Grasses: These are a staple for deer, especially during the spring and summer.
Forbs: These are broad-leaved plants, including clover, dandelions, and wild flowers.
Browse: This refers to twigs, leaves, and buds from trees and shrubs. Deer often eat browse during the winter when other food sources are scarce.
Fruits and Nuts: When available, deer will eat a variety of fruits, berries, and nuts. This can include acorns, apples, and berries.
Mushrooms and Fungi: Deer will occasionally eat mushrooms, but it is not a regular part of their diet.
Other: Deer may also eat agricultural crops, like soybeans and corn, when they are available.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about wild deer diets:
* Seasonality: Deer diets change with the seasons. During the spring and summer, they eat mostly grasses and forbs. In the fall, they switch to browse and nuts. During the winter, they rely heavily on browse.
* Location: Deer diets vary depending on the location. For example, deer in the eastern United States might eat different plants than deer in the western United States.
* Availability: Deer will eat whatever food is available to them. If their preferred food sources are scarce, they will eat less desirable plants.
Overall, wild deer are opportunistic eaters that will eat a variety of plants to survive.