It’s almost deer season and that means two things: Michael Waddell is getting ready to put his Exmark Lazer Z away for the season and dialing in his food plots. Because, once those cool mornings hit, it’s game on. So, join the Bone Collector in this Backyard Life video as he sets up his deer food plots, blockers, and blinds in ways that not only help feed the wildlife on his land, but tips the odds in his favor once it’s time to fill some tags. As Waddell jokes, “It ain’t bougie hunting”–it’s just thinking wisely.

Setting the Stage

Waddell explains that while food plots are just like the name suggests (food in a plot of land), the way you lay them out makes all the difference. This year, he’s experimenting with new setups, including a “Great Wall” of giant milo, thick windrows, and standing corn. All designed to provide deer with food, cover, and travel corridors.

It’s not just about deer, either. These plots are pulling in turkeys, rabbits, and even wild quail—all proof that good habitat management pays huge dividends.

Deer Food Plot Design

Michael walks us through one of his favorite deer food plot setups on the farm.

• Blockers and Windrows: Alongside natural windrows, he planted the aforementioned “Great Wall” to screen movement and break up sightlines. These blockers help deer feel secure while allowing him to enter and exit even more stealthily.
• Standing Corn: Michael has planted seven acres of standing corn that provides both food and bedding cover. He jokes that, with these acres, he’s driving farmers crazy—because who else would plant corn just for deer to eat? And, by bush hogging strips of it throughout the season, he’s able to provide fresh food sources that help concentrate deer activity.
• Green Fields: While the corn, blockers, and windrows set the stage, the green fields round out his plan. He has parts of his plots drilled with oats, clover, and other forages to draw deer closer into bow range. By staggering food sources, he creates a natural funnel system—encouraging deer to pass through multiple shooting lanes.
• Blind and Stand Placement: To make the most of these food and cover setups, Waddell also takes into consideration how he’ll hunt them. He’s set his blind up low for close encounters, with its legs wrapped in fabric (and ringed with branches) for extra concealment. And, depending on the wind, he also has secondary stands tucked into the trees.
• Slip-In Access: Getting in and out quietly is key, which is why he mows “Augusta National-style” paths with his Lazer Z. These clean lanes allow for smooth access, while minimizing disturbance to the plot.

He stresses again that it’s not about making hunting “easy”—it’s all about making it smart. But, if you want to throw some broken glass down for a real challenge, you can go right ahead.

The Tools of the Trade

Alongside his habitat setup, Waddell mixes in some supplemental feed and attractants to really prime the pump once hunting season rolls around. Among these is the Bone Collector Blend from Big and J—a roasted corn and protein-rich mix he relies on to supplement corn. Combined with BB2 and other forages, it provides nutrition, helps him take stock of bucks on his property, and keeps deer active in front of his cameras.

He jokes that animals are a whole lot like us. A plain cheese pizza always tastes great, but having the option to choose your toppings will let you enjoy it even more. Likewise, if you can give the deer on your land more than corn (even though they’ll still love it), you’ll have way more luck.

Conditioning Deer

As Waddell says, the activity on his property—farming, traffic, and even pit bikes buzzing by—serves a purpose: to get the deer used to human presence. By the time hunting season rolls around, they’re conditioned to all the noise and hustle and bustle that you normally make.

So, while you could always forego mowing the slip-in access or opt to throw down some broken glass, this all helps make your first hunts really productive. Before the deer catch on to your true intentions, of course!

More Than Just Filling Tags

For Waddell, the setup is just as rewarding as the hunt itself. Every blocker, food plot, and feeder placement is part of a bigger plan—one that provides nutrition, habitat, and opportunity. Every choice he makes is in the name of conservation, giving the deer, turkeys, quail, and even bugs on his property a better life.

Just like you can go into the pantry and grab any snack you want to chow down on, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t provide that for your wildlife. “Anybody serious about conservation is going to give back,” he says, “and make sure they plant some resources out there to make it easier for the wildlife.” Giving them the opportunity to thrive a little better.