deer not using clover

[RAFI]

I have 3 plots that are full of clover that we planted last year.The deer and turkey are not touching it.The land was logged several years ago and is thick.I can't believe they are not using them much at all.We are not even hunting them.seems odd to me.not many acorns either.

 

[BSK]

Your answer is in the logging. The logging opened the canopy and allowed a lot of new growth, which is often excellent deer food. If they have the choice, deer will choose to feed in the midst of thick cover versus walking into an opening to eat.

 

[RAFI]

I know they have plenty to eat but the plots are little 1/4 acre and are in the woods in the thickets.I would think the deer would use them some but they aren't.i can't believe that the turkey don't use them either.we have a lot of turkey in the area.

 

[southernhunter]

RAFI, i have the same problem . have 3 years of hard work , i got my clover plots lookin good , there the same as yours , 1/4 in some thick stuff . i thought the deer would pound them this year but i aint had nothing , in any of them . hope some one can give us a good answer to why this is .. i have a plot in a 10 acre field that the deer are hitting pretty good ,its a mix of wheat, rye, clover , but mostly wheat.

 

[BowGuy84]

Wait till the late winter. They will be there when the red oak acorns are gone. Lots of time white oaks have gone to root by this time. THis year is a heavy red oak year most places. These sprout in the spring so are edible throughout the winter.

 

[McNasty]

They only hit mine at certain points in the year. They seem to prefer the clover during transition times- right before the beans turn, right before acorns drop, etc. They use it the most during the spring.

 

[PickettSFHunter]

My property at home was logged heavily before I bought it. My clover gets used heavily at certain points in the Summer but only sparingly the rest of the time.

 

[Football Hunter]

They never let my clover plots rest,never seen em over 6" tall.ever.Ph is close to 7,they wear em out,but,they never let my TRs rest either,so who knows?

 

[wtbh236]

i have a small plot1/4 ac of clover and chicory they eat the chicory to the ground and leave the clover if i do it over i will use just chicory the deer love it

 

[landman]

Mine are getting hammered year round, I didn't this year but some years a non-til wheat into them, actually helps the clover, same effect as a light fall discin does

 

[TNlandowner]

My plots are tall and lush; filled with wheat, oats, DER, turnips, brassica's,& AWP's. Thanks to a heavy red oak acorn crop, it's hard to see a deer in the open.

 

[Anonymous]

patience grasshopper, mine havent been touched either until this past week. they are beginning to hammer them. my plots have been prettier this year than ever before, but within another month they will be to the ground.

 

[landman]

unless something happens, i'm setting over one of mine this afternoon, Stewart Co has deer chasing again, and hitting plots

 

[BSK]

I've seen regular use of my plots all season, but they aren't getting eaten to the ground at this time of year like they would in a poor acorn year.