First Thoughts on the Winter Peas Plus
The Imperial Whitetail Winter Peas Plus, from Whitetail Institute, promises to be a game-changer for deer food plots. It’s an offering of pure winter pea seed, a known deer favorite. The allure of a standalone offering from a reputable brand like Whitetail Institute definitely caught my attention, aiming to understand how this pure seed performs in creating a thriving food plot that deer can’t resist.
My motivation for exploring Winter Peas Plus stemmed from a common challenge I faced: inconsistent results with pre-mixed food plot blends. Often, I found that certain components of the blend thrived while others lagged, leaving me with a less-than-ideal food source for the local deer population. A pure offering like this aims to solve the problem by providing a concentrated source of nutrition, allowing me to tailor the planting environment specifically for winter peas.
The bag itself felt substantial, a good sign in the world of seed. The seeds looked healthy and uniform, hinting at good germination potential. The packaging was simple, clearly labeled with the Whitetail Institute logo.
Compared to other deer food plot seed options, like clover blends or brassicas, Winter Peas Plus stands out due to its singular focus. Where clover offers a perennial solution, and brassicas provide late-season forage, winter peas are known for their palatability and quick growth. I’ve also used generic winter pea seeds in the past, but the Imperial Whitetail name carries weight, suggesting a higher quality seed with better genetics. I chose Winter Peas Plus hoping for superior germination, growth rate, and overall attractiveness to deer compared to these generic options.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to see if Whitetail Institute’s reputation for quality extended to their standalone winter pea offering. I was also slightly wary, wondering if the price premium over generic options would translate to a noticeable difference in performance.
Real-World Testing: Putting Winter Peas Plus to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested Winter Peas Plus on a half-acre plot in a wooded area of my property during the fall planting season. The soil was prepared according to Whitetail Institute’s recommendations, including soil testing, liming, and fertilization. Planting involved broadcasting the seed and lightly disking to ensure good soil contact.
The weather during the initial growth phase was mixed, with periods of heavy rain followed by dry spells. Despite these challenging conditions, the Winter Peas Plus seeds germinated quickly and established a strong stand. The plants demonstrated impressive resilience, showing vigorous growth even under stress. There were no major surprises, aside from the speed with which the deer found the plot, proving its effectiveness as a deer attractant.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Winter Peas Plus plot remained a consistent food source for the deer population. The plants continued to thrive, providing ample forage throughout the fall and early winter. There was some grazing pressure, as expected, but the plot maintained a healthy density.
The plants showed no significant signs of disease or pest infestation. The only real maintenance involved occasional mowing to prevent the peas from getting too tall and leggy. In comparison to my previous experiences with other food plot blends, Winter Peas Plus delivered a more consistent and reliable performance. It demonstrated superior germination, growth rate, and overall attractiveness to deer compared to generic winter pea seeds.
Breaking Down the Features of Winter Peas Plus
Specifications
The Winter Peas Plus is an annual food plot seed specifically bred for attracting whitetail deer. It is formulated as a pure, unblended offering of winter peas. The primary purpose is to provide a highly palatable and nutritious food source during the fall and winter months.
The key specification to highlight is its formulation as a standalone winter pea seed, allowing precise management of the food plot environment. This contrasts with blended seed options where the success of the plot depends on the compatibility and growth of multiple plant species. This is important because it gives land managers more control over the specific nutritional needs of the deer and allows them to tailor the planting conditions for optimal pea growth.
Performance & Functionality
The Winter Peas Plus excels at its primary job: attracting and feeding deer. The plants are highly palatable, and deer actively seek them out. This results in a plot that experiences heavy grazing pressure, which in turn can contribute to the overall health and size of the deer herd.
One of the strengths of Winter Peas Plus is its rapid germination and establishment. This allows for a quick turnaround time, providing a food source for deer relatively soon after planting. A potential weakness is that the plot’s effectiveness is limited to the fall and winter months, requiring replanting each year. Overall, it meets and often exceeds expectations, offering a high-quality, reliable food source for deer.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of Winter Peas Plus is inherently simple: it’s pure seed. The build quality is evident in the uniformity and health of the seeds themselves. This translates to consistent germination and growth. The product requires no special equipment or expertise to use, making it user-friendly for both experienced land managers and novice food plotters.
Durability & Maintenance
As an annual crop, Winter Peas Plus is not designed for long-term durability. Its lifecycle is limited to a single growing season. Maintenance is relatively simple, primarily involving occasional mowing to prevent excessive growth and reseeding as needed to maintain density. The relatively low maintenance requirements make it a practical option for busy landowners.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with Winter Peas Plus, as it is just the seed itself. However, the product is highly compatible with a variety of soil amendments and fertilizers. These additives can be used to optimize soil conditions for pea growth. Land managers can also choose to mix Winter Peas Plus with other seed varieties to create a more diverse food plot. The ability to customize the planting environment and combine Winter Peas Plus with other species makes it a versatile tool for deer management.
Pros and Cons of Winter Peas Plus
Pros
- High palatability: Deer find winter peas irresistible, ensuring heavy grazing and maximizing the impact of the food plot.
- Rapid germination: Quick establishment translates to a faster food source for deer.
- Easy to plant and maintain: Requires no special equipment or expertise, making it user-friendly for landowners of all experience levels.
- Standalone offering: Pure winter pea seed allows for precise control over the planting environment.
- From **Whitetail Institute: The brand name implies high quality and reliability.
Cons
- Annual crop: Requires replanting each year, adding to the long-term cost and effort.
- Susceptible to heavy grazing pressure: Overgrazing can reduce the longevity and effectiveness of the plot.
Who Should Buy Winter Peas Plus?
Winter Peas Plus is perfect for hunters and land managers looking to attract and feed deer on their property. This product is ideal for those who value high palatability and rapid establishment. It will particularly benefit those who want precise control over their food plot composition.
Those looking for a perennial food plot solution should skip this product. This is also not the best choice for those who lack the resources or time to replant each year. Individuals in areas with extremely high deer densities might also find that the plot is overgrazed too quickly to be worthwhile.
Must-have accessories or modifications include soil testing equipment, lime and fertilizer to optimize soil conditions, and a no-till drill or broadcast spreader for efficient planting. Fencing to control grazing pressure can also be beneficial.
Conclusion on Winter Peas Plus
The Imperial Whitetail Winter Peas Plus is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and highly attractive food source for deer. Its rapid germination, ease of use, and pure seed offering make it a standout product in the deer food plot market.
The price is justified by the high quality of the seed and the reputation of Whitetail Institute. The peace of mind knowing you are planting a reliable seed source contributes significantly to its value.
I would personally recommend Winter Peas Plus to anyone looking to create a thriving deer food plot. If you’re after a highly palatable and quick-establishing food source that you can trust, then Winter Peas Plus delivers. Get your bag today and see the difference for yourself!