First Thoughts on the Turkey Select Chufa
The Turkey Select Chufa from Whitetail Institute promises to be a game-changer for turkey hunters and land managers. For years, I’ve struggled to consistently attract and hold turkeys on my property. Hoping to create a reliable food source, I decided to try Turkey Select Chufa, hearing whispers of its effectiveness in the hunting community.
My property in the Appalachian foothills has always been a challenge. The soil is rocky, and the native vegetation, while providing some sustenance, doesn’t offer the irresistible appeal needed to keep those wary birds around. Other options like corn and clover just don’t seem to cut it.
Upon receiving the bag, I was impressed by the packaging. The seeds looked healthy and uniform. Compared to some generic chufa seeds I’ve seen, these appeared to be of much higher quality. They also seemed to be cleaned better than some of the other seed mixes available in my local area.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. Chufa has a reputation, but seeing is believing. If this stuff works as advertised, it’ll be a true game-changer for my fall turkey hunts.
Real-World Testing: Putting Turkey Select Chufa to the Test
First Use Experience
I planted the Turkey Select Chufa in a small, half-acre plot I cleared specifically for this purpose. Located near a known turkey roosting area, I prepared the soil as recommended with lime and fertilizer. Working the ground with a tiller, the seeds were then broadcast and lightly disked in.
After about two weeks, I started to see germination. The young chufa plants emerged quickly, even with some less-than-ideal rainfall. The patch showed promise. Watching the plants emerge, I felt a surge of hope – this could be the key to holding turkeys on my property longer.
No birds, yet, but my trail camera caught evidence of deer browsing. That gave me some concern, as too much pressure from deer could decimate the young plants before they matured.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full growing season (roughly 110 days), the Turkey Select Chufa produced a remarkable crop of nut-like tubers. The plants grew vigorously, despite the rocky soil, proving their adaptability. Digging into the soil revealed a substantial network of chufa tubers.
The deer pressure remained, but the plot was large enough to withstand the browsing. Turkeys began visiting the plot, scratching and feeding on the tubers. Trail camera footage confirmed their presence day and night.
Over several months, the Turkey Select Chufa proved its durability. Even with freezing temperatures and periods of heavy snow, the tubers remained palatable to the turkeys. Previously, I had to supplement feed, but this plot kept bringing the birds back. I’ll be planting this seed again!
Breaking Down the Features of Turkey Select Chufa
Specifications
The Turkey Select Chufa is specifically designed to attract and hold wild turkeys and waterfowl.
- It matures in approximately 100-120 days, offering a relatively quick return on investment.
- The tubers are high in carbohydrates and protein, providing essential nutrients for game birds.
- The product adapts well to a variety of soil types, but performs best in moderate-to-well-drained soils.
- It is particularly suited for sandy or loamy soils, making it versatile for many land types.
- It is packaged in a quantity suitable for planting a specified area, as directed by Whitetail Institute.
These specifications are vital because they address the specific nutritional needs of wild turkeys. A dependable food source is essential to attract and maintain a healthy turkey population. The adaptability of the chufa ensures successful growth across various soil conditions, offering flexibility for land managers.
Performance & Functionality
The Turkey Select Chufa excels at its primary function: attracting and holding turkeys. The high carbohydrate and protein content of the tubers provides a readily available and highly palatable food source. Turkeys readily scratch and consume the tubers, demonstrating the effectiveness of this attractant.
While deer also enjoy the chufa, the overall benefit to the turkey population outweighs the potential drawback. The ease of planting and the relatively short maturity time make it a practical and efficient food plot option. In my experience, it exceeded expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of Turkey Select Chufa prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. The seeds are carefully selected and processed to ensure high germination rates and vigorous growth. The adaptability of the plant to various soil types is a key design element.
There isn’t a huge learning curve with this seed, just ensure to follow the directions on the bag for proper planting techniques. The primary focus is on creating a reliable and sustainable food source that requires minimal maintenance.
Durability & Maintenance
The Turkey Select Chufa is remarkably durable. The tubers remain viable throughout the fall and winter months, providing a consistent food source even under harsh conditions. Minimal maintenance is required after the initial planting.
Occasional weed control may be necessary, but overall, the chufa is a low-maintenance crop. After the initial planting, you can expect several years of good growth as the seed is self-regenerating.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Turkey Select Chufa doesn’t require specific accessories, but proper soil preparation and fertilization can enhance its performance. Soil testing is recommended to determine the specific nutrient needs of the soil. Lime application may be necessary to adjust the soil pH to optimal levels.
There aren’t any significant customization options, as the product is primarily a seed mixture designed for a specific purpose. However, it can be integrated with other food plot plantings, such as clover or brassicas, to create a more diverse and attractive habitat. Planting in conjunction with other food sources can help manage deer pressure.
Pros and Cons of Turkey Select Chufa
Pros
- Highly effective at attracting and holding turkeys.
- Provides a high-carbohydrate and high-protein food source.
- Adapts well to a variety of soil types.
- Relatively easy to plant and maintain.
- Provides a long-lasting food source throughout the fall and winter months.
Cons
- Deer may browse the plants, reducing yields.
- Requires initial soil preparation and fertilization.
Who Should Buy Turkey Select Chufa?
The Turkey Select Chufa is perfect for: hunters looking to improve turkey hunting success, land managers aiming to enhance wildlife habitat, and anyone seeking a reliable and sustainable food source for wild turkeys.
Anyone looking for a quick fix without proper soil preparation should skip this product. It requires some initial investment of time and effort. Also, those with extremely high deer populations may want to consider alternative food plot options or implement deer management strategies.
Essential accessories include a soil test kit, fertilizer, lime, and a seed spreader. A no-till drill may be beneficial for planting in established areas.
Conclusion on Turkey Select Chufa
Overall, the Turkey Select Chufa is an exceptional product. It delivers on its promise of attracting and holding wild turkeys. The value proposition is strong, considering its effectiveness and the relatively low cost per acre.
I would absolutely recommend Turkey Select Chufa to anyone serious about improving their turkey hunting opportunities or enhancing wildlife habitat. If you’re ready to take your turkey game to the next level, give Turkey Select Chufa a try. Your property and the turkeys will thank you for it!