The Lights Out Forage Oats Made a Bold First Impression
The Antler King Lights Out Forage Oats promises to be a game-changer for attracting deer throughout the fall and winter, and after 10+ years in the outdoor gear business, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. As a seasoned hunter and habitat manager, I’m always on the lookout for effective food plot solutions. The blend of forage oats, turnips, and canola piqued my interest, promising a diverse and palatable food source for the entire deer family.
I needed a reliable fall attractant for a new hunting lease I acquired this year. The lease had seen better days in terms of deer activity. The Lights Out Forage Oats seemed like a promising solution to get deer consistently visiting the property throughout hunting season.
Upon receiving the 12 lb bag, my initial thought was about the mix quality. The blend of seed varieties was readily apparent. Compared to other simple oat mixes I’ve used in the past, the addition of turnips and canola made it seem like a far more complete and potentially effective blend.
I’ve used straight oat mixes from local farm supply stores, and even some “deer specific” rye blends. The Lights Out Forage Oats stand out due to its inclusion of turnips and canola. I chose this over a straight rye because I wanted something that provides more diversity and stays attractive later into the season.
I was excited but cautiously optimistic. I’ve seen products over-promise and under-deliver. I hoped the Antler King Lights Out Forage Oats would truly transform my hunting lease into a deer magnet.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lights Out Forage Oats to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lights Out Forage Oats on a two-acre plot within my new hunting lease in central Wisconsin. I prepped the soil according to the Antler King’s recommendations. I spread the seed just before a light rain in early September. The plot received a mix of sun and shade.
The oats germinated quickly and grew rapidly, even with some early frosts. The deer started browsing the plot within a couple of weeks. I noted that they seemed to be hitting the oats the hardest at first, but then as the weather got colder, they started hitting the turnips more.
The first few weeks were impressive. However, the initial burst of growth also brought some challenges as some weeds started emerging.
Extended Use & Reliability
After two months of use, the Lights Out Forage Oats plot remains a primary feeding location for the local deer herd. The turnips have really taken off, providing a green food source even after several frosts. The oats are still providing a significant source of food as well.
The plot has held up remarkably well, with minimal signs of wear and tear from the deer traffic. The canola is less prevalent than the oats and turnips. It still provides a key component to the overall food source.
Maintaining the plot has been relatively easy. I’ve mowed it once to keep the weeds in check, but otherwise, the plot has been self-sufficient. It definitely outperforms other single-crop food plots I’ve used in the past. The diverse blend offers something for the deer at different stages of the fall and winter.
Breaking Down the Features of Lights Out Forage Oats
Specifications
The Antler King Lights Out Forage Oats comes in a 12 lb bag. It contains a blend of forage oats, turnips, and canola. The seed is specifically designed as an all-fall hunt plot to attract deer during the hunting season.
The blend of forage oats provides an early-season attractant, while the turnips offer a late-season food source. The canola offers additional diversity. This ensures the deer have a consistent and palatable food source throughout the fall and winter.
Performance & Functionality
The Lights Out Forage Oats perform exceptionally well. It effectively attracts deer throughout the fall and winter. The blend of seed ensures that there is something for the deer to eat at all times.
The main strength is its ability to provide a consistent food source during the hunting season. A potential weakness is that it needs proper soil preparation and weed control. If you do not provide proper soil prep and weed control, you risk poor growth and weed competition. It does meet my expectations, giving me a robust plot.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lights Out Forage Oats are designed for ease of use. It is relatively simple to plant. The seeds are mixed, so you just need to spread them evenly across a prepared seedbed.
The blend of different seed sizes and types makes for a uniform spread when using a standard seed spreader. The blend is easy to handle and distributes evenly.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care and maintenance, a Lights Out Forage Oats plot can last throughout the fall and winter. Regular mowing can help control weeds and keep the plot productive.
The plot requires minimal repair once established. Fertilizing will also help to promote growth.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with the Lights Out Forage Oats. There are no direct customization options beyond choosing the planting location and soil preparation methods.
While there aren’t direct accessories, you can enhance the plot with fertilizer or soil amendments. Using a no-till drill can also improve germination rates in certain soil conditions.
Pros and Cons of Lights Out Forage Oats
Pros
- Provides a diverse and attractive food source for deer throughout the fall and winter.
- Easy to plant and maintain.
- Attracts deer quickly.
- Cost-effective solution for creating a hunting plot.
- Turnips provide a late-season food source when other options are scarce.
Cons
- Can be susceptible to weed competition if not properly managed.
- Requires some initial soil preparation for best results.
Who Should Buy Lights Out Forage Oats?
Perfect for: Hunters looking to attract deer to their property during the fall and winter hunting seasons. Land managers who want to create a reliable food source for deer. Anyone looking for an easy and cost-effective way to improve their deer habitat.
Who should skip this product? Someone who is not willing to invest the time and effort in preparing the soil and controlling weeds. People looking for a perennial food plot solution that lasts for multiple years.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A soil test to determine the proper fertilizer requirements. A seed spreader for even distribution of the seed. A mower or herbicide to control weeds.
Conclusion on Lights Out Forage Oats
The Antler King Lights Out Forage Oats are an excellent choice for anyone looking to attract deer during the hunting season. The blend of forage oats, turnips, and canola provides a diverse and palatable food source that keeps deer coming back for more.
At $15.49 for a 12 lb bag, the price is justified. It provides a cost-effective solution for creating a successful hunting plot.
I would highly recommend the Lights Out Forage Oats. It truly lives up to its promise of attracting deer throughout the fall and winter. Invest in this blend. Prepare your soil. Watch the deer flock to your property.