate rainfall. The soil was prepared using a disc harrow to create a smooth seedbed. I then broadcasted the seed using a hand spreader, followed by light cultipacking to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
The weather during the initial germination period was relatively dry, testing the advertised drought tolerance. However, the Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers germinated surprisingly well. The early growth was vigorous, and within a few weeks, a lush green carpet covered the plot.
The ease of use was excellent. The seed was simple to spread, and the planting instructions were clear and concise. I didn’t need any specialized equipment beyond standard food plot preparation tools. The only initial surprise was how quickly the plants emerged, even in the somewhat dry conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of growth and grazing pressure from the local deer herd, the Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers continued to perform admirably. Even with consistent browsing, the foliage remained abundant and healthy. The plants showed excellent regrowth after grazing.
There were minimal signs of wear and tear on the plants, even as temperatures dropped into the freezing range. The cold tolerance was clearly evident as the foliage remained green and palatable well into the late season. Maintenance was virtually non-existent; I didn’t need to fertilize or irrigate the plot after the initial planting.
Compared to my previous experiences with standard forage turnips, the Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers exceeded expectations. The deer clearly preferred this mix over other available food sources in the area. The abundant foliage and developing tubers provided a consistent and reliable food source throughout the late season and into early winter.
Breaking Down the Features of Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers
Specifications
Tall Tine Turnip Variety: A new turnip variety genetically developed by Whitetail Institute with deer preference as the primary selection criterion. This is a key component, promising increased palatability compared to standard turnips.
Dual Food Source: Offers both foliage above ground and tubers underground. This provides a continuous food source throughout the late season, even as the foliage is consumed.
Drought Tolerance: Exhibits exceptional drought tolerance. This allows for successful establishment and growth even in less-than-ideal moisture conditions.
Cold Tolerance: Extremely cold tolerant. It extends the availability of the food plot well into the winter months.
Rapid Establishment and Growth: Germinates and grows quickly. It provides a food source in a relatively short period after planting.
TT3 Annual Food Plot: Classified as a TT3 annual food plot. This denotes its specific use and characteristics within the Whitetail Institute product line.
These specifications matter because they directly influence the effectiveness of the food plot. The Tall Tine Turnip’s enhanced palatability ensures that deer will utilize the plot. The dual food source guarantees a consistent food supply, and the drought and cold tolerance extend the season of use.
Performance & Functionality
The Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers excels at providing a highly attractive and nutritious food source for deer during the late season. The rapid establishment and growth allow for a relatively quick turnaround from planting to utilization. The dual food source ensures that deer have access to both foliage and tubers, maximizing the food plot’s carrying capacity.
The primary strength lies in the deer’s apparent preference for the Tall Tine Turnip variety. One area that could potentially be improved is a slightly higher seed density to ensure even better coverage in challenging soil conditions. It meets and exceeds my expectations for a late-season food plot, particularly in terms of deer utilization.
Design & Ergonomics
The Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers is designed for ease of use. The seed mix is readily spreadable using standard broadcasting equipment. The Whitetail Institute provides clear and concise planting instructions.
The build quality is excellent, using high-quality seed and a well-researched and genetically improved turnip variety. The ease of use and the reliable results make it a valuable tool for deer management. There isn’t a steep learning curve; even novice food plotters can achieve success with this product.
Durability & Maintenance
The longevity of the Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers as a food source extends throughout the late season and into the early winter, depending on weather conditions and grazing pressure. The plants are relatively robust. This makes them resistant to heavy grazing and cold temperatures.
Maintenance is minimal, typically requiring only initial planting and occasional monitoring. The ease of maintenance makes it an attractive option for those with limited time or resources. No extensive maintenance beyond standard food plot practices is required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers does not require specific accessories. However, the addition of lime and fertilizer based on soil test recommendations will enhance the growth and productivity of the plot. No specific customizations are typically needed, as the blend is optimized for its intended purpose.
While not directly customizable, the effectiveness can be maximized by proper soil preparation and fertilization. It is compatible with standard food plot amendments and practices. Therefore, it readily integrates into existing deer management programs.
Pros and Cons of Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers
Pros
- Exceptional Deer Preference: The Tall Tine Turnip variety is highly palatable to deer, ensuring high utilization.
Cons
- Seed can be expensive compared to generic turnip varieties.
- Requires proper soil preparation for optimal results.
Dual Food Source: Provides both foliage and tubers, offering a continuous food supply throughout the late season.
Excellent Drought Tolerance: Establishes and grows well even in dry conditions.
High Cold Tolerance: Remains palatable and productive even in freezing temperatures.
Rapid Establishment and Growth: Quick germination and growth provide a food source in a short period.
Who Should Buy Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers?
Perfect for: Hunters looking to attract and hold deer on their property during the late season and early winter. Land managers seeking a reliable and effective food plot solution. Deer enthusiasts wanting to improve the overall health and nutrition of their deer herd.
Who should skip this product? Those on a very limited budget might consider cheaper, albeit less effective, alternatives. Those unwilling to invest in proper soil preparation and planting techniques may not see the full benefits.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A soil test kit to determine necessary soil amendments (lime and fertilizer). A broadcast spreader or drill for even seed distribution. A cultipacker to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
Conclusion on Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers
The Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers is a premium late-season food plot option that delivers on its promises. The enhanced deer preference, dual food source, and exceptional drought and cold tolerance make it a highly effective tool for attracting and holding deer.
The price is justified by the superior performance and reliability compared to generic alternatives. I would personally recommend the Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers to any serious deer hunter or land manager. It’s an investment that will pay off in increased deer activity and improved herd health.
If you’re looking to create a high-impact, late-season food plot that deer can’t resist, the Imperial Whitetail Tall Tine Tubers is the answer. Get yours today and experience the difference a quality food plot can make!