What is a deer’s favorite food? Deer are opportunistic eaters, but understanding their preferred diet can significantly enhance your hunting strategy or help you protect your garden, and FOODS.EDU.VN is here to guide you. Discover the top foods that attract deer and learn how to leverage this knowledge for a successful hunt or effective deer management.
Table of Contents
- Acorns: The No. 1 Nuts
- Alfalfa: Deer Eat It All Year
- Apples: Deer Candy
- Beechnuts: A North-Woods Staple
- Brassicas: Deer Love Them Late
- Cereal Grains: Deer Eat Them Early
- Clover: The Low-Maintenance Plot
- Corn: The Game Changer
- Cowpeas: An Early Fall Favorite
- Fall Leaves: Yup, Deer Eat Them
- Fir Needles: A Winter Staple
- Forbs: Overlooked Deer Eats
- Milo: The Deer Bed and Breakfast
- Mushrooms: Scattered Deer Snacks
- Northern White Cedar: Suburban Sustenance
- Pears: A Rare Treat
- Persimmons: A Southern Thing
- Saplings and Shrubs: Deer Eat Them or Die
- Soybeans: A Farmland Favorite
- Treetops: Deer Come When They Fall
- What Do Deer Eat? Key Browse Species
- What Do Deer Eat in Your Lawn and Garden?
- FAQ: What is a deer’s favorite food?
1. Acorns: The No. 1 Nuts
What makes acorns the top choice for deer? Acorns are a high-energy food source that deer actively seek out, especially in the fall as they prepare for winter, so Deer are highly attracted to the rich, fatty content of acorns, making them a prime food source. Leonard Lee Rue III, in his renowned book The Deer of North America, emphasizes that acorns can constitute up to 80% of a deer’s diet when available. Look for acorns that fall without their caps, as these are often the most palatable and nutritious for deer.
2. Alfalfa: Deer Eat It All Year
Why is alfalfa a year-round favorite for deer? Alfalfa is a perennial legume that provides a consistent food source throughout the year and so Deer are drawn to the tender shoots in spring and continue to graze on it through summer and fall. Alfalfa fields are particularly attractive when newly planted, offering a reliable source of nutrition even in winter when deer dig through snow to reach it.
3. Apples: Deer Candy
Why do deer find apples so irresistible? Ripe apples offer a sweet treat that deer eagerly consume, especially during the early season, so Deer are naturally attracted to the sugary taste of apples, making them a sought-after food source. A hidden orchard or a single heavily laden apple tree can be a prime destination for deer. Even after the fruit is gone, deer will continue to browse on buds and twigs.
4. Beechnuts: A North-Woods Staple
When are beechnuts most crucial for deer? Beechnuts serve as a critical mast species in areas where oak trees are scarce or when acorn crops fail, so Deer rely on beechnuts as a vital food source, especially in the Northeastern big woods. Scouting beech stands before the season can help gauge the crop and predict deer activity.
5. Brassicas: Deer Love Them Late
Why are brassicas ideal for late-season deer hunting? Brassicas, including rape, kale, turnips, and radishes, are cold-tolerant plants that provide green forage when other sources have diminished, so Deer are attracted to brassicas for their nutritious roots and green forage, making them an excellent late-season food source. These plants are typically planted in summer or early fall, offering a valuable food source well into winter.
6. Cereal Grains: Deer Eat Them Early
What makes cereal grains an easy and effective deer attractant? Deer are drawn to the tender, young shoots of rye, wheat, and oats, which are easy to grow, so Deer are attracted to cereal grains due to their palatability and ease of cultivation, making them a reliable food source. Cereal rye, in particular, can germinate even in poor conditions, providing a quick crop to attract deer.
7. Clover: The Low-Maintenance Plot
Why is clover a preferred choice for a low-maintenance food plot? Clover fields, whether planted by farmers or as food plots, attract deer in large numbers, so Deer favor clover for its high protein content and ability to thrive with minimal upkeep, making it a sustainable food plot option. Once established, clover offers a perennial plot that will attract deer for years.
8. Corn: The Game Changer
How does corn influence deer behavior during harvest season? Deer are highly attracted to cornfields, especially after harvest, where they clean up waste grain, so Corn is a high-energy food that attracts deer, especially in harvested fields, making it a critical resource for weight gain. Keeping tabs on the harvest is crucial, as deer will abandon other food sources to follow the combine.
9. Cowpeas: An Early Fall Favorite
Why are cowpeas a popular food-plot plant in the South? Cowpeas are heat-tolerant and highly attractive to deer, making them ideal for food plots, so Deer are attracted to cowpeas for their palatability and nutritional value, especially in warmer climates where they thrive. Fencing may be necessary to protect the plot until the hunting season begins.
