What Do Deer Eat? (2024)

FAQs

What does the deer eat? ›

Deer diet. A deer's diet consists of a variety of crops, grasses, vegetation, acorns and nuts. A healthy deer will have a diverse diet with a variety of foods. Every day, a deer needs to eat about 6 to 8 percent of its body weight in green foliage and browse to stay healthy.

Deer will primarily eat browse (woody portion of leaves and stems), forbs (broad-leaved plants), mast (acorns, apples, etc), and grass. Although these are the main foods deer like to eat, the quantity of these different foods differ throughout the year and the region you are hunting.

(Read more about the white-tailed deer.) This is the first time scientists have observed deer eating human flesh, though they have been known to turn carnivorous in the past, eating fish, dead rabbits, and even live birds.

The biologists say that, while this meat-eating behavior is not common, it's not unusual either, and that the animals are simply taking advantage of a quick, easy and nutritious meal. Some biologists suggest that deer eat meat when their calcium levels are low.

For deer to survive they need food, water, shelter/cover, and space to move about and find their daily requirements. These are the essential components of habitat. Without them, deer will not be successful at surviving and reproducing. Deer are herbivores, their food is composed of plants.

Grasses, sedges, the leaves and shoots of trees and other woody plants are all on the menu. Fruit and berries are sometimes eaten too, while tree bark is taken when other food is scarce.

When food is scarce, deer eat just about anything, including prickly-stemmed okra and hot peppers. Vegetables that deer seem to prefer include beans, lettuce, cabbage, and cole crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.

Daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies are common flowers with a toxicity that deer avoid. Deer also tend to turn their noses up at fragrant plants with strong scents. Herbs such as sages, ornamental salvias, and lavender, as well as flowers like peonies and bearded irises, are just “stinky” to deer.

Jimsonweed, a nightshade, is so toxic it often grows in cow lots untouched. Deer resistant vegetables in the nightshade family include tomatoes and tomatillos, potatoes, eggplant, and some peppers. Other plants toxic to deer : Rhubarb and cucumber leaf are toxic to deer.

Deer repellents are most often made from putrified eggs, dried blood, garlic, or soaps. Several studies, including this one, have found that egg-based products are the most effective. These include Deer Away, Bobbex, and Liquid Fence. I've used all of these and have had good results.

Do deer eat dead deer? ›

Deer have often been spotted feeding on larger carrion—sometimes even on the guts of other dead deer. Deer belong to a group of animals called ruminants, which have a special organ called a rumen for digesting tough plants.

Deer digestive systems are well adapted to handle natural forage. Although these animals will eat feed that humans provide, carbohydrate-rich foods like fruit, grains, and corn aren't normally part of their natural diet, especially during winter, and can cause serious health problems.

It's the primary reason they are more active after dark. According to www.whitetails.com, deer have more light-detecting cells in their eyes than humans. Deer are less active the day after a clear night, because their stomachs are usually fuller and they are content to stay near their bedding area until sundown.

Fawns eat milk for the first several months of life, gradually weaning onto grasses, leaves, and twigs. Fawns eat exclusively mother's milk for the first two weeks of life.

Generally speaking, deer will not attack companion animals unless they feel threatened; but pet owners are advised to keep dogs and cats away from deer and other wildlife with fencing that is at least 6 feet tall.

Human hunting is by far the greatest source of mortality on yearling and adult deer. If a goal is to increase deer numbers, hunters must kill fewer antlerless deer. It will help greatly, too, to manage habitat to benefit deer.

They first recognize you at a distance when they see you, then verify your smell as you get closer, while listening all the time. They tend to ignore you if you're on their “safe” list, and move away if you're someone who hassles them.

Where do deer sleep? The quick answer is, “anywhere they want.” Deer sleep anywhere they bed and may do so singly or in groups. However, during daylight it's far more common for deer to sleep in heavy cover where they feel secure.

An inexpensive way to feed deer is with corn. Deer love corn and many hunters rely on it for supplemental feeding. That being said, corn is not an excellent source of protein, which is essential for antler growth and the nursing of fawns.

If you ask, “why do deer like salt?” It is because those licks are rich in minerals that deer need, especially in the springtime, for healthy bone and muscle growth.

Can you feed deer carrots? ›

People are tempted to help these lovely animals survive by feeding them. Carrots have proved to be among one of the best vegetables to feed these deer with. They contain vital nutrients such as beta carotene, fiber, vitamin K1, Potassium, and antioxidants.

A small amounts of white bread cannot do any harm, but if a single deer were to eat anything more than a few slices of bread there is always the potential for life-threatening lacticacidosis. It is certainly not wise to put out large amounts because you cannot control how much each deer might eat.

Wild cherries are among the most highly preferred fruits for white-tailed deer. Don't forget these in your management plans. Natural browse and food plots containing such forages as clover, brassica, turnips, corn and grains are thought of as the most highly preferred foods for whitetails.

Food Plots

From larger plots of forage soybeans covering 10 or more acres, to small parcels of broken tree canopy planted to brassica; various crops including corn, milo, turnips, peas, clover, and alfalfa will attract and keep deer. One of the surest ways to attract deer is through their stomach.

Supplemental feeding of wild deer is harmful and can lead to bouts of severe diarrhea and dehydration, which could be deadly.

Don't touch it or pet it.

Finding and petting newly born animals is another problem because the animal's survival depends on it being left alone. If you touch it, you may leave your scent on the animal, which could draw predators to it.

