Attracting deer to your property requires selecting the right crops that provide essential nutrition and match their feeding habits. The best crops for deer offer high protein, energy, and minerals to support their growth, antler development, and overall health. Factors such as soil type, climate, and seasonal availability play a crucial role in determining the most effective food sources.

Planting a well-balanced food plot with a mix of perennial and annual crops ensures a year-round food supply. Some crops thrive in warm seasons, while others provide critical forage during the winter months. By choosing the right combination, you can create a sustainable and attractive habitat for deer.

This guide explores the top ten best crops for deer, highlighting their benefits, growing conditions, and why they are favored by deer. Whether you are a hunter, wildlife enthusiast, or landowner, these crops will help you establish a thriving deer food plot.

What Is The Best Crop To Plant For Deer?

1. Clover – A Nutrient-Rich, Low-Maintenance Option

Clover is one of the most popular crops for attracting deer due to its high protein content. It grows well in various soil types and provides year-round food. Its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil also improves overall soil health.

Clover establishes quickly, making it an excellent choice for first-time planters. It requires minimal maintenance, reducing the need for constant replanting. Deer are highly attracted to its lush, green foliage, making it a reliable food source.

This crop withstands heavy grazing, ensuring a consistent food supply. It thrives in both shaded and open areas, adding flexibility to food plot planning. With proper management, clover can persist for several years without reseeding.

Pros:

• High protein content
• Thrives in various soils
• Perennial growth
• Minimal maintenance
• Attracts deer consistently
• Improves soil fertility
• Withstands heavy grazing

Cons:

• Requires periodic mowing
• Can become invasive
• Sensitive to drought

2. Alfalfa – High Protein and Long-Lasting Growth

Alfalfa is an excellent choice for deer due to its rich nutritional profile. It contains high levels of protein, essential for deer growth and antler development. This legume is also drought-resistant, making it a reliable food source in dry regions.

Alfalfa grows in deep, well-drained soils and requires moderate upkeep. It can be cut multiple times a year, allowing for sustained regrowth. This makes it a valuable long-term investment for deer food plots.

Deer are naturally drawn to alfalfa fields throughout the growing season. Its lush green foliage remains palatable even in colder months. A well-maintained alfalfa field can provide continuous grazing for several years.

Pros:

• High protein content
• Drought resistant
• Perennial growth
• Multiple harvests
• Strong regrowth
• Attracts deer year-round
• Improves soil quality

Cons:

• Requires well-drained soil
• Needs occasional reseeding
• Prone to weed competition

3. Chicory – A Resilient and Tasty Forage Crop

Chicory is a robust crop known for its deep roots and drought resistance. It provides essential minerals that support deer health and digestion. Its high tannin content aids in reducing parasites in deer populations.

This crop grows well in sandy or loamy soils, making it adaptable to various environments. It produces lush green foliage that remains palatable in summer and fall. Chicory pairs well with clover and alfalfa, creating a diverse food plot.

Deer are particularly attracted to chicory due to its sweet taste. Its long growing season ensures a continuous food source. With proper maintenance, chicory can persist for several years in a well-managed food plot.

Pros:

• Drought resistant
• High mineral content
• Reduces parasites
• Long growing season
• Deep root system
• Pairs well with other crops
• Tolerates poor soil

Cons:

• Needs periodic reseeding
• Can become woody
• Sensitive to overgrazing

5. Corn – A High-Energy Food Source for Deer

Corn is a staple food source for deer, offering high-energy carbohydrates. It is easy to grow in various soil conditions, making it a practical choice for food plots. The tall stalks also provide cover, adding a sense of security for deer.

Corn matures in late summer and fall, aligning with deer feeding habits. It remains available through winter, ensuring a reliable source of nutrition. Deer are highly attracted to its sweet, starchy kernels.

This crop requires full sunlight and proper soil preparation. It benefits from supplemental fertilization to enhance yield. With good management, corn can sustain deer populations throughout the hunting season.

Pros:

• High-energy food
• Easy to grow
• Provides cover
• Late-season availability
• Sweet taste attracts deer
• Winter food source
• Supports large populations

Cons:

• Needs full sun
• Requires fertilization
• Can attract unwanted pests

6. Soybeans – A Protein-Packed Summer Food Source

Soybeans are one of the best summer food sources for deer due to their high protein content. They promote strong antler growth and overall herd health. This legume also improves soil fertility by fixing nitrogen.

Soybeans are easy to plant and grow well in various soil types. They provide lush green forage during the growing season and nutritious pods in the fall. This makes them a dual-purpose crop for deer plots.

Deer frequently browse on soybeans from early summer to late fall. The combination of foliage and beans ensures a long-lasting food supply. Proper crop rotation can extend the life of a soybean plot.

