Top 5 Off-Season Projects for Hunting Land
Managing hunting land is about more than just showing up on opening day. The hunters who see consistent success are the ones who put in the work long before and even after the season. The off-season is your opportunity to prepare your property so it produces better habitat, attracts more wildlife, and sets you up for success when fall arrives.
Whether you have a few acres or a large lease, there are several projects you can tackle during the off-season. Here are the top five projects every land manager should consider, and how tools like the GroundHog MAX ATV/UTV Disc Plow can make the job faster, easier, and more effective.
1. Plant Food Plots That Last
Food plots are one of the most effective ways to attract and hold deer, turkey, and other game on your property. Off-season is prime time to prepare soil, spread seed, and ensure your plots are thriving by fall.
With the GroundHog MAX, you don’t need a big tractor to break ground. Hook it to your ATV or UTV, and you can cut through tough soil and create well-established plots in small openings, along trails, or deep in the woods where tractors can’t go. Consider planting clover, chicory, or soybeans in spring, then transition to brassicas or winter wheat as the season approaches.
2. Improve Wildlife Habitat
Beyond food plots, think about how to make your land more inviting to wildlife year-round. This might include:
Hinge cutting select trees to create natural bedding cover.
Planting native grasses and shrubs for nesting and browsing.
Creating travel corridors by thinning dense areas and encouraging deer movement toward stand sites.
Habitat improvement not only benefits your hunting but also enhances the overall health of your property. It’s a project that pays off season after season.
3. Build and Maintain Access Trails
Good access can make or break your hunt. Trails allow you to slip in and out quietly without spooking game, and they also make land management tasks easier.
The GroundHog MAX shines here again—it’s not just for food plots. Use it to cut and maintain ATV trails, open shooting lanes, or keep paths clear for equipment and foot traffic. Off-season is the perfect time to trim back brush, smooth ruts, and create routes that help you hunt smarter, not harder.
4. Check and Upgrade Stands
Your treestands and blinds take a beating from the weather. Use the off-season to climb up, inspect straps and bolts, check shooting lanes, and replace worn parts. Safety comes first—no one wants to find out mid-hunt that a stand is unsafe. While you’re at it, use the GroundHog MAX to disc up those shooting lanes, aerating the ground so it will be more receptive to upcoming food plots.
This is also a good time to add new stand locations. Think about wind direction, cover, and how deer move through the property. Preparing these setups now means less disruption during the season.
Wildlife needs more than food—they need water and essential minerals. Consider installing or refreshing mineral sites, which can improve antler growth and herd health. If your property lacks natural water sources, a small pond or waterhole can dramatically increase wildlife activity. One often-overlooked project is creating or maintaining fire breaks. Controlled burns are a valuable tool for habitat management, but they require proper planning. Even if you’re not planning a burn, fire breaks can help protect your property—and your neighbor’s—should wildfires occur. With the GroundHog MAX, you can cut clean, effective fire lines around food plots, trails, or property edges. This not only improves safety but also creates open areas that double as travel routes for deer and other wildlife. These improvements are often overlooked, but they can transform your land into a destination that deer and turkey can’t resist. The off-season isn’t downtime—it’s prep time. By tackling these projects—food plots, habitat improvement, access trails, stand maintenance, and water/mineral management—you’ll create a property that not only attracts more game but also provides healthier habitat. Put in the effort now, and when those crisp mornings arrive, you’ll be ready.5. Manage Water and Minerals
BONUS TIP:
