The Ani-Logics Crush Sos Clover plus Chicory 8 lb Bag Made a Bold First Impression
After a decade spent fine-tuning food plot strategies for whitetail, I’ve learned that success hinges on more than just throwing seed on the ground. The right blend can make or break a season, turning a barren patch into a deer magnet. That’s why the Ani-Logics Crush Sos Clover plus Chicory 8 lb Bag piqued my interest.
My property, a mix of hardwoods and open fields in central Wisconsin, needed a reliable, long-lasting forage solution that could withstand the region’s harsh winters. I was searching for a high-protein blend that could attract deer consistently throughout the hunting season and provide essential nutrition during the leaner months.
The bag itself felt substantial, the seed mix exhibiting a vibrant mix of sizes and colors, a good sign of diversity. It immediately stood out from cheaper, single-species clover offerings I’d used in the past, such as generic red clover seed from the local farm supply store. I’d also considered a similar blend from Whitetail Institute, but the Ani-Logics product offered a more compelling price point. Opening the bag, I immediately noticed a fresh, earthy aroma, promising good germination potential.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The blend seemed well-formulated, promising both attraction and long-term nutritional benefits. Time would tell if it could live up to the hype, but I was eager to get it in the ground and see what it could do.
Real-World Testing: Putting Ani-Logics Crush Sos Clover plus Chicory 8 lb Bag to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Ani-Logics Crush Sos Clover plus Chicory 8 lb Bag on a newly prepared half-acre food plot in late August, just before the fall rains were due. The soil was a well-drained loam, amended with lime and fertilizer according to a recent soil test. I followed Ani-Logics’s recommended seeding rate, broadcasting the seed with a hand spreader and lightly dragging the area to ensure good soil contact.
Within a week, I started to see germination, with the clover and chicory seedlings emerging quickly. The plot received ample rainfall, and the initial growth was vigorous. I was particularly impressed by the chicory’s rapid establishment, forming sturdy rosettes within a few weeks. There were no immediate issues after the initial sowing.
Extended Use & Reliability
Now, several months into the test, including a full growing season and the start of another, the Ani-Logics Crush Sos Clover plus Chicory 8 lb Bag has proven to be a solid performer. Despite heavy browsing pressure from the local deer herd, the plot has maintained a healthy stand of both clover and chicory. The clovers have spread aggressively, filling in any bare spots and providing a consistent source of high-protein forage.
The chicory, meanwhile, has remained surprisingly resilient, even after multiple frosts. I have seen minimal signs of wear and tear, which is a testament to the blend’s hardiness. Maintenance has been minimal, consisting of a single mowing in late spring to control weeds and encourage new growth. Compared to previous food plot blends I’ve used, the Ani-Logics mix has demonstrated superior longevity and resilience, easily outperforming simple annual blends.
Breaking Down the Features of Ani-Logics Crush Sos Clover plus Chicory 8 lb Bag
Specifications
The Ani-Logics Crush Sos Clover plus Chicory 8 lb Bag contains a meticulously crafted blend designed for all-season attraction and long-term nutritional support. The blend includes: White and Red Clovers, Chicory, Select White Clovers, Balansa Clover, and Crimson Clover.
- White and Red Clovers: These provide a base of high-protein forage that deer find highly palatable.
- Chicory: This adds a unique flavor profile and contains sesquiterpene lactones, which may help combat internal parasites in deer.
- Select White Clovers: Offering extended longevity and persistence in the plot.
- Balansa Clover: Known for its nitrogen-fixing capabilities and rapid growth, this boosts overall forage tonnage.
- Crimson Clover: Provides early-season attraction and adds to the overall nitrogen contribution to the soil.
These components create a diverse and resilient food plot that can last 3-5 years. The 8 lb bag is designed to cover approximately one acre, although the actual coverage may vary depending on soil conditions and seeding methods.
Performance & Functionality
The Ani-Logics Crush Sos Clover plus Chicory 8 lb Bag performs exceptionally well in attracting and holding deer. The clovers offer a consistent source of high-protein forage that deer readily consume, while the chicory provides a unique flavor that keeps them coming back.
One of the key strengths is the blend’s ability to fix nitrogen. This reduces the need for additional fertilization and contributes to overall soil health. The chicory’s potential parasite-fighting properties are another significant benefit, promoting the long-term health of the deer herd. A minor weakness might be the relatively high cost compared to simple clover blends. However, the long-term benefits and superior performance justify the investment.
Design & Ergonomics
The bag is easy to handle and open. The seed mix is clearly labeled, and the recommended seeding rate is easy to understand. The blend itself is well-balanced, with a good mix of clover and chicory seeds. There is virtually no learning curve associated with using this product.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper management, this food plot blend can last for 3-5 years. Maintenance is minimal, typically requiring only one or two mowings per year to control weeds and encourage new growth. The blend’s ability to fix nitrogen reduces the need for frequent fertilization.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with this product. However, it can be enhanced with the addition of soil amendments such as lime and fertilizer, based on soil test results. The plot can also be supplemented with other food plot crops, such as brassicas or cereal grains, to provide additional diversity and attraction during specific times of the year.
Pros and Cons of Ani-Logics Crush Sos Clover plus Chicory 8 lb Bag
Pros
- Long-lasting forage: Provides a reliable food source for 3-5 years.
- High protein content: Supports healthy deer growth and antler development.
- Nitrogen-fixing capabilities: Reduces the need for fertilization and improves soil health.
- Chicory for parasite control: Promotes the long-term health of the deer herd.
- All-season attraction: Attracts deer throughout the hunting season and beyond.
Cons
- Higher initial cost than single-species clover blends.
- Requires proper soil preparation and management for optimal performance.
Who Should Buy Ani-Logics Crush Sos Clover plus Chicory 8 lb Bag?
This product is perfect for serious deer hunters and land managers who are looking for a long-term, high-quality food plot solution. It is ideal for those who want to provide consistent nutrition to their deer herd and improve overall habitat quality.
Those who are on a very tight budget or are only interested in planting annual food plots may want to skip this product. A soil test kit to determine soil pH and nutrient levels is a must-have accessory, as well as a broadcast spreader for even seed distribution.
Conclusion on Ani-Logics Crush Sos Clover plus Chicory 8 lb Bag
The Ani-Logics Crush Sos Clover plus Chicory 8 lb Bag is a top-tier food plot blend that delivers on its promises. Its long-lasting performance, high protein content, and nitrogen-fixing capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for any serious deer manager.
The price is justified by the long-term benefits and the superior performance compared to cheaper alternatives. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone looking to create a sustainable and attractive food source for whitetail deer. If you’re ready to take your food plots to the next level and see more deer on your property, give Ani-Logics Crush Sos Clover plus Chicory a try. You won’t be disappointed.