Deer frequently consume crimson clover, a cool-season annual legume, due to its nutritional value and palatability. This plant is a popular choice for landowners aiming to manage deer populations or enhance wildlife habitats, though its consumption can vary based on several environmental and biological factors. Understanding these dynamics helps in effective land management strategies.
Crimson Clover as a Deer Food Source
Crimson clover offers significant nutritional benefits that attract deer. Its crude protein levels can range from 25% to 30% in well-managed plots, making it a highly digestible forage option. This protein content is comparable to that found in other high-yielding summer forages, such as soybeans and cowpeas. Its appeal to deer includes its soft, palatable leaves and rapid initial growth.
Deer are particularly drawn to the lush, young growth of crimson clover, which provides easily accessible nutrition. This plant forms a part of a deer’s varied diet, especially during cooler seasons when other forage might be less abundant. Crimson clover is also relatively resistant to heavy grazing pressure, which allows it to remain a consistent food source in areas with higher deer densities. Its ability to reseed effectively contributes to its persistence, ensuring its continued availability.
Factors Affecting Deer Consumption
Several external variables influence the extent to which deer consume crimson clover. The availability of other preferred food sources in the area can significantly impact browsing pressure on clover plots. For instance, if diverse and abundant natural forage or other cultivated crops are present, deer may distribute their feeding across multiple options, reducing their reliance on crimson clover. Deer population density also plays a role; in areas with high deer numbers, even less preferred forage might be heavily browsed due to increased competition for food.
The specific time of year dictates the appeal of crimson clover. As a cool-season annual, it provides forage primarily from fall through late spring, with peak production often occurring in early spring. During summer, especially in warmer climates, crimson clover matures and dies, becoming less palatable and less available. Deer prefer the tender, young leaves over older, tougher growth or flowering plants.
Practical Applications for Land Management
Knowledge of deer and crimson clover interactions provides actionable insights for land management. For establishing food plots, landowners often plant crimson clover in late summer or early fall in southern regions, or in spring in northern states. This timing ensures a nutritious food source when natural forage is scarce. Crimson clover can be broadcast at rates ranging from 20 to 30 pounds per acre or drilled at 10 to 20 pounds per acre into a well-prepared seedbed.
Conversely, if the goal is to deter deer from gardens or agricultural fields containing crimson clover, understanding deer preferences can inform strategies. While deer find crimson clover palatable, planting highly deer-resistant species nearby can create a less appealing environment. Physical barriers, such as fencing, can also be effective in protecting specific areas. Planting deer food plots on property edges may deter them from more vulnerable garden areas.