Do you want to see more trophy bucks on your property this season? Many hunters dream of attracting big deer, but they often struggle to find the perfect food source. Alfalfa is one of the best plants you can use to draw deer in, but it can be a challenge to grow correctly. Choosing the right variety and managing your soil takes real effort, and many people waste time and money on seeds that simply do not thrive.
You might feel overwhelmed by the different types of alfalfa on the market today. It is frustrating to plant a food plot only to see it fail or attract nothing but weeds. You need a clear plan to turn your land into a deer magnet. That is exactly what this guide will provide for you.
In the following sections, we will break down everything you need to know about alfalfa for deer. You will learn how to pick the best seeds for your specific soil and how to keep your plot healthy year after year. We will also share simple tips to help you save money while growing lush, green forage that keeps deer coming back. Let’s dive in and start building the ultimate food plot for your hunting ground.
Top Alfalfa For Deer Recommendations
- High protein and calcium for growing or breeding small animals
- Naturally grown without pesticides or GMO
- Supreme Grade hay with balanced leaf to stem
- High Fiber supports digestive health
- America’s #1 hay brand
- PERENNIAL FOOD PLOT BUILT FOR DEER - A premium perennial blend of clovers, alfalfa, and chicory designed to provide a long-lasting, highly attractive food source for deer and other wildlife. Great for hunters, land managers, and habitat improvement.
- HIGH-PROTEIN FORAGE FOR HEALTHIER HERDS - This mix produces nutrient-dense forage that supports antler growth, body weight, and overall herd health. Ideal for creating a dependable year-round feeding area in high-traffic locations.
- STRONG ESTABLISHMENT + RELIABLE RE-GROWTH - Once established, this blend rebounds well after grazing pressure and mowing. Chicory and alfalfa add drought tolerance and diversity while clovers provide consistent attraction through multiple seasons.
- COVERS UP TO 1/2 ACRE (DEPENDS ON SEEDBED + PLANTING METHOD) - One bag covers up to 1/2 acre when broadcast or drilled on a prepared seedbed. Works well in small kill plots, field edges, logging roads, and backwoods clearings.
- EASY TO PLANT – GREAT FOR SPRING OR FALL - Best planted in spring or early fall. Plant shallow (1/4" max), keep good seed-to-soil contact, and avoid burying seed too deep. A firm seedbed and proper pH/fertility will dramatically improve results.
- The information below is per-pack only
- High Protein For Growing Small Animals
- Supports Digestive Health
- Great Natural Source Of Fiber That Complements Any Kaytee Fortified Food
- No Artificial Color Or Preservatives.
- 🌿MUST HAVE: For consistent reliability and happy pets and farm animals
- 🌿NATURAL: Premium western forage dried by the sun and fed for rapid growth
- 🌿TASTY: You will smell the fresh summer cut grass when opening the bag
- 🌿 WHAT YOU GET: Clear package of 5 pounds of alfalfa pellets with label
- 🌿 WE MAKE IT RIGHT: Not only can you rest assured that all of our products are covered by Amazon’s Return Policy, on the Farm, we will always stand by our products
- 1 JUG (3.75 LBS.) = 1/2 ACRE (22,000 Sq. Ft.) - Comes in a handy reuseable container
- PROTEIN-RICH, TONNAGE PRODUCING CLOVER MIX – designed for year-round food production and attraction for deer and turkey
- PERENNIAL MIX THAT WILL ESTABLISH QUICKLY AND LAST UP TO 5 YEARS - By combining special varieties of clover and alfalfa we created an absolute deer magnet providing forages with protein levels above 30%
- PERIODIC MOWING GENERATES RE-GROWTH OF THE CLOVER AND ALFALFA, KEEPING THEM STRONG AND HEALTHY - When your clover plants begin to flower it signals their maturity, making it a great time to mow the plot down to 6-8"
- WILL BE THE FIRST TO GERMINATE IN THE SPRING AND IS EXTREMELY COLD TOLERANT INTO THE DEAD OF A NORTHERN WINTER - Designed to be the foundation of your food plot program
![HIT LIST SEED® Alfalfa + Clover Food Plot Seeds for Deer [Perennial] - Food Plot Seed Perennial - Deer Plot Seed Mix - Ladino/Red/Crimson Clover, Alfalfa, Chicory - Spring & Fall Planting - 5 lbs](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51+f3EX-mtL._SL160_.jpg)
- Perfect: This perfect food plot blend of Ladino Clover, Red Clover, Alfalfa, Crimson Clover, and Chicory Provides Attractive Nutrition that helps add mass to your bucks
- Protein: High protein perennial forage contains muscle building protein that helps add mass to whitetails, blacktails, mule deer and more
- Versatile: Highly attractive to deer throughout all of hunting season. The leafy forage is attractive to deer and can be planted in the spring or fall
- Tolerant: This Drought tolerant blend helps fixate nitrogen, is high in protein and tolerates less than ideal soils
- Perennial: This perennial blend comes back year after year and is designed for maximum nutrition
- Includes exclusive wina-100 perennial forage chicory - vastly more tender and palatable to Deer than traditional, more waxy textured chicory
- Extremely cold tolerant
- Heat, and drought resistant
- Coated with RAINBOW for enhanced seedling survivability
- Lasts up to 5 years from a single planting
- Convenient compact size roughly 6"x6"x12"
- This hay provides for your pet’s many needs, from dental care, to play time, and is additive and preservative free
- Easy to feed for a convenient mealtime!
