yeoman -

6 weeks could be enough of a head start for clover - especially if you get good temps and moisture over that period.

A good greenup all the way around will help alot too.

As far as a planting to take the pressure of the plot in the fall - I don't like brassicas at all - I've tried them 3 times with less than good results - both spring and summer plantings. Still - I hear others say how good they are.

For fall, our deer ignore the corn, and beans as soon as they yellow in September. Its not until much later - like November that they start eating the bean pods and seriously eat on the standing corn ears.

If you have alot of deer - and not much corn/beans - I suppose that they could get on the corn & beans early - especially if you do not have acorns, apples or other mast around. Cereal Rye will attract a lot of deer - and stay green right through winter. - thats what I'd go with.

FH