In the early season (late summer/early fall), deer are transitioning from summer feeding patterns to fall patterns. They crave high-protein greens and sugars.

The best strategy is rarely to plant just one thing. Smart hunters use multi-species mixes designed to hold deer on the property through various conditions.

Egyptian Wheat is the gold standard for immediate screening. It grows 8 to 12 feet tall and creates a wall so dense you cannot see through it. You can plant it in strips to create "corridors" for deer to walk through, or plant a solid block around your food plot to hide your entry.

The best millet varieties for duck food plots in Kansas and Missouri are Pearl Millet, Japanese Millet, and Brown Top Millet.

These warm-season annual grasses grow fast, provide great early-season nutrition for ducks, and as a bonus, create thick bedding cover for whitetail deer.