Jaydog -

doughboysigep gave you some good advice on the lime.

The plots you are planting are a good thing. Event the WORST clearing plot is better than an open floor forest for the deer.

You will probably find that it will take a couple of years to get the Ph in the mid 6's in NY (unless its sand).

Extreme is a good choice for Year #1 - use it as an anmual - and re-work the soil for year #2 (and maybe #3) before you plant a perennial clover plot.

Till in the cuttings (or let it build up) - you need to increase the organic tilth of the soil.

Oats, buckwheat, rye and winter wheat are all good First Year ( and maybe second year) plots. Their roots go deep and the organinc production offers food for the deer - and "content" to the soil.

FH