In Michigan, oats would be a fine early season plot, or as a fall plot. If planted in spring, they will mature in July and then the deer will not eat them. If planted in late summer, they will not survive the winter. Consider planting winter rye. Rye can be planted in Mid-August to early September, will be eaten fall/winter, and will survive the winter to provide an early spring food source.

Have you had a soil test? Perhaps there is an easily correctible problem with your soil that is causing you to have bad luck with clover.