Best clover mix for deer food plots (species and rates)

Last updated 2026-07-26

what is a food plot, and why does clover fit so well

A food plot is a planted patch of forage on hunting land, usually somewhere between a quarter acre and several acres, built to give deer a reliable food source and give hunters a place to watch or hunt over. It's not a garden and it's not baiting in most states, though the line between a food plot and baiting depends on your state's regulations, so check your state wildlife agency's rules before you plant near a stand you intend to hunt over ^[1]. Clover earns its spot as the backbone plant in most food plot programs because it's a perennial. Plant it right and you're not replanting every year like you would with brassicas or cereal grains. It also fixes its own nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria, which cuts your fertilizer bill after the first year ^[2]. Whitetail Institute's Imperial Whitetail Clover and Antler King's clover blends are the branded versions most hunters have heard of, but the actual genetics inside most of those bags trace back to standard ladino and red clover varieties sold by any farm seed dealer, often at a fraction of the price. The University of Tennessee Extension calls clover "one of the most popular and productive forages for wildlife food plots" because of its combination of high protein, long growing season, and tolerance for repeated grazing ^[3]. That last point matters more than people think. Clover can take heavy browse pressure and keep growing back, where a lot of other forages get grazed out fast under real deer numbers.

do deer like clover

Yes, deer like clover more than almost anything else you can plant, and it shows up near the top of preference studies across the whitetail's range. Clover is a preferred forage because it's high in crude protein (typically 20-25% in vegetative growth stages) and highly digestible compared to woody browse ^[4]. Deer will hit clover hard in spring and early summer when does are lactating and bucks are growing antlers, both high-protein-demand periods. It stays palatable into fall too, though by late season a lot of clover plots go dormant or get buried under snow in northern states, which is why most serious plot plans pair clover with a fall grain or brassica plot rather than relying on clover alone. One honest caveat: preference isn't uniform everywhere. Local deer density, alternate food availability (ag fields nearby, mast crops, etc.), and even regional deer herd habits change how hard clover gets hit on any given property. Extension trial data and hunter reports both back up clover as a top-tier choice, but no single species is a guarantee of activity on your specific ground.

what's actually in the best clover mix (ladino vs red vs white)

Ladino white clover	20-25%	3-5 years	Moderate	Primary perennial base
Medium red clover	18-22%	2-3 years	Better than ladino	Fast first-year tonnage, heat buffer
Durana/Patriot white clover	20-25%	4+ years	Good	Grazing tolerance under heavy pressure	A practical blend for most Midwest and Southeast plots: 60-70% ladino, 20-30% red clover, 10% grazing-tolerant white clover, seeded at a combined 6-8 lbs per acre [4].

Most "best clover mix" blends for deer combine two or three types: ladino (a large-leaf white clover), medium red clover, and sometimes a smaller-leaf white clover like Durana or Patriot for grazing tolerance. Ladino clover is the workhorse. It's high yielding, high protein, and deer favor it over most other clover types. It's a perennial that, with good management, lasts 3-5 years in a plot before you need to reseed. Its drawback is that it's less drought tolerant and less heat tolerant than red clover, and it can thin out under very heavy, continuous grazing pressure if the plot is small relative to deer numbers. Red clover grows faster the first year, tolerates heat and drier soil better than ladino, and adds bulk tonnage to a blend. It's usually a biennial or short-lived perennial (2-3 years) rather than a true long-term perennial, so it fades out of a stand faster than ladino does. Small-leaf white clovers like Durana and Patriot were bred specifically for gazing tolerance under heavy pressure, which is basically what a deer plot is. Purdue Extension and several university variety trials note these varieties hold up under closer, more frequent grazing than standard ladino ^[5]. Here's a simple comparison: | Clover type | Protein (veg. stage) | Stand life | Drought tolerance | Best role in a mix |

