Deer readily consume beets, a common question among landowners and hunters examining the white-tailed deer diet. As opportunistic herbivores, deer evaluate food sources based on nutritional content and accessibility. Root vegetables, like beets, are a dense source of carbohydrates. This high-calorie option is favored, especially when natural forage is limited, helping the animal store energy.
Understanding Deer Palatability
Deer preference for beets is seasonal and dependent on surrounding food availability. During the summer and early fall, when protein-rich natural browse is plentiful, deer may show moderate interest. The green, leafy tops of the beet plant are often browsed first, providing a source of protein and moisture early in the season.
The palatability of the beet root significantly increases as the weather cools and natural food sources diminish. Freezing temperatures convert the starches within the root into easily digestible sugars, concentrating the energy content. This high-carbohydrate spike makes beets an extremely appealing food source during late fall and throughout the winter months. Deer actively paw or dig through snow and frozen ground to access the sugar-rich roots when facing nutritional stress.
The Difference Between Sugar Beets and Garden Beets
The attraction deer exhibit toward beets is tied to the specific variety offered. Sugar beets are an agricultural crop specifically bred to maximize sucrose content for commercial sugar production. Their roots contain a high concentration of sugar, often ranging from 13% to over 20% sucrose by weight. This specialized composition makes them exceptionally attractive to deer, providing a substantial and fast source of energy.
Garden beets, also known as table beets, are the variety commonly purchased for human consumption and have a significantly lower sugar content compared to their industrial counterpart. While deer will eat garden beets, they typically do not possess the same overwhelming appeal as sugar beets. The deer’s preference is a direct reflection of the nutritional profile, favoring the high-energy density found in the sugar beet root. Consequently, sugar beets are widely favored for use in food plots intended to draw and sustain deer through the harsher winter months.
Considerations for Feeding and Baiting Regulations
Anyone considering providing beets as a supplemental food source must first consult local regulations. The placement of food to attract deer, whether for viewing or hunting, falls under a complex set of local and state wildlife laws concerning feeding and baiting. Many jurisdictions have outright bans or severe restrictions on deer feeding, often enforced to mitigate the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
CWD is a contagious neurological disorder easily transmitted when deer congregate closely at a concentrated food source, such as a pile of beets. Regulations are constantly updated and vary by county, especially in areas designated as CWD Surveillance Zones. It is illegal to place supplemental feed for the purpose of hunting in many states, and even non-hunting feeding may be prohibited entirely. Before placing any food, contact the local state Department of Fish & Wildlife to ensure compliance with current laws.