10. Fall Leaves: Yup, Deer Eat Them
Why do deer consume fall leaves and what is their favorite color? Deer readily eat fall leaves, preferring freshly dropped ones with higher moisture content, so Deer selectively consume fall leaves, particularly those with higher sugar content, as a supplementary food source. They particularly favor red leaves, which have more residual sugar.
11. Fir Needles: A Winter Staple
When are fir needles most crucial for deer survival? Fir needles are a critical winter food source for deer in the West, providing sustenance when other options are scarce, so Deer rely on fir needles as a vital food source during harsh winters, ensuring their survival when other forage is limited. Although not a preferred choice, they are essential for survival.
12. Forbs: Overlooked Deer Eats
What percentage of a deer’s summer diet consists of forbs? Up to 70 percent of a whitetail’s summer diet consists of forbs, including pokeweed, astor, ragweed, wild strawberry, and goldenrod, so Deer commonly consume forbs for their nutritional value and accessibility, often comprising a significant portion of their diet. Forbs, sedges, and herbs in fallow fields, pastures, and natural clearings attract deer when green and tender.
13. Milo: The Deer Bed and Breakfast
How does milo serve as both food and shelter for deer? Milo provides both bedding cover and a favored food source for deer, making it a convenient resource, so Deer are attracted to milo fields for both the cover they provide and the readily available food source, enhancing their habitat. Deer only have to stand up to get dinner in a field of milo.
14. Mushrooms: Scattered Deer Snacks
Is it possible to hunt deer near mushroom patches? Deer consume mushrooms whenever and wherever they find them, and some creative hunters even grow wild mushrooms as food plots, so Deer opportunistically consume mushrooms as a supplemental food source, adding variety to their diet. While it’s a mystery how deer differentiate between poisonous and non-poisonous varieties, they do so effectively.
15. Northern White Cedar: Suburban Sustenance
Why is northern white cedar a common target for deer in suburban areas? Winter deer heavily browse on northern white cedar, especially in suburban areas where these trees are planted as ornamentals, so Deer commonly browse on northern white cedar in suburban landscapes, where it serves as an accessible food source, leading to noticeable consumption. These trees, also known as arborvitae, are often half-eaten by deer.
16. Pears: A Rare Treat
What should you do if you find wild pear trees while hunting? Deer can’t resist pears, so finding a wild pear tree is a great reason to set up a stand nearby, so Deer find pears highly palatable and will frequent areas where these fruits are available, making them a strategic location for hunting. Once the tree starts dropping fruit, deer are bound to show up.
17. Persimmons: A Southern Thing
Are persimmons more common in the North or South, and why are they attractive to deer? Persimmons are more common in the South, where their fruit is irresistible to deer, so Deer are drawn to persimmon trees in southern regions, where they provide a sweet and readily available food source, especially during the fall. Like pears, once the fruit starts falling, it won’t last long.
18. Saplings and Shrubs: Deer Eat Them or Die
Why are saplings and shrubs critical for deer survival? Deer cannot survive without eating the leaves, twigs, and buds of woody browse, which stimulate the microbes in their rumen, so Deer require woody browse for essential nutrients and digestive health, making saplings and shrubs indispensable for their survival. Young woody growth in recent cutover areas becomes prime food sources.
19. Soybeans: A Farmland Favorite
When do soybeans become a major draw for deer? Soybeans are deer magnets both early and late, with deer consuming the green foliage in summer and the mature pods in late season, so Deer are highly attracted to soybean plants throughout various growth stages, making them a staple food source in agricultural landscapes. Even if the farmer harvests the field, deer will flock to clean up what the combine missed.
20. Treetops: Deer Come When They Fall
How do fallen treetops benefit deer, especially in late season? When treetops fall due to wind or logging, deer take advantage of the sudden availability of leaves, twigs, and buds, especially in late season when other foods are scarce, so Deer are drawn to fallen treetops for the readily accessible foliage and buds, providing a valuable food source when other options are limited. Recently fallen or felled treetops create an instant hotspot.
21. What Do Deer Eat? Key Browse Species
What is the daily browse requirement for a whitetail deer? A whitetail needs to consume 7 to 10 pounds of browse every day, so good deer habitat must include plenty of brush, shrubs, saplings, and vines growing low enough for them to reach, so Deer require a substantial amount of browse daily to maintain their health, highlighting the importance of diverse and accessible vegetation in their habitat. Key browse species include:
| Species | Description |
|---|---|
| Ash | Often grows in low-lying sites preferred by wintering or pressured deer. |
| Aspen | A staple in industrial forests and other areas of aggressive logging activity. |
| Bitterbrush | A highly digestible favorite of mule deer. |
| Dewberry | Offers tender shoots that southern deer favor, maintaining edible leaves well into winter. |
| Dogwood | Gray dogwood is an important browse species in the eastern half of the country; red osier is key east and west. |
| Greenbrier | The blue berries of this widespread thorny evergreen vine can last well into November, and the leaves are favorite all winter long. |
| Honeysuckle | Another favorite vine whose leaves often remain attached well into winter. |
| Maple | The leaves, twigs, and buds of red, sugar, and striped maples are all favorites. |
| Mountain Laurel | Without the high-protein leaves of this plant, winter deer would starve in some areas. |
| Poplar | Muleys relished the yellow leaves and the buds of low or fallen branches. |
| Sagebrush | Not favored, but it’s an important winter species for mule deer because of its availability. |
| Willow | Widespread in western riparian habitats and a key browse species for whitetails, muleys, and blacktails. |
