Hunting Food Plot Clearing Cost in Mississippi
Clearing a food plot in Mississippi costs $800–$3,000 per plot in 2026, depending on plot size, vegetation density, and whether stumps need to be removed. Most hunters spend $1,200–$2,000 for a typical 1/2 to 1-acre food plot cleared by forestry mulching.
If you're a hunter in Mississippi or the Memphis metro area, food plots are one of the best investments you can make in your hunting property. But before you can plant, you need to clear the ground. Here's what food plot clearing costs in Mississippi and how to get the most value from your investment.
Food Plot Clearing Costs by Size
| Plot Size | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 acre | $400–$800 | Small kill plot near stand |
| 1/2 acre | $600–$1,200 | Standard food plot |
| 1 acre | $1,000–$2,000 | Large destination plot |
| 2+ acres | $1,500–$3,500 | Major food plot or field |
What Affects Food Plot Clearing Cost
*Vegetation Type*: Clearing open brush for a food plot is cheaper than clearing timber. If large trees need to be felled first, expect to pay more. Light brush and saplings are the easiest and cheapest to clear.
*Stump Treatment*: For food plots, stumps need to be ground below plow depth so you can disc and plant. Forestry mulching grinds most stumps flush, but deep grinding adds cost. Budget an extra $200–$500 for stump treatment on a 1-acre plot.
*Access*: If the food plot location is deep in timber with no road access, equipment mobilization takes longer. Expect a $200–$400 premium for remote locations.
*Soil Prep*: Some clearing companies (including us) can disc or till the food plot after clearing, saving you a separate trip. This typically adds $200–$400 per acre.
Best Food Plot Clearing Method
Forestry mulching is the ideal method for clearing food plots because:
- It clears brush and grinds stumps in one pass - The mulch left behind adds organic matter to the soil - Equipment can navigate tight timber to reach interior plot locations - Minimal soil disturbance preserves the seed bed - No debris to haul or burn
Food Plot Strategy Tips for Mississippi Hunters
*Plot Placement*: Clear food plots on south-facing slopes for maximum sunlight. Place plots where deer naturally travel — along ridgelines, creek crossings, and field edges. Multiple small plots (1/4 acre) often outperform one large plot for hunting.
*Timing*: Clear food plots in late spring or summer for fall planting. This gives the mulch time to break down and allows you to spray for weeds before planting. September is prime planting time for clover, brassicas, and winter wheat in Mississippi.
*Shape*: Long, narrow plots (bowling alley shape) give you better shooting lanes than square plots. Clear plots with prevailing wind direction in mind for stand placement.
*What to Plant*: In Mississippi and the Memphis metro area, the best food plot plantings include clover (perennial, low maintenance), brassicas (turnips, radishes — deer magnets in late season), winter wheat and oats (fast-growing fall attraction), and chicory (drought-tolerant perennial).
Get Your Food Plots Cleared
Mallard's View Land Management specializes in hunting property improvement throughout DeSoto County, MS and the Memphis metro area. We clear food plots, shooting lanes, ATV trails, and deer stand access. Call (901) 282-4235 for a free estimate on your hunting property.