Deer frequently visit areas where clover grows. This plant is a favored part of their diet due to specific characteristics that appeal to their foraging habits.
Why Deer Favor Clover
Deer are attracted to clover due to its nutritional value and palatability. Clover offers a protein content ranging from 15% to 30%, which supports deer health. This protein aids antler growth in bucks, fawn development, and benefits lactating does during spring and summer.
Clover leaves are tender and highly digestible, with Total Digestible Nutrient (TDN) levels between 70-80%. This allows deer to easily process and absorb nutrients, promoting repeated grazing. Clovers also contain a good balance of vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall body condition. Its low lignin content further enhances digestibility.
Preferred Clover Types
Deer favor several clover varieties, each with distinct characteristics. White clover (Trifolium repens), including Ladino and Dutch white clover, is a perennial known for resilience and palatability across various soil types. Ladino white clover, with its large leaflets and tender nature, is preferred by deer. Small-leaved white clovers are also favored, as they produce many stolons leading to new plant growth.
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a short-lived perennial thriving in slightly acidic to neutral soils, growing 2-3 feet tall. It offers crude protein levels between 20-30% and attracts deer. Common varieties include:
Red Gold
Redland III
Bulldog
Kenland
Cherokee
A blend of red and white clover is recommended.
Alsike clover is a short-lived perennial, growing 2-3 feet tall, tolerant of poorly drained or acidic soils and flooding. Despite poor drought and shade tolerance, its palatability suits wet food plot areas. Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), an annual, establishes quickly in cooler months, providing substantial forage with protein levels of 25-30% in late fall and winter.
Clover’s Role in Deer Habitats
Clover plays a role in managing deer habitats, especially in food plots. Clover food plots provide a consistent, high-quality food source for deer over extended periods. This sustained availability helps attract and hold deer populations on a property, supporting wildlife management programs.
Beyond providing forage, clover contributes to overall habitat health. As a legume, clover fixes atmospheric nitrogen, enriching the soil and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. This natural nitrogen input benefits clover and other plants, promoting a healthier ecosystem. Dense clover growth also aids soil stabilization and erosion control, attracting pollinators and other wildlife, enhancing biodiversity.