Deer are afraid of predators like dogs and are likely to steer clear if they suspect one is nearby. Keep Fido outside more often or stake a silhouette of a dog in the yard.

Overall, do deer eat apples? Yes, they do. It is suitably safe for them and can also be included in their feeders. However, the digestive system of deer makes them incapable of properly digesting apples, so, although it is generally okay for deer to eat apples, they are never the foremost food choices for these deer.

What smells work best at deterring deer? Some smells that deer react negatively to include eggs, garlic, cloves, and mint. They're also driven away if they smell danger, so using predator scents, such as wolf urine, may work.

Can deer smell human pee? ›

It's widely believed that our urine is loaded with human scent and that deer will head for the hills when they get a whiff of it. Home remedies for keeping deer out of gardens include urinating around the perimeter of it. Yet there is research that indicates some deer may not be bothered by it at all.

Plant Heavily Scented Herbs and Flowers

Herbs like lavender, chives, mint, and marigold are all great options. These pungent plants work in two ways. Deer will avoid walking through heavily scented plants, as they pick up the smell on their fur and are more noticeable.

Try to Communicate with the Deer through Bows

Try to find a secure place where you can face them. They know you have crackers so they will want your attention. If they are behind you they might headbutt you or pull on your clothes. While you are feeding the deer in front of you, try to keep alert.

Even when we mean them no harm, deer tend to be wary of humans. When we approach, they usually raise their heads, prick their ears and stand very still. It's how these creatures stay vigilant against predators.

Only a few male deer that lived in captivity had been reported to live for more than 15 years. Male deer in the wild live an average of about 3 years while female deer in the wild could live for up to 6.5 years. This is why deer hunters consider it a trophy when they capture a deer that is older than 3 years in age.

He describes how hoofed mammals (such deer, goat, and horses) do not consume snakes, but can completely destroy one by raising and stomping on them – leaving only small segments remaining.

NEVER FEED WILDLIFE.

Feeding big game animals is prohibited in California (Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 251.3).

Early spring to mid spring is a good rule of thumb to start your spring deer feeding program. This roughly coincides as food plots will start being planted.

They can lose 20 to 30 percent of their body weight over the winter, and can actually go up to a month without eating.

Do Deer Sleep In The Same Place Every Night? Deer do not sleep in a single location all year round. Most of them have a limited number of potential bedding sites within their home range.

Do deers sleep at night? ›

Deer rarely sleep at night because this is when their predators are most active. They can, however, sleep at night if they are hiding from predators or trying to conserve energy.

Because of this fact, deer are considered nocturnal animals since they are active during the night. The average deer will sleep about 12 hours during the day. They often move their locations throughout the day, getting their rest in chunks.

In the warmer months, deer lose water through their urine, droppings and breathe while panting. When the temperatures rise; their need for water increases. A whitetail needs about two to three quarts of water per day, per 100 pounds of body weight. In hotter climates, it could be more.

Although they may not have as broad a spectrum of feelings as human beings, deer use body language to communicate danger to one another. If you're a hunter, learning to recognize the signs of a nervous deer can help you determine your best course of action before it takes off.

Fawns can bleat (vocalize) in a way that sounds like crying if they are disturbed or are trying to locate their mother.

Deer are beautiful graceful animals that are scavengers but not necessarily hunters. Generally, they are not ones to pick fights or go looking for trouble; but they will attack if they feel threatened. Pet owners may be surprised to learn that deer attacks on dogs do occur.

Deer: Deer aren't generally considered dangerous animals, but during rutting season, it isn't uncommon for a buck to attack a family pet that gets just a little too close. Bucks can cause serious injuries to cats and dogs, so you should be aware of when your pet is most at risk.

Venison is packed with nutrients that support the health and well-being of your dog. Deer meat contains a high amount of B vitamins, giving your dog the energy they need. Dog food with venison also provides the perfect amount of zinc and iron to support a healthy immune system and organ function.

Because of their low fiber diet, deer must eat every few hours. That said, during winter they will eat higher fiber food like tree bark and nuts. On rare occasions, deer will also eat other animals. Typically, they will eat dead fish, or small birds, particularly young ground-nesting birds.

A wide variety of fruits and vegetables – including apples, grapes, cherries, pears, carrots, and snap peas – are eaten in nature by deer. Therefore, it is safe to feed deer these fruits. Acorns are another safe food source.

Will a deer eat a dog? ›

Pet owners may be surprised to learn that deer attacks on dogs do occur. It's not that the deer are looking to eat the dogs, but instead, they feel that the dog poses a threat to babies (fawns)- born in the heart of the spring season.

Generally speaking, deer will not attack companion animals unless they feel threatened; but pet owners are advised to keep dogs and cats away from deer and other wildlife with fencing that is at least 6 feet tall.

Food Plots

From larger plots of forage soybeans covering 10 or more acres, to small parcels of broken tree canopy planted to brassica; various crops including corn, milo, turnips, peas, clover, and alfalfa will attract and keep deer. One of the surest ways to attract deer is through their stomach.

Even when we mean them no harm, deer tend to be wary of humans. When we approach, they usually raise their heads, prick their ears and stand very still. It's how these creatures stay vigilant against predators.

The quick answer is, “anywhere they want.” Deer sleep anywhere they bed and may do so singly or in groups. However, during daylight it's far more common for deer to sleep in heavy cover where they feel secure.

ANSWER: Under normal conditions, a deer can smell a human that is not making any attempt to hide its odor at least 1/4 mile away. If the scenting conditions are perfect (humid with a light breeze), it can even be farther. So they are pretty impressive.