When it comes to providing year-round nutrition and attraction, clover for deer food plots is one of the most reliable and effective choices.
Clover is highly digestible, rich in protein, and naturally improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. That’s why clover is an excellent choice for deer food plots. For hunters and land managers, this means healthier deer herds, better antler development, and increased hunting success.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn which clover species work best, how to plant and maintain them, and advanced strategies to maximize long-term performance.
Why Choose Clover for Deer Food Plots?
Clover is more than just another legume. It’s a powerhouse plant for wildlife habitat management. Here’s why it deserves a place in your food plot strategy:
- Nutritional value: Most clover varieties provide 20–30% crude protein, critical for lactating does and antler-growing bucks.
- Year-round attraction: Certain clovers remain palatable across seasons, keeping deer on your property longer.
- Soil improvement: Clover fixes nitrogen, reducing fertilizer costs and improving soil for future crops.
- Durability: With proper care, perennial clovers can thrive for 3–5 years, making them cost-effective over time.
Best Types of Clover for Deer Food Plots
Choosing the right species of clover for deer is key to long-term success. Below are the most popular options, with their strengths and weaknesses.
White Clover for Deer Food Plots
- Type: Perennial
- Best Regions: Temperate and northern climates
- Pros: High protein, spreads via stolons, withstands grazing
- Cons: Slower to establish; struggles in very hot or drought-prone soils
Red Clover for Deer Food Plots
- Type: Biennial/short-lived perennial
- Best Regions: Widely adaptable across the Midwest and South
- Pros: Fast growth, high biomass, drought tolerant
- Cons: Lasts only 2–3 years without reseeding
Crimson Clover for Deer Food Plots
- Type: Annual (cool season)
- Best Regions: Southern states or areas with mild winters
- Pros: Quick germination, reseeds well, very attractive in spring
- Cons: Dies out in summer heat or northern frosts
Ladino Clover for Deer Food Plots
- Type: Large-leafed perennial (subset of white clover)
- Best Regions: Northern and temperate climates with consistent moisture
- Pros: Long lifespan, excellent forage quality, shade tolerant
- Cons: Requires fertile soils and regular maintenance
Arrowleaf, Balansa, and Berseem Clovers
These annual clovers provide diversity and seasonal coverage. Arrowleaf extends forage into late spring, balansa tolerates wetter soils, and berseem grows quickly in mild climates. Together, they round out a balanced clover mix.
Soil Preparation for Clover in Deer Food Plots
Before planting, soil preparation determines whether your deer food plot thrives or fails.
- Soil Test First
- Aim for a pH between 6.0–7.0.
- Apply lime if soils are acidic.
- Fertility Needs
- Clover requires phosphorus and potassium but fixes its own nitrogen.
- Apply fertilizer according to soil test recommendations.
- Seedbed Prep
- Spray existing vegetation with a non-selective herbicide.
- Disk or till lightly, then cultipack for a firm seedbed.
Planting Clover for Deer Food Plots
Best Time to Plant
- Northern regions: Early spring (frost seeding works well).
- Southern regions: Late summer to early fall for best establishment before winter.
Seeding Methods
- Broadcast seeding: Spread seed evenly, then cultipack for soil contact.
- Drill seeding: More precise and requires less seed per acre.
Seeding Rates
| Clover Type | Broadcast Rate | Drill Rate |
|---|---|---|
| White/Ladino | 5–8 lbs/acre | 3–5 lbs/acre |
| Red Clover | 15 lbs/acre | 10 lbs/acre |
| Crimson Clover | 15–20 lbs/acre | 10–15 lbs/acre |
Always check the seed tag and adjust for Pure Live Seed (PLS).
Maintaining Clover for Deer Food Plots
Weed Control
- Spray grass-selective herbicides (e.g., clethodim) when grasses emerge.
- Spot-spray broadleaf weeds with clover-safe herbicides.
- Avoid frequent mowing—once or twice a season is usually sufficient.
Overseeding and Frost Seeding
- Annual clovers: Reseed yearly or every other year.
- Perennials: Frost seed in late winter to fill bare patches.
Fertilization
- Test soil every 2–3 years.
- Add lime and nutrients as needed, focusing on potassium and phosphorus.
Seasonal Strategies with Clover for Deer Food Plots
Spring and Early Summer
- Crimson, arrowleaf, and balansa clovers shine in spring.
- Deer benefit from high-protein forage during fawning and antler growth.
Mid- to Late Summer
- Perennials like white and ladino clover sustain growth if moisture is adequate.
- Mix clover with chicory for better drought tolerance.
Fall and Winter
- Clover remains green longer than many forages, offering late-season deer attraction.
- Overseed to ensure coverage before winter stress.