Apples are a highly sought-after food for deer, serving as a powerful seasonal attractant for both wildlife observers and hunters. Deer are herbivores that browse on a wide variety of plants, but the concentrated sweetness and energy found in apples make them a preferred food source, especially as colder weather approaches. Understanding this preference involves examining the biological drivers behind their diet and knowing which specific varieties offer the greatest appeal.
Why Apples Are a Highly Desired Food Source
The attraction deer have to apples is rooted in the fruit’s nutritional composition, particularly its high concentration of carbohydrates and sugars. A medium-sized apple contains a significant amount of natural sugar, often around 19 to 21 grams, along with approximately 25 to 27 grams of total carbohydrates, which provides a quick boost of energy. This high-energy density is especially valuable for deer entering the fall and winter, as they must build fat reserves to survive the coming cold and the breeding season.
Apples also provide a high water content, which aids in digestion and hydration when other water sources may be limited or frozen. The soft texture of a fallen or ripe apple is easy for a deer to consume and digest compared to the tougher woody browse or dried vegetation that makes up much of their late-season diet. The palatability and scent of apples draw deer from a distance, making them a powerful temporary lure.
The Specific Apple Varieties Deer Seek Out
Deer are generally drawn to any apple due to the strong, sweet scent, but they show a distinct preference for varieties with extreme sweetness and softer textures. The ideal apple provides a high sugar content, which is often found in common grocery store varieties like Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp. These specific types are favored because the intense sweetness is a primary driver of deer feeding behavior, similar to the appeal of other soft mast fruits like persimmons and pears.
Crabapples, though smaller and often more tart to the human palate, are also highly effective attractants and are frequently consumed by deer. Hardy crabapple varieties like Dolgo are often recommended for wildlife plots because they offer excellent disease resistance and are prolific producers of fruit. Deer are particularly interested in “drop apples,” which are the fruits that have fallen to the ground and have begun to soften or even ferment slightly. These dropped fruits are easily accessible and often release a stronger scent than those still hanging on the tree. Some late-ripening heritage varieties, such as Black Twig and Stayman Winesap, are favored because they drop fruit later in the season, providing a food source when other natural forage is scarce.
Preparation and Placement for Maximum Attraction
The method of preparation and placement can significantly affect how quickly and effectively apples attract deer. Rather than placing apples in a concentrated pile, which can lead to competition and faster spoilage, it is more effective to scatter them widely. Spreading the apples across a wider area encourages deer to spend more time browsing and prevents the unnatural congregation of multiple animals in a small space.
Scattering the fruit along established deer trails or on the edges of known bedding areas can draw animals out more easily. Placing the apples upwind of a desired observation point can ensure the sweet aroma is carried toward the deer’s location. While apples are often used whole, cutting a few in half can help release the scent more quickly, increasing the initial drawing power. This strategic placement allows for the observation of deer without conditioning them to rely on a single, unnatural feeding station.
Understanding Legal Restrictions on Deer Baiting
Anyone considering using apples to attract deer must first determine the legality of the practice, as regulations on deer baiting vary widely by state and local jurisdiction. State wildlife agencies set these laws, and the definition of “baiting” typically includes placing any food, mineral, or substance to attract wild animals for hunting or viewing purposes. Baiting is often prohibited or heavily restricted due to the serious public health threat posed by Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).
CWD is a fatal neurological disease in deer and other cervids, caused by misfolded proteins called prions. When deer congregate unnaturally at a single bait site, they increase the risk of disease transmission through direct contact, saliva, urine, and feces. The prions can also contaminate the soil at the feeding location for a long time, posing a risk to future generations of deer. Therefore, checking the current regulations with the local Department of Natural Resources or Fish and Wildlife is a necessary step before placing any attractant.