Evolved 5 Card Draw Review

First Thoughts on the Evolved 5 Card Draw

The Evolved 5 Card Draw from Evolved promises to be more than just another food plot seed blend. It’s an annual/perennial forage system designed to attract deer and keep them coming back. The mix of oats, wheat, white clover, turnip, and chicory aims to provide a diverse and palatable food source throughout the growing season.

My goal was to find a reliable and attractive food plot blend that could establish a consistent deer presence on a small, previously unproductive parcel of land. I had been struggling to find a blend that offered both immediate attraction and long-term sustainability. Many single-species plots attract deer initially, but quickly become overgrazed or lack the necessary nutrients for sustained herd health.

The initial unboxing was simple; a sealed bag of seed. The seeds themselves appeared clean and well-mixed. While there’s nothing particularly visually striking about seeds, the promise of a diverse blend was encouraging. Compared to simple clover or brassica mixes, the Evolved 5 Card Draw offered the potential for a more dynamic and resilient plot.

I considered other options, like Whitetail Institute Imperial Whitetail Clover and BioLogic Maximum. Ultimately, the diversity of the Evolved 5 Card Draw, combined with the annual/perennial blend, appealed to my desire for both immediate results and long-term sustainability. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. This blend’s diverse composition held the potential to truly revitalize my hunting area.

Real-World Testing: Putting Evolved 5 Card Draw to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Evolved 5 Card Draw on a half-acre plot in central Pennsylvania. The area had previously been used for hay but was depleted and lacked organic matter. I prepared the soil by discing and adding lime based on a soil test. Planting occurred in late August, following the recommended planting guidelines on the bag.

Within two weeks, the oats and wheat were sprouting vigorously. This provided an immediate food source and visual attraction. Even with a relatively dry September, the plot showed remarkable growth. Deer started browsing within a month, favoring the tender oat and wheat shoots. The white clover and turnip also began to establish themselves, promising a more persistent food source later in the season.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the fall and winter, the Evolved 5 Card Draw proved its worth. The oats and wheat provided consistent forage until the first heavy snow. The turnip bulbs swelled, becoming a major draw for deer throughout the winter months. The white clover remained green and palatable, offering a valuable food source when other options were scarce.

The plot has held up well after a full year. While the oats and wheat are, by design, gone, the white clover has thrived, creating a dense and persistent ground cover. The chicory, a perennial component, has also established itself, adding to the plot’s diversity. Maintenance has been minimal. An occasional mowing keeps the clover from becoming too stemmy. I have observed no significant signs of wear and tear. Compared to my previous attempts at establishing single-species plots, the Evolved 5 Card Draw has far exceeded my expectations in terms of longevity and overall attractiveness.

Breaking Down the Features of Evolved 5 Card Draw

Specifications

The Evolved 5 Card Draw is a blend of five different plant species designed for deer attraction and forage. The blend includes:

  • Oats: An annual grain that provides quick growth and early attraction. It offers readily available carbohydrates.
  • Wheat: Another annual grain, similar to oats, providing rapid growth and palatability. It compliments the oats with additional nutrients.
  • White Clover: A perennial legume that provides high-protein forage and helps improve soil health through nitrogen fixation. The long-term food source is a critical component of this blend.
  • Turnip: A brassica that produces both leafy forage and a bulbous root. It’s highly attractive to deer, especially during colder months.
  • Chicory: A perennial forb that offers drought tolerance and a high mineral content. This adds to the plot’s overall nutritional value and staying power.

These specifications matter because they contribute to the plot’s overall performance and longevity. The annual grains provide immediate attraction, while the perennial clover and chicory create a long-lasting food source. The turnip adds a cold-weather attraction component. The diversity of the blend ensures that deer have a variety of food options available throughout the year.

Performance & Functionality

The Evolved 5 Card Draw performs its job remarkably well. It attracts deer consistently and provides a diverse and nutritious food source. The blend is easy to establish, even in less-than-ideal soil conditions.

A strength of this blend is its versatility. It works well in both small and large plots. It is adaptable to various soil types. A minor weakness might be the lack of specific planting recommendations for different regions or climates. However, general guidelines for planting oats, wheat, clover, turnip, and chicory can be readily found online. Overall, it meets and exceeds my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Evolved 5 Card Draw is well-thought-out. The blend of annuals and perennials ensures both immediate attraction and long-term sustainability. The seed size is consistent, making it easy to spread with a variety of seeders.

The product is user-friendly, with clear planting instructions on the bag. There is no significant learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The longevity of the Evolved 5 Card Draw is excellent, particularly due to the perennial components. With proper maintenance, the clover and chicory should continue to thrive for several years. Maintenance primarily involves occasional mowing to prevent the clover from becoming too stemmy and inhibiting new growth.

Repairing or overseeding bare patches is straightforward, simply requiring reseeding those areas with a similar blend of clover, chicory, and a small amount of annual grain.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Evolved 5 Card Draw is designed to be used as a standalone food plot solution. However, it can be enhanced with additional fertilizer or soil amendments based on soil test results. Adding a deer mineral lick near the plot can further enhance its attractiveness.

The blend is also compatible with various seeders, including broadcast spreaders and no-till drills.

Pros and Cons of Evolved 5 Card Draw

Pros

  • Diverse blend of annuals and perennials provides both immediate attraction and long-term forage.
  • Easy to establish, even in less-than-ideal soil conditions.
  • Attracts deer consistently throughout the year.
  • Relatively low maintenance.
  • Improves soil health through nitrogen fixation from the white clover.

Cons

  • Lacks specific planting recommendations for different regions or climates.
  • Annual components require eventual replanting.


Who Should Buy Evolved 5 Card Draw?

The Evolved 5 Card Draw is perfect for hunters and landowners looking to establish or improve deer food plots. It is ideal for those seeking a blend that offers both immediate attraction and long-term sustainability. This product is also suitable for individuals with limited experience in food plot management, as it is easy to plant and maintain.

Those looking for a single-species plot or a blend specifically tailored to extreme climates should consider other options. Also, individuals unwilling to commit to even minimal maintenance should also avoid this, or any, food plot product. A must-have accessory for anyone using Evolved 5 Card Draw is a soil testing kit and appropriate fertilizer to optimize soil conditions.

Conclusion on Evolved 5 Card Draw

The Evolved 5 Card Draw is a well-designed and effective food plot blend. It delivers on its promise of attracting deer and providing a diverse and nutritious food source. The price of $16.49 is justified given the blend’s performance and longevity.

I would personally recommend it to anyone looking to establish or improve deer food plots. If you’re seeking a reliable and easy-to-manage food plot solution that delivers results, give Evolved 5 Card Draw a try. Transform your hunting land today!


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