What is a wild crop?
A wildlife field is a designated plot of land – typically 0.1–2 hectares – sown with a seed mixture of crops and flowering plants, which provides game and birds with food, shelter, and cover throughout the season. Wildlife fields are established by hunters, farmers, and conservationists to strengthen local wildlife populations and promote biodiversity.
What is the purpose of a wildlife plot?
A wildlife refuge is not just about hunting – it's an active tool for nature conservation. A well-planned piece of land with the right plants can:
- Provide pheasants, partridges, hares, and roe deer with a stable food supply up to and through winter.
- Create insect-rich biotopes for breeding birds and pollinators
- To function as shelterbelts and hiding places between fields and forest
- Contribute to more diverse wildlife on properties that are otherwise intensively managed
The game field is one of the most effective measures a hunting tenant or farmer can take to increase game density over time.
Seed mix selection
The seed mixture is the foundation of the wildflower meadow. A poor choice results in a thin, weed-infested growth with no nutritional value – no matter how well the soil is treated. A good wildflower meadow mix typically combines:
| Group | Examples | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Corn crops | Oats, wheat, corn | Early seeding, energy in winter |
| Legumes | Lupine, vetch, clover | Protein-rich feed, nitrogen fixation |
| Oil plants | Sunflower, rapeseed | High seed production, coverage |
| Herbs and flowers | Chicory, phacelia, buckwheat | Insects, long blooming |
| Perennial base plants | Red clover, ryegrass | Stability and overwintering capability |
Faunamaster carries pre-mixed Seed mixtures – including dedicated game cover mixtures – combined for Danish climate and the needs of game. It saves time and ensures a balanced species composition. Choose a mixture with varied flowering to ensure the game field provides food from early summer to frost.
Soil cultivation and seedbed preparation
A wild-sown crop does not have the same demands as a high-yielding grain field – but a good seedbed is crucial for uniform germination.
- Plow or till in autumn/early spring – remove old crop and perennial weeds. A DH120 ATV Harvester is well suited for working a smaller area to a smooth surface without a full tractor pass.
- Let the land settle – allow the surface a couple of days to consolidate, especially on light soils.
- Check for moisture and weeds A low, even moisture level provides the best seed-to-soil contact. If a lot of weeds sprout before sowing, light harrowing can be repeated.
- Avoid over-solving – most species in a wildflower mix are small-seeded and require a low seedbed (1–3 cm).
Sowing: timing, temperature, and technique
When to sow?
Timing is one of the most frequent sources of error. It is typical to sow early in the spring. A trespasser requires:
- The soil temperature is a minimum of 8–10 °C in the seed depth. Below this, many species do not germinate, or germinate very unevenly.
- The risk of frost is over – cold nights after germination can set vulnerable herbs back.
- As a general rule May the most reliable time in Denmark. In mild years and on light, south-facing soils, you can start in late April.
Seeding technique
An even seeding is crucial for dense growth. Here is Faunamaster S105 The S180 seeders are the natural choice for ATVs/UTVs: S105 for smaller areas and narrow access conditions (forest clearings, sheds, corner pieces), S180 for larger, open fields. Both are designed for precise, ground-level sowing, which minimizes seed waste – critical for the many finely fallen seeds in a mixture. Keep the sowing depth shallow: 1–2 cm for light mixtures, max. 3 cm for grain components.
Care throughout the season
- Early summer Check for germination 2-3 weeks after sowing.
- Early summer: Aggressively target weeds (thistles, mugwort) – avoid general mowing.
- Summer Let the flowering herbs finish blooming for the sake of insects and birds.
- Late summer/autumn: Don't mow down the entire wildflower patch – leave standing material as winter cover and a seed bank.
- Winter Register which plants the game prefers for next year's seed selection.
Machine selection for wild acreage work
| Assignment | Recommended machine |
|---|---|
| Seedbed and surface harrowing | DH120 or DH140 ATV cultivator |
| Precision sowing of seed mixture | Faunamaster S105 or S180 seed drill |
| Mowing/clearing invasive weeds | FM130 flail mower |
| Spraying for selective weeds | FMS70 sprayer |
The advantage of the ATV/UTV-mounted system is accessibility: a tractor cannot access all corners, shed edges, and woodland clearings where wildlife fields are often laid out most effectively.
Frequently asked questions
How large does a decoy need to be to be effective?
Even from about 0.1 hectares, a game field begins to provide noticeable cover and feed. Larger areas offer more effect, but location and seed selection often weigh heavier than sheer size.
Why is my wild blueberry sprouting unevenly?
The most common causes are sowing too early (soil temperature too low), sowing small seeds too deep, or an uneven seedbed. An ATV harrow helps achieve a fine-grained, even surface.
When is the wild oat most valuable to wildlife?
From late summer, when seed set begins, and until winter, the wild meadow is crucial as a food source. Standing material over winter also provides important cover.
Can I see a wildflower meadow in a field that is normally cultivated with grain?
Yes. It just requires proper soil preparation and a mixture that suits the soil type. Be aware of any waiting periods if the field normally receives pesticides.
Do I need to apply for a permit to establish a wildlife field?
As a starting point, no, if the area is on farmland that you control yourself. If the area is included in a subsidy scheme, you should check the applicable rules with the Danish Food Agency.
Get started with your wild harvest
Faunamaster supplies everything needed to establish and maintain a game field – from proven seed mixtures to S105/S180 seed drills and DH120/DH140 cultivators, which do the job precisely from your ATV or UTV. See the full range at shop.faunamaster.com.