Forage:
* Grasses: They love grasses like clover, alfalfa, and orchard grass, especially in spring and summer.
* Forbs: These are broad-leaved plants like wildflowers, legumes, and herbs.
* Browse: Deer consume twigs, buds, leaves, and shoots from trees and shrubs, especially during winter when other options are scarce. Popular browse includes maple, oak, ash, and willow.
Fruits and Nuts:
* Acorns: Acorns are a vital food source for deer, especially in autumn.
* Berries: Deer enjoy various berries, including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
* Apples, pears, and other fruits: Deer are opportunistic and will eat fallen fruit if available.
Other:
* Mushrooms: Some species of mushrooms are part of their diet.
* Agricultural crops: Deer can be destructive to crops, eating corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and other planted foods.
Seasonal Differences:
* Spring: Deer focus on grasses, forbs, and emerging vegetation.
* Summer: A mix of grasses, forbs, and browse.
* Fall: Acorns, berries, and other fruits become more important.
* Winter: They rely heavily on browse and whatever green vegetation they can find.
Important Note: Deer are selective grazers, meaning they choose the most nutritious and palatable plants. They also have a strong preference for fresh, young growth.
Keep in mind: Deer are adaptable and their diet varies based on the availability of food in their environment. They might consume a wider range of plants than listed above depending on their specific location and the time of year.