In almost every state, it's illegal to lure deer with corn or seed - but it's still legal to plant food plots, and it's actually beneficial for the deer. When deer eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of protein, they grow bigger and healthier than deer forced to forage during dry spells. Growing food plots increases the health of deer in addition to increasing the number of deer in your vicinity, if the land can support them during the lean winter months.
White or red clover are easy-to-grow plants that Whitetail deer thrive on - Ladino white clover is actually a high-protein legume and, being a perennial, can continue to grow for up to five years once its established. Commercial food plot seed mixes are available that contain a mixture of seasonal plants that deer enjoy. In addition to multiple varieties of clover, they usually contain some combination of alfalfa, ryegrasses, and brassica, a member of the mustard family.
Food plots attract deer most where the surrounding habitat is poor - if natural food is abundant, you'll have a hard time attracting deer to even the best food plots. In lush habitats, whitetail deer and other animals are able to meet their nutritional needs, grow to good size and reproduce without additional food provided by food plots.
Just plan wisely when it comes to planting food plots for deer - to prevent deer from becoming nuisances or hazards, you should locate food plots a half mile or more from residential gardens, fruit or ornamental trees and shrubs, and public roads. Make sure that food plots are wide enough to receive adequate sunlight for most of the day for maximum growth. Plant in areas where you easily cultivate and maintain the new plants - it's also best to plant a number of one-acre food plants across your property than to plant one large one. And remember that a food plot won't work like magic - it will feed and support deer that already live within the range, but it won't make deer appear if your area doesn't have them at all.
Food plots will attract deer, make deer healthier and increase the number of deer in your area - and, unlike baiting with seeds or corn, doesn't encourage aggressive behavior or property damage. Experiment with different food plot seed mixtures, see what works and what doesn't, and soon you'll know what plantings work and get consistent results for Whitetail deer on your property.