what soil and pH does clover need

Clover wants pH between 6.0 and 6.5, and it will sulk hard below 5.5. Nitrogen fixation, the whole reason clover is cheap to maintain long-term, depends on rhizobia bacteria that don't function well in acidic soil ^[2]. Get a soil test before you do anything else. Cooperative extension offices in nearly every state run soil testing labs for $10-20 a sample, and results tell you exactly how much lime and what fertilizer blend your specific field needs. Your soil test lab is the actual authority here, not a bag label or a blog post. Regional soil chemistry, existing pH, and phosphorus/potassium levels vary field to field, sometimes even within the same field. As a general rule from Mississippi State University Extension, clover plots benefit from 0-20-20 or similar low-nitrogen, higher-phosphorus/potassium fertilizer at planting, since established clover makes its own nitrogen once nodulation kicks in ^[6]. Fresh clover seed needs to be innoculated with the correct rhizobium strain (labeled specifically for clover) if the field hasn't grown clover in the past few years, or nodulation may be poor and the plants will need synthetic nitrogen to compensate. Lime takes months to fully react with soil, so if your test comes back needing lime, get it down the fall before you plant, not the same week.

when to plant food plots for deer (by region)

Timing depends more on your plant species and your climate zone than on a single national date. Cool-season perennials like clover generally go in either early spring (as soon as soil is workable) or late summer/early fall, timed so the plant establishes before either summer heat or winter cold stresses it out. For clover specifically, most extension guidance recommends spring planting (March through May depending on latitude) or a late-summer planting window (mid-August through September) so the clover has cool, moist conditions to germinate and root before either a hot summer or a hard winter ^{[3] [7]}. Warm-season annuals like sorghum need soil temperatures above 65°F and go in after your last frost date, typically May through June depending on region. Brassicas like turnips are a fall plot staple and go in 80-100 days before your first hard frost, which usually lands in a mid-July to early August window in the North and August into early September further south. Check your local cooperative extension's planting calendar for exact frost dates; they vary widely even within one state. A zone-based planting calendar is worth building for your specific property rather than trusting a generic bag date.

when to plant oats for deer

Oats are typically planted in late summer to early fall, about 60-90 days before your first expected frost, so they've got time to establish leafy growth before cold weather sets in. In most of the Midwest and mid-South, that lands somewhere between mid-August and mid-September ^[7]. Oats are a cool-season annual grain deer hit hard in fall, and they also tolerate a light frost better than a lot of other forages, so they'll keep producing green growth into early winter in many regions. Some hunters plant a spring oat crop too, mainly as a quick cover/nurse crop for slower-establishing perennials like clover, since oats germinate fast and can shade out weeds while the clover gets going. Oats don't overwinter reliably in most of the whitetail's range (they're killed by hard freezes), so treat them as an annual, not a perennial plot component.

when to plant turnips for deer

Turnips go in the ground in late summer, generally 80-100 days before your area's first hard frost, because the plant needs that runway to bulb out and build sugar content before deer really start hammering it. In the northern tier (upper Midwest, New England), that often means planting turnips between mid-July and early August. In the mid-South and transition zone, growers can push planting into late August or even early September. Turnips get sweeter after a hard frost converts starches to sugars, which is exactly why deer often ignore a turnip plot in September and then hit it hard in November and December. One quirk worth knowing: turnips are a brassica, and deer often eat the tops first (in late summer/fall) and don't touch the bulbs heavily until after multiple frosts have sweetened them. If you're managing turnips for a late-season plot, don't panic if bulbs look untouched in October.

do deer eat sorghum

Yes, deer eat grain sorghum, both the standing plant and the seed heads once they mature, though it's more commonly grown as a wildlife food plot or dove field component than as a primary deer forage crop. Sorghum is a warm-season annual grass, drought tolerant, and useful as a screening cover or as a supplemental fall/winter grain source once heads dry down . Sorghum isn't usually the centerpiece of a deer-specific plot plan the way clover or brassicas are, because deer preference studies consistently rank it below clover, soybeans, and cereal grains in terms of first-choice forage ^[4]. Where it earns a spot is as a standing grain crop for winter, mixed into multi-species plots, or grown as screening to block a plot from road view. If you're deciding between sorghum and clover for a limited-acreage plot aimed specifically at deer nutrition and hunting opportunity, clover or a soybean/clover combination generally outperforms sorghum on both attraction and protein value.

