Advice we’d give you if you were our client

There’s no single perfect size, but bigger is not always better.

As a general guideline:

• 1–3% of your total acreage in food plots is plenty when paired with quality native habitat

• A ¼–1 acre plot can be extremely effective if it’s placed correctly and planted intentionally

Food plots should complement, not replace, natural forage. The most successful big-buck properties focus on diverse native browse, cover, and security, with food plots used as strategic nutrition and attraction sources.

No — 20% protein is not too much, especially during spring and summer antler growth.

Here’s how we recommend thinking about protein:

• 16–20% protein supports antler development and body recovery

• Protein intake is most effective when natural forage quality is already strong

• Protein alone won’t create big bucks if habitat, cover, and age structure aren’t in place

Protein is a supplement, not a shortcut. Habitat quality always comes first.

Yes — water is a major but often overlooked part of deer habitat. A water source will keep deer on your property and keep them from crossing into other properties looking for it.

Deer need water daily, especially during:

• Hot summer months

• Antler growth periods

• Lactation for does

While deer can travel to water, properties with reliable, low-pressure water sources often see:

• More consistent daylight activity

• Better use of core areas

• Reduced movement across property lines

Even small, well-placed water improvements can make a noticeable difference.

Consistency matters more than frequency. Your human footprint is the most important factor.

General guidelines:

• Keep feeders from running empty, especially during high-use seasons

• Refill before feed is completely gone to avoid pattern disruption

• Increase monitoring during late summer and pre-season

That said, feeders should support — not replace — natural forage and habitat work.

Helpful tip: buy bigger capacity feeders to reduce filling frequency and keep your human footprint low and keep the pressure low on your deer herd.

Low pressure is one of the most important factors in growing mature bucks.

At EHE, we focus on:

• Strategic access routes that avoid bedding areas

• Minimizing equipment passes and disturbance

• Performing habitat work during low-impact seasons

• Designing improvements that require less ongoing intrusion

The goal is to let deer feel secure enough to daylight naturally, not just show up at night.

Yes — but it works by improving overall herd health, not forcing antler growth.

Quality habitat leads to:

• Better nutrition year-round

• Reduced stress

• Stronger genetics expressing their potential

• Bucks living long enough to reach maturity

Big bucks are a result of good habitat, not a single tactic.

Absolutely. We have supported properties with as few as 13 acres and seen success!

Even smaller tracts can:

• Hold deer longer

• Improve daylight movement

• Become preferred core areas for wildlife

Strategic cover, forage diversity, and low pressure often matter more than acreage.

Yes — especially when habitat enhancements meets multiple needs in one place:

• Bedding cover

• Year-round forage

• Water

• Minimal pressure

When deer don’t have to leave, they often don’t.

That’s exactly what we do.

Every property is different, and successful habitat enhancement starts with:

• Understanding your land

• Identifying limiting factors

• Creating a plan that works with the ecosystem