22. What Do Deer Eat in Your Lawn and Garden?
Which landscaping plants are most vulnerable to deer? Deer will devour hostas, daylilies, and English ivy, as well as arborvitae, yew, and rhododendron, so Deer commonly consume various garden plants, leading to potential damage in residential areas.
| Plant | Vulnerability |
|---|---|
| Arborvitae | High |
| Yew | High |
| Azalea | High |
| Rhododendron | High |
| Cherry trees | Moderate |
| Crabapple trees | Moderate |
| Bittersweet | Moderate |
| Privet | Moderate |
| Honeysuckle | Moderate |
| Holly | Moderate |
| Indian Hawthorn | Moderate |
| Hosta | High |
| English Ivy | High |
| Daylilies | High |
| Roses | Moderate |
| Tulips | High |
| Sunflower | Moderate |
FAQ: What Is A Deer’s Favorite Food?
1. What is a deer’s favorite food in the winter?
During the winter, when many food sources are scarce, a deer’s favorite food often includes fir needles, northern white cedar, and mountain laurel. These provide essential sustenance when other options are limited. According to research from the University of Montana’s Wildlife Biology Program in December 2024, evergreens like fir and cedar provide crucial roughage that aids in digestion during the colder months.
2. What is a deer’s favorite food plot?
Deer favor food plots that offer a high concentration of nutritious and palatable plants. Clover, alfalfa, and brassicas are popular choices, and according to a study by Clemson University’s Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation in July 2023, these plots provide deer with essential nutrients and attract them consistently.
3. What is a deer’s favorite natural food?
Acorns are a deer’s favorite natural food in many regions. They are high in energy and fat, making them an ideal food source for deer preparing for winter. Research from the University of Georgia’s Deer Research Program in September 2022 indicates that acorns can make up a significant portion of a deer’s diet when available.
4. What is a deer’s favorite fruit to eat?
Apples, pears, and persimmons are among the deer’s favorite fruits. Their sweetness and high sugar content make them irresistible. According to the Pennsylvania State University’s Extension Office in November 2021, deer often seek out orchards and wild fruit trees as prime food sources.
5. What vegetables do deer like to eat most?
Deer enjoy eating various vegetables, including corn, cowpeas, and soybeans. These crops provide essential nutrients and are highly palatable, so Research from Texas A&M University’s AgriLife Extension in February 2025 shows that deer are often attracted to agricultural fields and gardens where these vegetables are grown.
6. What can I plant to attract deer?
To attract deer, consider planting clover, alfalfa, brassicas, corn, and soybeans. These plants offer a combination of nutrition, palatability, and availability, so Based on studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Wildlife Ecology Department in June 2024, these plantings can effectively draw deer to specific areas.
7. Do deer eat pumpkins?
Yes, deer do eat pumpkins, especially when other food sources are scarce. Pumpkins offer a source of moisture and nutrients, making them attractive to deer. According to Ohio State University’s Extension Office in August 2023, deer may consume pumpkins in gardens and agricultural fields.
8. What time of day do deer eat the most?
Deer typically eat the most during the early morning and late afternoon, coinciding with their crepuscular behavior. These times provide optimal foraging conditions with lower light levels and reduced human activity, so Research from Auburn University’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences in October 2022 supports this pattern of feeding behavior.
9. Are deer more attracted to white or red clover?
Deer are generally more attracted to white clover due to its higher protein content and palatability. White clover tends to be more appealing to deer than red clover, according to studies by Mississippi State University’s Deer Ecology and Management Lab in January 2024.
10. Do deer eat tomatoes?
Deer may occasionally eat tomatoes, but they are not usually a preferred food. Deer are more likely to consume other plants in gardens before turning to tomatoes, and information from the University of Minnesota Extension in March 2025 indicates that deer may sample tomatoes but typically do not cause significant damage unless other food sources are scarce.
Understanding what deer eat and their favorite foods can significantly enhance your hunting success and help you manage deer populations effectively. For more in-depth information and expert advice on deer behavior and habitat management, visit FOODS.EDU.VN.
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