do deer like honey

There's no research or wildlife agency guidance suggesting deer specifically seek out honey, and it's not a recommended food plot or attractant strategy. Deer are drawn to sugar and carbohydrate-rich foods generally (which is part of why post-frost brassicas and mast crops get hit hard), but honey itself isn't a documented deer food source in any extension or wildlife agency literature. Some commercial deer attractant products use sweet, syrup-based scents (including some marketed with honey or molasses notes) as olfactory lures rather than as nutritional food sources. Before using any liquid attractant, spray, or scent product, check your state wildlife agency's baiting and feeding regulations, since many states classify scent-based liquid attractants differently than solid bait piles, and some states restrict or ban both ^[1].

what are deer's favorite foods overall

Deer preference shifts by season, region, and what's locally available, but across most whitetail range studies, a short list keeps coming up: acorns (especially white oak family acorns, which are lower in tannins and more palatable), soybeans, clover, and other legumes rank consistently high ^[4] . In spring and summer, deer prioritize high-protein forage for antler growth and lactation, which is when clover, soybeans, and other legumes get hit hardest. In fall, mast crops (acorns especially) become a major draw wherever they're available, and deer will often bypass a planted plot for a good acorn drop in a given year. In late fall and winter, energy-dense foods (corn, standing soybeans, brassica bulbs after a frost) become more important as deer shift from protein needs to fat and calorie needs heading into winter. No single "favorite food" holds across all seasons and all regions. That's the actual reason multi-species plot plans (a clover base plus a fall grain or brassica plot) outperform a single-species plot for season-long attraction and deer health.

how do you build a clover mix plan for your specific property

Species selection is only half the job. Soil type, existing pH, shade, deer density, and your region's frost dates all change what mix and what rate actually work on your specific acres. A soil test is the non-negotiable first step; your state land-grant extension office or a private ag lab can run one for $10-20 and tell you your current pH, phosphorus, and potassium levels ^[6]. From there, lime and fertilizer recommendations should come from that lab's report, not a generic number pulled off a seed bag, because soil chemistry varies field to field. If you want a specific plan for your acreage rather than general guidance, that's exactly what a Custom Food Plot Plan is built for. For $99 one-time, it takes your soil test results, your region, your plot size, and your goals and turns them into a specific seed mix, seeding rate, and planting calendar rather than a one-size-fits-all bag recommendation. It's guidance built around your numbers, not a replacement for your soil test lab's site-specific agronomy advice. Whatever mix you land on, buying food plot seed or a deer food plot seed blend that matches your region's climate and your soil test results matters more than chasing whatever blend has the flashiest marketing on the bag.

clover vs other plot options: which should you actually plant

Clover isn't the only option, and it's not always the right one for every property. Here's how it stacks up against the other species covered in this article. Clover wins on longevity (3-5 years per planting) and season-long protein, but it goes dormant or gets buried in snow in a lot of northern late seasons. Brassicas like turnips shine specifically in that late-season window after a frost sweetens them, but they're an annual replant every year. Oats and other cereal grains germinate fast, tolerate light frost, and work well as a nurse crop or standalone fall plot, but they don't persist into a second season. Sorghum brings drought tolerance and standing winter grain but ranks below clover and soybeans in actual deer preference data ^[4] . Most experienced plot managers run more than one species across a property: a perennial clover plot for spring through early fall, paired with an annual brassica or grain plot for late season. That combination covers more of the calendar than any single species can on its own. If you're weighing deer food plots options for a property with limited acreage, splitting your best ground between a clover perennial and a fall annual usually beats putting everything into one species.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best clover mix for deer food plots?

