Feeding Tips for Local Deer (and When to Provide Them)

Discover the ideal diet for the local white-tailed deer population (and how to offer it legally)

1. Provide deer with specially formulated food mixes along with fresh produce and oats for an easy feeding solution. Focus on feeding them during the harsh winter months when their natural food sources are scarce and maintain consistency to help them rely on you.

Opt for formulated deer food mixes as they offer a convenient solution. These mixes are commonly available at feed mills or pet supply stores and typically consist of alfalfa, oats, soybeans, molasses, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them easy for deer to digest.

Enhance deer diets with oats and fresh produce. In the absence of formulated mixes, oats provide a healthy mixture of fiber and carbohydrates without disrupting deer digestion. Additionally, offer fruits like apples, grapes, cherries, and carrots, along with acorns for a varied diet.

Provide natural foliage by cutting down tree branches. To mimic the natural diet of deer, offer branches from preferred trees like white cedar, birches, and maples. Avoid harmful tree species like beech and spruces, and scatter branches in areas frequented by deer.

Avoid feeding deer a corn-based diet as it negatively impacts their complex digestive system. Many deer become sick or die from sudden corn intake, as they are unable to adjust to the high carbohydrate content. Stick to natural vegetation and avoid high-fat, high-carbohydrate foods that disrupt deer digestion.

Provide food for deer during the winter season when their natural food sources become scarce. Many people choose to feed deer during this time to ensure their survival. When feeding deer in winter, offer appropriate foods gradually, considering their natural diet of woody vegetation.

Gradually introduce new foods to deer to allow their digestive systems to adapt. It takes deer 2-4 weeks to adjust to dietary changes, so introduce new foods slowly by combining them with their usual diet of woody vegetation.

Consistently feed local deer rather than sporadically to prevent them from becoming dependent on handouts. Abrupt cessation of feeding can lead to hunger, aggressive behavior, or dependency issues. Transition deer off supplemental food in spring to encourage natural foraging habits, but be aware that year-round feeding is controversial and may spread disease.

Ensure Legal Compliance for Wildlife Feeding

Install deer feeders or troughs on your property, keeping them at a distance from your home to prevent property damage. Maintain a consistent feeding schedule, preferably during early morning or sunset, and avoid unnecessary interaction with the deer.

Utilize legal and publicly accessible feeding locations designated by local wildlife organizations. These sites provide a controlled environment for deer feeding, relieving you of full responsibility while ensuring deer receive proper nourishment.

Cultivate trees and fresh produce to offer natural food sources for deer, reducing the need for daily feeding maintenance. Planting fruit trees, maple trees, or aspen trees on your property contributes to the environment and provides valuable resources for deer.

Engage with Your Local Wildlife Agency

Consider permitting deer hunting on your land if deer overpopulation is an issue in your area. Hunting helps maintain balanced deer populations and reduces negative impacts on habitats, farmers, residents, and motorists.

Observe deer closely to estimate their age, which can provide insights into the health of the local deer population.

Considerations When Feeding Deer