The diet of white-tailed deer is highly adaptable, often shifting between grazing on grasses and forbs and browsing on woody plants. Browsing specifically refers to consuming the leaves, tender twigs, and buds of shrubs and trees. Woody browse becomes particularly significant during the dormant winter months when herbaceous plants are unavailable or covered by snow, serving as an important source of sustenance. An adult deer can consume several pounds of plant material daily, making the composition of available woody plants a major factor in the health and density of a local deer population.
Highly Preferred Woody Browse
Deer actively seek out certain woody species because they offer superior palatability and nutritional content. These species typically exhibit new growth that is highly digestible and rich in crude protein, which is important for antler growth and lactation during spring and summer. Woody vines like Blackberry and Raspberry briars are favorite targets, offering high protein levels. Other highly desired species include young Sassafras and Dogwood, along with young shoots from deciduous trees like Red Maple and Sugar Maple. Fruit trees, such as Apple and Cherry, are extremely attractive due to their high sugar content, often leading to severe browsing damage in orchards and landscaped areas.
Moderately Consumed Trees and Shrubs
Moderately consumed species form the bulk of the deer’s diet when the most palatable options are scarce. These plants are generally less nutritious than the preferred browse but are readily eaten out of necessity or availability. Consumption often increases dramatically in areas with high deer density, as the deer have already depleted the most desirable plants. Various Oak species fall into this category; deer browse the young shoots and leaves, but the major draw is the hard mast (acorns), which provides high energy for fat reserves. Similarly, the young growth of Ash and Hickory is consumed as a staple food, as are the tender new tips of certain Pines, like Loblolly and Shortleaf Pine.
Woody Plants Deer Generally Avoid
Deer actively avoid woody plants that possess natural defense mechanisms. These plants are only consumed under extreme conditions, such as near-starvation during a harsh winter. The primary deterrents are chemical properties, including strong odors or bitter, toxic compounds. Boxwood (Buxus species) is widely avoided due to unpalatable alkaloids, and Yew (Taxus species) is rarely browsed due to its high toxicity, which can be lethal. Many conifers, such as Spruces and Junipers, are avoided because their needles contain repellent aromatic oils, and plants with physical defenses like spines and thorns, such as Barberry, are generally bypassed.