The White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is the only native deer species found throughout Georgia, thriving from the mountainous regions to the coastal plain. Their ability to adapt to diverse environments is reflected in their highly varied diet, which changes based on local availability. As generalist herbivores, they consume hundreds of plant species, though they strongly prefer certain types of forage. Understanding the specific food sources deer use across Georgia is fundamental for ecological management and mitigating conflicts in human-dominated landscapes.
Seasonal Changes in Deer Foraging
A deer’s nutritional requirements shift throughout the year, driving foraging patterns that correspond to seasonal food availability. Spring and summer represent a period of high physiological demand, especially for lactating does and bucks developing antlers. During this time, deer prioritize foods high in crude protein and moisture, necessary for growth and milk production. They focus on consuming lush, green vegetation like forbs, which are broad-leafed, non-woody plants that emerge early in the growing season.
As the year progresses into fall and winter, the deer’s diet shifts to emphasize energy storage in preparation for the rut and colder temperatures. Their primary focus moves toward high-carbohydrate and high-fat sources to build up fat reserves. Hard mast, such as acorns, becomes a dominant part of their intake, providing the dense caloric energy needed for survival. When ground forage is limited, deer rely more heavily on woody browse, consuming the terminal ends of twigs and stems from trees and shrubs.
Essential Natural Diet Components
The bulk of the White-tailed Deer diet comes from three main categories of native vegetation. Browse refers to the tender leaves, twigs, and buds of woody plants, serving as a persistent food source, especially in winter. Deer commonly select species like black gum, American beautyberry, dogwood, and the leaves and stems of vines such as greenbrier and muscadine. These woody items offer baseline nutrition throughout the dormant season.
Forbs are the most preferred food source when available, as they are highly digestible and rich in protein and minerals. These non-woody plants include common species such as pokeweed, wild lettuce, and ragweed. Does rely heavily on these protein-rich forbs during the summer to meet the demands of nursing fawns. The quality of forbs impacts the overall health and reproductive success of the local deer herd.
Mast encompasses nuts and fruits, representing a concentrated source of energy important in the fall. Hard mast, primarily acorns from Georgia’s various oak species, is highly sought-after due to its high-fat content. Acorns provide the carbohydrates necessary for accumulating body fat before winter. Soft mast, including wild fruits like persimmons, plums, crabapples, and muscadine grapes, offers readily available sugars and carbohydrates when they ripen in late summer and early fall.
Agricultural and Suburban Food Conflicts
The expansion of human development often places deer near cultivated food sources, leading to conflicts with gardeners and farmers. Deer readily feed on agricultural crops, which offer dense, palatable nutrition. Major row crops in Georgia, such as peanuts, soybeans, and cotton, are frequently targeted. Deer cause the most damage when plants are young, consuming tender seedlings, which can necessitate costly replanting for farmers.
Crops like corn and wheat are quickly consumed when accessible, providing concentrated energy. In suburban and residential areas, ornamental and garden plants become attractive food items due to high nutrient content provided by fertilization. Deer show a strong preference for tender, cultivated plants like hostas, daylilies, Asiatic lilies, and roses. They also browse on landscape shrubs and young trees, often clipping the newest growth.