Deer Nutrition Essentials: Managing Habitat for Stronger, Healthier Wildlife

Spring and summer are critical periods because deer have several immediate nutritional demands after winter, which can vary in severity. Bucks grow antlers during the summer at rates of up to one inch per day, and slow antler growth is directly tied to poor nutrition. Does are focused on lactation during this time, and while they will still produce nutrient-dense milk, poor nutrition causes them to do so at decreased rates, which in turn affects fawn survival.

Fawns depend almost entirely on the doe's milk for survival until roughly three months of age. If a doe is poorly nourished, she will still produce milk, but at lower rates. Once fawns begin to wean, they transition to eating vegetation, which makes the quality of the surrounding habitat equally important for their continued development.

Creating a high-quality forested habitat encourages better forage for deer. Soft mast such as raspberries and blackberries grows during the summer in successional forest stands. Old fields that were previously under human management but are no longer actively managed often produce forbs like chicory, kale, rapeseed, and turnips, which are high in protein and valuable to deer.

Supplementing natural forage with food plots is considered necessary to feed deer across every season. Warm-season planting options that are beneficial include lablab, peas, hemp, and soybeans. Because the best food plot choices can vary by region, AFM recommends consulting your local wildlife biologist for specific recommendations suited to your area.

Deer can sometimes be finicky eaters, so offering a variety of foodstuff is crucial to ensuring they consistently find something appealing. Relying on only one or two food sources increases the risk that deer will avoid those areas. A diverse mix of natural forage, mast, forbs, and planted food plots gives deer the best chance of meeting their nutritional needs throughout the season.

American Forest Management has Certified Wildlife Biologists who can help landowners address deer nutritional needs through meticulous habitat planning. The Wildlife Services team can assist with food plot strategy and overall habitat management to help you have a successful and productive season. You can also work with your local extension agent for guidance on the best food plot species for your specific region.