Good Ground Cover to Attract Deer

Numerous ground covers attract dear.

Ground covers often are used to attract deer to areas where people enjoy watching them. This may be a backyard or a field. Ground covers also are used to feed deer to keep them in certain areas.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a perennial and a deep-rooted ground cover. The deer will eat from alfalfa spring to fall and provide them with much needed protein. This type of food plot will last up to seven years.

Clover

Clover also will will attract and provide needed nutrients for deer. The deer will eat from this crop during the spring and summer, giving them another source of protein, which is important for lactating females.

Virginia Creeper

Deer enjoy eating berries and leaves from the Virginia Creeper. The leaves of this vine are green but turn red in the fall. It is a fast-growing vine that spreads quickly but can be kept under control when deer are allowed to eat freely.

References

• Food Plots: Alfalfa
• DIY Deer Food Plots: Perennial Food Plots - Clover
• FCU: Virginia Creeper

Resources

• MDC Online: Planning Ahead for Wildlife Survival - White-Tailed Deer Management