Pros:

• High protein content
• Improves soil fertility
• Grows in various soils
• Provides summer and fall food
• Supports antler development
• Long-lasting forage
• Easy to plant

Cons:

• Needs crop rotation
• Requires full sun
• Can be overgrazed early

7. Oats – A Cold-Tolerant, Nutritious Forage Crop

Oats are an excellent cool-season crop that deer find highly palatable. They establish quickly, providing a reliable food source in early fall. Their high fiber content supports healthy digestion in deer.

This cereal grain thrives in well-drained soils and can withstand light frosts. Oats continue to grow through mild winters, ensuring prolonged availability. They pair well with other forage crops like clover and brassicas.

Deer are naturally drawn to the tender shoots of young oat plants. Their ability to regenerate after grazing makes them a sustainable choice. Well-managed oat plots can support deer populations throughout the colder months.

Pros:

• Highly palatable
• Cold-tolerant
• Fast germination
• Supports digestion
• Pairs with other crops
• Sustainable forage
• Late-season availability

Cons:

• Needs well-drained soil
• Requires reseeding annually
• Can be outcompeted by weeds

8. Wheat – A Versatile and Hardy Forage Crop

Wheat is a widely planted crop that provides essential nutrition for deer. It grows well in different soil conditions and is tolerant to cold weather. Its early growth makes it a valuable food source in the fall.

This crop produces tender green shoots that deer prefer during early growth stages. As it matures, wheat continues to offer forage through winter. It is a great option for rotational planting with other grains and legumes.

Wheat is easy to manage and can regenerate after light grazing. It blends well with clover and brassicas, enhancing food plot diversity. With proper planning, wheat can be a staple in deer management programs.

Pros:

• Cold-hardy
• Easy to plant
• Early-season growth
• Regenerates after grazing
• Pairs with other crops
• Supports herd nutrition
• Provides winter forage

Cons:

• Needs proper soil preparation
• Attracts pests if not managed
• Requires moderate upkeep

9. Peas – A Tender and Nutritious Deer Favorite

Peas are a high-protein legume that deer love to graze on. They are easy to digest and provide essential nutrients for growth. Their soft, leafy vines remain palatable throughout the growing season.

This crop establishes quickly and grows well in various soil types. It works well when mixed with other legumes or grains. Peas can be planted in spring or fall, offering flexibility in food plot planning.

Deer are highly attracted to young pea plants due to their sweet taste. Their nitrogen-fixing properties enhance soil fertility. Pea plots can be maintained for extended periods with proper management.

Pros:

• High protein content
• Fast-growing
• Easy to digest
• Supports soil fertility
• Flexible planting season
• Blends with other crops
• Deer love the taste

Cons:

• Needs trellising in some cases
• Sensitive to extreme heat
• Requires occasional replanting

10. Sunflowers – A Unique and Nutrient-Rich Option

Sunflowers provide both nutrition and cover for deer in food plots. Their high oil content offers essential energy for deer during fall and winter. The tall stalks create additional shelter, making deer feel secure while feeding.

This crop thrives in well-drained soils and full sunlight. Sunflowers are drought-tolerant and require minimal maintenance. Their long blooming period ensures a steady food source for wildlife.

Deer consume the seeds and foliage of sunflowers. They are particularly beneficial when planted alongside other crops. Sunflowers enhance biodiversity and add visual appeal to food plots.

Pros:

• High energy content
• Provides cover
• Drought-tolerant
• Minimal upkeep
• Long blooming period
• Deer eat seeds and foliage
• Enhances biodiversity

Cons:

• Requires full sun
• Can be overgrazed quickly
• Needs proper spacing

Best Crop To Plant For Deer FAQs

1. What is the most nutritious crop for deer?
Clover and alfalfa offer the highest protein content, supporting growth and antler development.

2. How often should I reseed my deer food plot?
Most perennial crops need reseeding every 3-5 years, while annuals require yearly planting.

3. Can I mix different crops in the same food plot?
Yes, combining crops like clover and chicory improves food diversity and soil quality.

4. What is the best time to plant deer food crops?
Spring and early fall are ideal for planting, ensuring strong root establishment before extreme weather.

5. How do I protect my food plot from overgrazing?
Using rotational planting and fencing can help manage deer pressure and prevent crop depletion.

6. Do deer prefer annual or perennial crops?
Deer benefit from a mix of both, with annuals providing quick food and perennials ensuring long-term availability.

7. How do I improve soil quality for deer food plots?
Adding lime, fertilizers, and practicing crop rotation enhances soil health and crop yields.

Conclusion

Selecting the best crop for deer requires understanding soil conditions, climate, and nutritional value. Each crop offers unique benefits, from high-protein content to long-term sustainability.

By planting a combination of these top ten crops, you can create a thriving and diverse food plot.Proper maintenance, including reseeding and soil management, ensures continued success in attracting deer.

Whether you choose clover, alfalfa, or chicory, the right selection will enhance wildlife activity. Start planning your deer food plot today and enjoy a healthier, more vibrant deer population on your land