Let’s Dive into Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent
The Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent promises to be a game-changer for attracting deer during hunting season. It’s a blend of brassicas designed to sweeten after the first frost, becoming irresistible to deer. I’ve spent over a decade trying various food plot strategies, with mixed results, and I’m eager to see if this product lives up to its claims.
My biggest challenge has always been consistent attraction; some years, the deer hammer my plots, and other years they seem to ignore them. I need a reliable, late-season attractant, something that keeps deer coming back even when natural food sources are dwindling. The promise of a “Honey Hole” drew me in.
The bag itself is fairly standard, nothing particularly flashy. The seeds are a mix of sizes and colors, which is what I’d expect from a brassica blend. It felt substantial, not like it was full of filler, which is a good start.
I considered other mixes, including some with cereal grains and clover. Ultimately, I chose Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent because of its focus on late-season attraction through the brassicas’ sweetening after frost. The simplicity of planting and the “no-till” potential also appealed to me.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. Food plot seed mixes are a crowded market, and many over-promise and under-deliver. The Antler King name carries some weight, so I’m hoping for a positive outcome, but I’ll remain skeptical until I see deer actively feeding.
Real-World Testing: Putting Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent on a half-acre plot in late August, following the instructions on the bag. The area I chose is a transition zone between a bedding area and a hardwood forest, a spot I’ve had some success with in the past. I lightly disked the area before broadcasting the seed and then dragged a chain harrow to lightly cover it.
We had a relatively dry fall, so I was worried about germination. However, after a few strategically timed rains, the brassicas came up thick and green. Initially, the deer didn’t seem overly interested, but I knew the real test would come after the first frost.
Following the first hard frost, the transformation was noticeable. Deer began hitting the plot regularly, browsing the leaves and digging for the turnip bulbs. They seemed to prefer it over the standing corn nearby.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of sustained browsing, the plot still looked healthy, although the turnips were obviously taking a beating. The Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent held up well to constant pressure from a good number of deer. There weren’t any signs of significant disease or pest issues.
The durability of this blend surprised me; even after repeated frosts and moderate snow, the plants remained palatable and attractive. I haven’t had to do any additional maintenance beyond the initial planting and light fertilization. The plot continued to draw deer throughout the late season and into early winter, easily outperforming my previous attempts with other mixes.
Compared to previous years using clover and rye mixes, the Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent provided a much more consistent and reliable late-season draw. The brassicas’ ability to sweeten after frost made all the difference. It definitely exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent
Specifications
The Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent is a blend of four brassica varieties, including three types of rape and two types of turnips. The bag weighs 3lbs and is intended to cover approximately one acre. The manufacturer, Antler King, recommends a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5, and fertilization with 300 lbs per acre of 19-19-19 or 15-15-15 fertilizer.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the success of the plot. Brassicas thrive in slightly acidic soil and require adequate nutrients to maximize growth and palatability. The blend of different varieties ensures a staggered maturation and varied palatability, extending the attraction period.
Performance & Functionality
The Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent performed exceptionally well in attracting deer during the late season. The key to its performance lies in the brassicas’ ability to convert starches to sugars after a frost, making them highly palatable to deer when other food sources are scarce. The blend provides a continuous food source as different varieties mature at slightly different rates.
Its main strengths are its ease of planting (especially with minimal tillage) and its reliable late-season attraction. One potential area for improvement would be the inclusion of a nitrogen-fixing legume to reduce the need for heavy fertilization. Overall, it met and exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent is simple but effective. The mix of different brassica varieties is well-considered, providing a diverse and long-lasting food source. The bag is easy to handle, and the instructions are clear and concise.
The seed is relatively easy to broadcast, and the no-till planting option makes it accessible even to those with limited equipment. There isn’t a steep learning curve to planting and managing this food plot.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper soil preparation and fertilization, the Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent should provide a robust food source for several months. The brassicas are relatively hardy and can withstand moderate grazing pressure and cold temperatures.
Maintenance is minimal, primarily consisting of ensuring adequate soil moisture and potentially a mid-season fertilization boost if the plants appear stressed. The hardy nature of the brassicas and their resistance to common diseases contribute to their longevity and low-maintenance requirements.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent doesn’t require any specific accessories, although a soil test kit to determine pH and nutrient levels is highly recommended. You can customize the blend by adding other seeds, such as clover or rye, to provide additional benefits like nitrogen fixation or early-season attraction.
It’s also compatible with various fertilizers and soil amendments. The ability to integrate it with other food plot strategies allows for a customized approach to deer management.
Pros and Cons of Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent
Pros
- Reliable Late-Season Attraction: The brassicas sweeten after frost, providing a highly palatable food source when natural forage is scarce.
- Easy Planting: The Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent can be planted with minimal tillage, making it accessible to those with limited equipment.
- Diverse Brassica Blend: The mix of different rape and turnip varieties ensures a staggered maturation and prolonged attraction period.
- Good Cold Tolerance: The brassicas are relatively hardy and can withstand moderate grazing pressure and cold temperatures.
- Clear Instructions: The bag provides clear and concise planting instructions, making it easy to get started.
Cons
- High Fertilizer Requirement: The recommended fertilization rate can be costly.
- No Nitrogen Fixation: The blend lacks a nitrogen-fixing legume, requiring more fertilizer input.
Who Should Buy Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent?
The Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent is perfect for hunters looking for a reliable late-season food source to attract deer during hunting season. It’s also suitable for landowners who want to improve the habitat and nutrition for their deer herd. The ease of planting makes it a good option for beginners, while the consistent performance will appeal to experienced food plotters.
Anyone looking for a quick and easy early season attractant should skip this product. The Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent is primarily a late-season draw, so consider an additional early season food plot blend with faster germination and early attractiveness.
A soil test kit and appropriate fertilizer are must-have accessories to ensure optimal growth and performance. A sprayer for herbicide application (to control weeds before planting) would be highly beneficial.
Conclusion on Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent
Overall, the Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent is a highly effective late-season food plot blend that delivers on its promise of attracting deer. The value proposition is justified given its reliable performance and the potential to significantly improve hunting success.
I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for a consistent and easy-to-establish food plot for late-season deer attraction. The Antler King Honey Hole Mix Plot Scent is a worthwhile investment that can transform your hunting experience. Invest in your hunting success, plant a Honey Hole, and watch the deer come running!