Deer Diet and Nutrition

Spring and summer are vital to deer development for adults and fawns alike. Depending on the severity of winter, deer may have several immediate nutrition demands, and your Certified Wildlife Biologists at American Forest Management want to help you meet those needs.

It’s important to note that deer have different nutritional needs throughout their life stage and the season. Bucks grow antlers in the summer that can grow up to one inch per day, and slow-growing antlers are correlated to poor nutrition. Does expend energy on lactation, which in turn impacts fawns. While does will still create nutrient-dense milk, they will do so at decreased rates. Fawns depend on the doe’s milk for survival until roughly three months but will soon wean and eat vegetation. These factors emphasize the need for meticulous planning in your deer habitat.

Creating a high-quality forested habitat will lead to high-quality forage for deer. Although availability can be intermittent, mast is an important nutritional source. Soft mast, like raspberries and blackberries, grows during the summer in successional forest stands. Old fields (ecosystems previously under human management but are no longer) often produce forbs (sometimes referred to as herbs) that are high in protein and include varieties like chicory, kale, rapeseed, and turnips. Lastly, it is necessary to supplement forage with food plots to feed deer every season. Warm-season planting like lablab, peas, hemp, and soybeans are also beneficial additions to your food plot. Consult your local wildlife biologist for specific food plot recommendations depending on your region.

While these strategies are effective, they don’t come easy. Deer can sometimes be finicky eaters, so having a variety of foodstuff is crucial. Consult your local extension agent for the best types for your food plot, and enlist the help of our Wildlife Services team to help you have a successful and productive season.