The Ultimate Guide to Buying Alfalfa for Deer
Feeding deer is a great way to support local wildlife. Alfalfa is one of the best food sources you can provide. It is packed with protein and essential nutrients that help deer grow. If you want to attract more deer to your property, this guide will help you choose the right product.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for alfalfa, focus on the quality of the harvest. Look for products that are specifically labeled for deer or livestock. You want high protein content, which is vital for antler growth and overall health. Check for a fresh smell and a bright green color. These signs usually mean the hay is packed with nutrients.
Important Materials and Types
You will find alfalfa in a few different forms. Each one serves a different purpose:
- Alfalfa Bales: These are best for large feeders or open areas. They last a long time but require storage space.
- Alfalfa Pellets: These are easy to handle and store. They work well in gravity feeders.
- Alfalfa Mixes: Some products mix alfalfa with grains or molasses. These can attract deer faster because of the sweet scent.
Factors That Affect Quality
Quality matters when feeding wildlife. Freshness is the most important factor. If alfalfa stays in a damp environment, it can grow mold. Mold is dangerous for deer and can make them sick. Always buy from a supplier that keeps their product in a dry, covered area. A late-season harvest often has less nutritional value than an early-season cut. Look for “first-cut” or “second-cut” labels to ensure the best quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
Many hunters use alfalfa to manage deer populations on their land. It helps keep deer in the area during the winter when natural food is scarce. If you have a small space, pellets are the easiest choice. They are simple to pour and do not create a mess. If you have a large plot of land, round or square bales provide a long-lasting food source that keeps deer coming back. Always place your feed away from busy roads to keep the animals safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is alfalfa better than corn for deer?
A: Yes. Alfalfa provides much higher protein levels than corn. Corn is mostly energy, while alfalfa helps deer build muscle and grow healthy antlers.
Q: How should I store alfalfa?
A: Keep it in a cool, dry place. Moisture causes mold, which is harmful to deer. A shed or a covered bin works best.
Q: Will alfalfa attract other animals?
A: It might. Rabbits, squirrels, and even bears may enjoy the food. Use a feeder design that limits access to only deer if you want to avoid pests.
Q: How often should I refill the feeder?
A: Check your feeder once a week. If the deer eat it all quickly, increase the amount you provide.
Q: Can I feed moldy alfalfa to deer?
A: Never feed moldy hay to deer. It can cause severe health issues or even death.
Q: Does the time of year matter?
A: Yes. Winter is the best time to supplement their diet because natural food is hard to find.
Q: Should I mix alfalfa with other supplements?
A: You can mix it with mineral licks or grains. This provides a balanced diet for the deer.
Q: Can I leave alfalfa on the ground?
A: You can, but it is better to use a feeder. Feeders keep the food off the wet ground and prevent waste.
Q: Do fawns eat alfalfa?
A: Yes. It is excellent for growing fawns because it is easy to digest and full of nutrients.
Q: How much protein do deer need?
A: Deer generally need a diet with 16% to 20% protein for optimal health and growth.