Deer consume a wide range of forage, and clover is a highly favored food source they readily seek out. Its presence in a deer’s diet is significant, providing substantial nutritional benefits that contribute to deer health and development.
Why Clover is Appealing to Deer
Clover is particularly appealing to deer due to its high nutritional content, especially its protein levels, and its ease of digestion. Protein content can range from the teens in some annual varieties to over 30% in white clovers, important for the growth of bucks and the health of does nursing fawns. This leguminous plant also contains various minerals and vitamins that support overall deer well-being.
The plant’s low lignin content makes it highly digestible for deer. Lignin is a compound that gives plants their rigidity; lower levels mean the plant is more tender and palatable. Deer prefer the tender green leaves of clover, which remain palatable for extended periods, making it a reliable food source throughout much of the year.
Preferred Clover Varieties and Consumption Patterns
Deer consume various types of clover, with certain varieties being particularly attractive. White clover and red clover are commonly preferred. Crimson clover is also highly attractive and digestible. Deer have been observed eating clover every month of the year, even when other warm-season annuals are available.
Consumption patterns can vary seasonally. While deer eat clover year-round, usage tends to be high in the fall and immediately after winter, when green forage might be scarce. In areas with mild winters, white clovers can grow almost continuously, providing year-round forage. However, crimson clover, being an annual, produces well during specific seasons before maturing and dying off.
Clover’s Role in Deer Management and Habitat
Clover plays a substantial role in deer management and habitat improvement due to its attractiveness and nutritional value. It is widely used in wildlife management, particularly for establishing deer food plots. Planting clover can help support healthy deer populations by providing a consistent, high-quality food source. Its ability to withstand heavy grazing pressure makes it a durable choice for areas with high deer density.
Beyond its direct benefit as forage, clover also contributes to soil health. As a legume, clover fixes nitrogen in the soil through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in its root nodules. This process converts atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants, enriching the soil and reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. This nitrogen-fixing capability improves overall land productivity and can benefit other plants grown alongside or after clover.