What Do Deer Eat​?

1. Leaves, Twigs, and Branches

Deer, particularly species like white-tailed deer and mule deer, rely heavily on browsing for sustenance. Browsing refers to the consumption of leaves, twigs, and woody stems from trees and shrubs.

• Leaves: Deer consume the leaves of many types of trees and bushes. They prefer tender, young leaves, especially in the spring and summer when fresh growth is abundant.
• Twigs and Stems: During winter when leafy plants are scarce, deer turn to twigs, buds, and stems from woody plants like maples, oaks, and aspens. These parts of the plant are less nutritious than green leaves but still provide essential energy during leaner months.
• Shrubs and Bushes: Deer often browse on shrubs like sumac, dogwood, and blackberry bushes, especially in forested or rural areas.
• Evergreens: In colder climates, deer will also feed on the needles and twigs of evergreen trees, such as cedar, fir, and pine, during the winter when other food sources are scarce.

2. Fruits and Nuts

Deer have a strong preference for fruits and nuts when available, as these foods are rich in energy and nutrients. The availability of fruits varies depending on the season and the specific region.

• Acorns: One of the most important food sources for deer in the fall is acorns. Deer will eat large quantities of acorns, especially from oak trees, as they provide high levels of fat and carbohydrates, helping deer prepare for the winter months.
• Berries: Deer love berries and will eat blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and other wild fruits when they can find them. These foods are high in sugar, providing an immediate energy boost.
• Apples and Pears: Deer are known to raid orchards or feast on fallen apples and pears. These fruits are particularly appealing to deer because of their sweetness and moisture content.
• Beechnuts and Hickory Nuts: Deer also consume nuts like beechnuts, chestnuts, and hickory nuts, especially in the fall when these foods are plentiful.
• Wild Grapes: In areas where wild grapes grow, deer will feed on both the grapes and the vines, as they are a good source of sugars and fibers.

3. Grasses

Though deer are not primarily grazers like cattle or sheep, they do eat grasses, especially in the spring and summer when tender, nutrient-rich grasses are available.

• Tender Grasses: In the spring, deer prefer young, tender grasses, which are high in moisture and nutrients. As the grass matures and becomes tougher and less digestible, deer shift their focus to other types of forage.
• Meadow Plants: Deer will also graze on meadow plants and wildflowers such as clover, dandelion, and alfalfa. These plants are highly palatable and nutritious, offering vitamins and minerals that deer need for growth and health.

4. Forbs (Herbaceous Flowering Plants)

Forbs are an essential part of a deer’s diet, particularly in the spring and summer when they are most abundant.

• Clover: Clover is highly nutritious and one of the most preferred food sources for deer, providing protein, fiber, and carbohydrates.
• Dandelions: Another favorite, dandelions are readily available in many areas and offer essential vitamins and minerals.
• Ragweed: Ragweed and other broad-leafed herbaceous plants are often browsed by deer for their tender leaves and nutritious seeds.
• Chicory: Chicory is another herbaceous plant that deer consume when available, particularly for its leaves and flowers.

5. Agricultural Crops

In agricultural areas, deer frequently feed on crops, which can sometimes lead to conflicts with farmers. They prefer crops that are rich in carbohydrates and easy to digest.

• Corn: Corn is a favorite among deer, particularly in the fall when the ears are mature and full of carbohydrates. Deer will eat both the ears and stalks of corn plants.
• Soybeans: Soybeans are another highly nutritious crop that deer love, especially in the early stages when the plants are tender and full of protein.
• Wheat and Oats: Deer also consume wheat, oats, and rye, particularly in the winter when other food sources are limited. These grains offer the energy and nutrients they need to survive colder months.
• Alfalfa: Alfalfa fields attract deer because the plant is highly nutritious and provides both fiber and protein, which are essential for growth and health.

6. Mushrooms and Fungi

Deer will eat mushrooms and other fungi when they come across them in the forest. Fungi are high in nutrients, particularly during wetter seasons like late summer and early fall.

• Wild Mushrooms: Deer consume a variety of wild mushrooms, which grow abundantly in forests and meadows during rainy seasons. These fungi provide important minerals and nutrients.
• Lichens and Moss: In some environments, particularly in northern regions, deer will feed on lichens and moss when other food sources are scarce during winter.

7. Bark and Tree Shoots

In winter, when other food is scarce, deer will resort to eating bark and tree shoots. While not their preferred food, these provide essential nutrients and fiber during harsh conditions.

• Tree Bark: In lean months, deer strip bark from trees such as aspen, willow, and birch. The inner bark contains some nutrients, though it’s not as energy-dense as leaves or fruits.
• Tree Shoots and Buds: In early spring, deer will eat the buds and shoots of trees and shrubs, especially when they are just beginning to grow. These tender parts of the plant provide vital nutrients as deer transition from their winter diet.

8. Seasonal Diet Shifts

Deer have highly adaptable diets that change with the seasons:

• Spring and Summer: During these months, deer consume nutrient-rich vegetation, including grasses, forbs, and leafy plants. This is when food is abundant, and deer focus on building up their body condition after the winter.
• Fall: As fall approaches, deer shift their diet to include more fruits, nuts, and high-carbohydrate foods like acorns and corn. This helps them store fat for the coming winter months.
• Winter: In winter, deer rely on twigs, bark, and whatever vegetation they can find. Food becomes scarce, so deer must consume less nutritious foods and rely on their fat reserves to survive.

9. Hydration

Deer get much of their water from the plants they eat, particularly in the spring and summer when vegetation is lush and full of moisture. However, they will also drink from ponds, streams, and other water sources, particularly in hot or dry conditions.

Conclusion

Deer have a highly varied and adaptable diet, making them resilient herbivores that can survive in diverse environments. They feed on leaves, twigs, fruits, nuts, and grasses, adjusting their diet based on the season and what is available in their habitat. In agricultural areas, they may consume crops like corn and soybeans, while in the wild, they browse on trees and shrubs during winter. The versatility of their diet allows them to thrive in a wide range of habitats, from forests to farmlands.