The Allure of Clover: Why Deer Can’t Resist It
Want to transform your property into a deer sanctuary teeming with healthy, robust animals? The secret often lies beneath the surface – literally. Food plots, strategically planted areas designed to attract and nourish wildlife, are a cornerstone of successful deer management. Among the myriad of options available to landowners and hunters, clover stands out as a top-tier choice. Its exceptional attractiveness, nutritional value, and ease of establishment make it a game-changer for attracting deer and promoting antler growth. This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to establishing and maintaining a successful deer clover food plot, maximizing your hunting opportunities and contributing to a thriving deer herd.
Why is clover so irresistible to deer? It’s a combination of factors that make it a prime food source throughout much of the year. First and foremost, deer find clover incredibly palatable. The sweet, slightly tangy flavor and tender texture are highly appealing to their taste buds. Unlike some forages that become coarse and unappetizing as they mature, clover maintains its palatability, drawing deer in from surrounding areas even when other food sources are available. This consistent attractiveness is a huge advantage for hunters looking to pattern deer movement.
Beyond taste, clover boasts an impressive nutritional profile. It is exceptionally rich in protein, a vital nutrient for antler development in bucks and milk production in does. The high protein content fuels rapid antler growth during the spring and summer months, leading to impressive racks come hunting season. Furthermore, clover contains essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus, crucial for bone health and overall deer vitality. When compared to other common food plot options like corn or soybeans, clover often provides a more balanced and readily digestible source of nutrition, especially during critical growth periods. Deer are not just drawn to clover; they thrive on it.
One of the most appealing aspects of clover for food plot managers is its ease of establishment and maintenance. Unlike some food plot species that require specialized equipment and intensive labor, clover is relatively easy to plant and maintain. Many clover varieties are perennial, meaning they can persist for multiple years with minimal replanting effort. This reduces the need for annual tilling and seeding, saving both time and money. Clover is also remarkably tolerant of grazing pressure. It can withstand heavy browsing from deer and other wildlife, maintaining its productivity even under challenging conditions. This resilience makes it an excellent choice for properties with high deer densities.
Clover is more than just a deer attractant; it’s also a soil improver. Clover is a legume, a type of plant that has a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, effectively fertilizing the soil naturally. By planting clover, you’re not only providing food for deer but also enriching the soil for future plantings. Clover’s deep root system also helps to improve soil structure, increasing water infiltration and reducing soil erosion. The overall benefit to soil health is remarkable, creating a sustainable and productive environment.
Finally, clover is a cost-effective food plot option. While the initial cost of seed may vary depending on the variety, clover’s longevity and minimal maintenance requirements make it an economical choice in the long run. Compared to crops that require annual replanting and heavy fertilization, clover offers a significantly lower cost per acre over its lifespan. This affordability makes it accessible to a wide range of landowners, regardless of their budget.
Selecting the Perfect Clover: A Variety for Every Situation
Choosing the right clover variety is crucial for maximizing the success of your food plot. There are several key considerations to keep in mind, including your climate, soil type, and the level of grazing pressure you anticipate. Different clover varieties are better suited to different regions and conditions.
Climate is a primary factor. Some clover varieties are more cold-hardy than others, while others thrive in warmer climates. Research which varieties are best adapted to your specific geographical area. Soil type is equally important. Clover generally prefers well-drained soils with a pH between six and seven. Before planting, it’s advisable to test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels, and amend it accordingly. Grazing pressure also plays a significant role. If you have a high deer population, you’ll want to choose a clover variety that is known for its tolerance to heavy browsing.
Now let’s look at a few options. White clover is a popular choice for deer food plots due to its palatability, persistence, and tolerance to grazing. Ladino clover is a larger variety of white clover that is highly productive and attractive to deer. Dutch white clover is a smaller variety that is more tolerant of poor soil conditions. New Zealand white clover is known for its persistence and ability to withstand heavy grazing.
Red clover is another excellent option for deer food plots. Mammoth red clover is a tall-growing variety that is highly productive. Medium red clover is a shorter-growing variety that is more tolerant of grazing. Both red clover varieties are highly nutritious and attractive to deer.
Alsike clover is a hardy and adaptable variety that is well-suited to a wide range of soil conditions. It is particularly tolerant of acidic soils and poor drainage. While not as palatable as white or red clover, alsike clover can still provide valuable forage for deer, especially in areas where other clover varieties struggle to thrive.
Crimson clover is an annual clover variety that is often used as a cover crop or to provide a quick boost of forage. While it doesn’t persist for multiple years like perennial clovers, crimson clover can be an excellent choice for attracting deer during the fall and winter months.
Many experienced food plot managers opt for clover blends, combining several different varieties to maximize their benefits. A blend might include a mix of white clover for its palatability, red clover for its productivity, and alsike clover for its adaptability. By combining different varieties, you can create a food plot that is more resilient and provides a more diverse source of nutrition for deer.
