OATES

[hilltop]

I planted oates this year for the first time. They are doing well and the deer are using them well also. My question is do they get dormant like winter wheat or will it continue to mature or will it just die with cold and frost. Anyone know ?

[ranwin33]

My experience is that it dies.

[buckhunter21]

The oats are a great attactant, especially in the late fall/early winter when their feeding options are few and far between.  As far as what will happen....Once the first frost hits they'll die just like most other annuals.  But just because they die doesn't mean they aren't attrative....I compare oats to soybeans.  Leave 'em up in the late fall/early winter and the deer will be all over them, depending on what other food sources are available nearby!
 
Best of luck!

[Goose]

As stated they will die with the oncoming frost.
I would recommend Winter Rye. Its the same as far as attractiveness, more hardy than wheat,recycles nitrogen for the following crop, and also is a great weed suppressor.