A blend of roughly 60-70% ladino white clover, 20-30% medium red clover, and a grazing-tolerant white clover like Durana, seeded at 6-8 lbs per acre, works well across most of the whitetail's range. Adjust the ratio based on your soil test, regional heat/drought, and how heavy your deer pressure is.

Do deer eat sorghum?

Yes, deer eat sorghum, both the green plant and the mature seed head, but it ranks below clover and soybeans in most preference studies. It's more useful as a screening or standing winter grain crop than as a primary deer forage species.

Do deer like clover?

Yes, clover is one of the most preferred deer forages available, with crude protein around 20-25% in vegetative growth. Deer hit it hardest in spring and summer when protein demand is highest for antler growth and lactation.

When should I plant food plots for deer?

Timing depends on species. Perennial clover typically goes in spring or late summer/early fall; brassicas like turnips go in 80-100 days before first frost; oats go in 60-90 days before frost; warm-season sorghum goes in after your last spring frost.

When should I plant oats for deer?

Plant oats 60-90 days before your area's first expected fall frost, typically mid-August through mid-September in most of the Midwest and mid-South. Oats are a cool-season annual and don't overwinter reliably in most whitetail range.

When should I plant turnips for deer?

Plant turnips 80-100 days before your first hard frost, often mid-July to early August in the North and late August to early September further south. Turnips get sweeter after frost, so deer often hit the bulbs hardest in November and December.

What is a food plot?

A food plot is a planted area of forage on hunting land, ranging from a quarter acre to several acres, meant to provide deer nutrition and a reliable location for hunters to observe or hunt over. Check your state wildlife agency's baiting rules since regulations vary.

What are deer's favorite foods?

Preference shifts by season: acorns (especially white oak family) and soybeans rank high in fall, clover and other legumes dominate spring and summer preference, and energy-dense foods like corn and frosted brassica bulbs matter most in late fall and winter.

Do deer like honey?

There's no wildlife research showing deer specifically seek honey, and it isn't a documented food source in extension or agency literature. Some commercial attractants use sweet syrup scents as lures, but check your state's baiting and feeding regulations before using any liquid attractant.

How much clover seed do I need per acre?

Most ladino/red clover blends are seeded at 6-8 lbs per acre. Rates vary slightly by exact blend and by whether you're broadcasting versus drilling, so check the specific mix's label for its recommended rate.

What pH does clover need to grow well?

Clover performs best between pH 6.0 and 6.5. Below pH 5.5, the rhizobia bacteria responsible for nitrogen fixation struggle to function, which stunts growth and increases your fertilizer costs.

How long does a clover food plot last before replanting?

A well-managed ladino clover stand typically lasts 3-5 years before it needs reseeding. Red clover included in the same mix usually fades out faster, within 2-3 years, so overall stand density and clover percentage gradually shift over that period.

Sources

1. Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, state baiting/feeding regulation summaries: Baiting and feeding regulations for deer vary significantly by state and hunters must check their specific state wildlife agency rules
2. USDA NRCS Plant Guide, White Clover: Clover fixes nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with rhizobia bacteria, requiring proper soil pH and inoculation
3. University of Tennessee Extension, Establishing Wildlife Food Plots: Clover is one of the most popular and productive forages for wildlife food plots due to protein content and grazing tolerance
4. Purdue University Forage Field Guide / Extension variety trial data: Improved white clover varieties bred for grazing tolerance hold up better under heavy, repeated grazing pressure
5. University of Kentucky Extension, Establishing and Managing Wildlife Food Plots: Recommended planting windows for oats and other cool-season fall food plot species relative to first frost date
6. USDA NRCS Plant Fact Sheet, Grain Sorghum: Grain sorghum is a warm-season annual grass used for wildlife food and cover, tolerant of drought conditions
7. USDA Forest Service, White-tailed Deer Habitat and Food Habits research summary: White oak family acorns are lower in tannins and more palatable to deer than red oak family acorns, driving fall mast preference