If you’re planning a deer-focused forage program, winter peas are a standout choice for cold-season attractants and soil health. This article highlights five prime pea-centric options designed to maximize late-season deer activity, while offering soil benefits and easy planting. Each product is evaluated for cold tolerance, protein content, and deer appeal to help you choose the best fit for your property.
Summary Table
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Peas Plus Deer Food Plot Seed | Whitetail Institute | Very cold tolerant; high sugar and protein | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CJJAA7I?tag=renolandscap-20 |
| 7 Card Stud Adaptive Seed | Evolved Harvest | High protein mix with multiple forage types | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011CSBGKQ?tag=renolandscap-20 |
| Throw & Gro X-treme w/Radish | Evolved Habitats | No-till, fast-growing with radish | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0083IB84I?tag=renolandscap-20 |
| Austrian Winter Peas Seeds – 5 lbs | Outsidepride | Cold-hardy, soil-health benefits, deer forage | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L45HRZP?tag=renolandscap-20 |
| Big Tine Food Plot Mix | Big Tine | Peas and tubers; strong late-winter energy | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDYRYZRS?tag=renolandscap-20 |
Whitetail Institute Winter Peas Plus Deer Food Plot Seed
Whitetail Institute’s Winter Peas Plus is a winter-strong forage seed blend with more than 80% winter peas. It is designed to maximize late-season deer attraction while delivering robust cold tolerance. The mix emphasizes high sugar and protein content, critical for antler development and overall herd health in cold months. The product is positioned as a superior winter pea option compared with other varieties, making it a strong choice for properties facing prolonged frosts and early snowfall.
EVOLVED HARVEST 7 Card Stud Adaptive Seed
The 7 Card Stud blend from Evolved Harvest combines multiple forage elements including triticale, oats, winter peas, clover, chicory, turnip, and radishes. This diversity provides a broad harvest window and a high protein and mineral profile that deer readily consume across seasons. The blend targets early, mid, and late-season forage needs, promoting consistent deer presence and hoof traffic on your land. It is adaptable to various regions and climates, making it a versatile choice for multi-region properties.
Throw & Gro X-treme w/Radish Forage for Deer
This no-till forage mix adds radish to the original Throw & Gro formula, delivering fast-growing, highly nutritious forage. The radish component provides quick root-abundant access and helps break soil compaction. No-till planting reduces labor and equipment needs, allowing you to establish a productive plot in smaller or marginal areas. The blend emphasizes protein and mineral content to support deer health and attraction, especially during transition periods between seasons.
Outsidepride Austrian Winter Peas Seeds – 5 lbs
Outsidepride’s Austrian Winter Peas are a cold-hardy legume ideal for food plots and cover crops. Suitable for USDA zones 6–9, these peas fix nitrogen, improve soil health, and provide high-protein forage for deer. The plants reach 3–5 feet and produce a dense canopy with pink flowers, contributing to soil erosion control and visible forage throughout fall and spring. This option is well-suited for long-term plots where soil building is a priority.
Outsidepride Austrian Winter Peas Seeds – 1 oz
This smaller 1-ounce option from Outsidepride provides a compact way to test performance or fill gaps in an established plot. The Austrian winter peas deliver cold tolerance, soil-improving nitrogen fixation, and strong deer appeal, especially when paired with other cool-season forages. The product mirrors the 5-pound variant in genetics and ecosystem benefits, offering predictable results for smaller properties or strategic overseeding.
Big Tine Food Plot Mix
Big Tine’s Food Plot Mix combines peas and tubers to deliver both early-season forage and late-season energy. The mix is designed for deer attractant use during fall and winter, with a focus on high palatability and robust winter hardiness. The tubers provide stored energy, while peas offer immediate forage availability. This mix is suitable for larger plots seeking a diverse, reliable deer food source through the cold months.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for Forage Peas
- Climate and hardiness: Choose peas with proven cold tolerance for your region to ensure active forage during late fall and winter.
- Deer nutrition: Prioritize blends with high protein and mineral content to support antler development and herd health.
- Soil health benefits: Nitrogen-fixing peas improve soil structure, reduce fertilizer needs, and support future crop rotations.
- Ease of establishment: No-till or minimal-till options save time and equipment while expanding plantable areas.
- Seasonal coverage: Consider blends that cover early, mid, and late seasons to maintain deer traffic across the year.
- Plot size and density: Match seed quantity and mix composition to your plot size and expected deer pressure for optimal results.
- Maintenance and rotation: Plan crop rotation and plot maintenance to sustain long-term forage quality and soil health.
When selecting a forage pea product, balance immediate deer attraction with long-term soil benefits and plot manageability. A diverse blend can offer resilience across variable weather and deer pressure, ensuring your property remains a reliable destination for wildlife throughout the forage season.