Planting for Success: From Soil Preparation to Seeding
Establishing a successful clover food plot requires careful site preparation and planting. The first step is selecting the right location. Clover needs at least six hours of sunlight per day to thrive. Choose a site that receives ample sunlight and has well-drained soil. Avoid areas that are prone to flooding or have excessively heavy clay soils. The size and shape of the plot will depend on your property size and layout, but aim for a plot that is at least a quarter of an acre in size.
Before planting, it’s essential to test your soil. A soil test will reveal its pH and nutrient levels, allowing you to make the necessary amendments. You can collect soil samples from several locations within your plot and send them to a local agricultural extension office or a commercial soil testing lab. Soil tests are cheap and invaluable, don’t skip it!
Based on your soil test results, you’ll likely need to apply lime to adjust the pH to between six and seven. Lime can be applied several months before planting to allow it time to react with the soil. You may also need to apply fertilizer to provide essential nutrients like phosphorus and potassium. Follow the fertilizer recommendations provided by your soil test report.
There are several methods for planting clover. No-till drilling is a popular option that involves using a specialized drill to plant the seed directly into the soil without tilling. This method minimizes soil disturbance and helps to conserve moisture. Broadcasting is another common method that involves spreading the seed over the soil surface. After broadcasting, it’s important to lightly incorporate the seed into the soil using a drag or a cultipacker.
Seeding depth is critical for germination. Clover seed should be planted at a shallow depth, no more than a quarter of an inch deep. Planting too deep can prevent the seed from germinating. Timing is also important. The best time to plant clover is typically in the spring or late summer. Avoid planting during periods of extreme heat or drought.
Weed control is essential for establishing a healthy clover food plot. Before planting, you can apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from germinating. After the clover has emerged, you can use a post-emergent herbicide that is safe for clover to control any weeds that do pop up. Mowing can also be an effective weed control strategy, especially for broadleaf weeds.
Maintaining a Thriving Plot: Mowing, Fertilizing, and More
Once your clover food plot is established, regular maintenance is essential for ensuring its long-term productivity. Mowing is a key component of clover management. Regular mowing promotes new growth and helps to control weeds. Mow your clover plot several times throughout the growing season, maintaining a mowing height of around four to six inches.
Annual fertilization is important for replenishing the nutrients that are depleted by grazing. Conduct a soil test each year to determine the specific nutrient needs of your plot. Apply fertilizer according to the recommendations of your soil test report.
Continued weed control is necessary to prevent weeds from taking over your clover plot. Use herbicides as needed to control broadleaf and grassy weeds. Hand-pulling weeds can also be effective for small infestations.
Overseeding may be necessary to thicken the plot or to introduce new clover varieties. Overseed your clover plot in the spring or late summer, using a seed drill or by broadcasting the seed and lightly incorporating it into the soil.
Regularly monitor your clover food plot for signs of nutrient deficiencies, weed problems, or pest issues. Adjust your management practices accordingly to address any problems that arise.
Troubleshooting: Addressing Common Challenges
Even with careful planning and diligent maintenance, you may encounter some common problems with your clover food plot. Poor germination can be caused by soil crusting, improper seeding depth, or a lack of moisture. To improve germination, ensure that your soil is well-prepared and that the seed is planted at the correct depth. Water the plot regularly, especially during dry periods.
Weed infestations are a common challenge in clover food plots. Identify the specific weeds that are infesting your plot and choose the appropriate herbicide for controlling them. Preventative measures, such as using pre-emergent herbicides and maintaining a healthy clover stand, can also help to reduce weed problems.
Insect pests can also attack clover, causing damage to the leaves and stems. Monitor your plot regularly for signs of insect pests and take action if necessary. Insecticide options are available, but it’s important to choose an insecticide that is safe for clover and beneficial insects.
Overgrazing can be a significant problem, especially in areas with high deer populations. Overgrazing can weaken the clover plants and make them more susceptible to disease and weed infestations. To prevent overgrazing, consider fencing off portions of your plot to allow the clover to recover.
Maximizing Hunting Success: Stand Placement and Strategies
A well-managed clover food plot can be a magnet for deer, providing excellent hunting opportunities. When choosing a stand location near your clover food plot, consider factors such as wind direction, scent control, and entry and exit routes. Place your stand upwind of the food plot to prevent deer from detecting your scent. Choose entry and exit routes that minimize disturbance to the deer.
Time your hunts to coincide with peak deer activity. Deer are typically most active in the early morning and late evening. Use calls and scents to attract deer to your stand. Grunt calls and rattling antlers can be effective for attracting bucks during the rut.
Remember that a food plot is just one component of a successful deer management program. Link your food plot strategy to overall habitat management by creating bedding areas, travel corridors, and other features that benefit deer.
In Conclusion: The Rewards of a Thriving Clover Plot
Deer clover food plots offer a multitude of benefits, from attracting and nourishing deer to improving soil health and enhancing hunting opportunities. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can establish and maintain a successful deer clover food plot that will transform your hunting experience and contribute to a thriving deer population on your property. With careful planning and diligent maintenance, a deer clover food plot can transform your hunting experience and contribute to a thriving deer population on your property. Start planting today, and witness the transformation of your land into a deer paradise.
