Common Foods:
* Grasses and Forbs: These are the staples of a deer's diet, especially in the summer and fall.
* Trees and Shrubs: Deer browse on twigs, leaves, and buds of various trees and shrubs, especially during the winter when other food sources are scarce. Common examples include:
* Oak, maple, aspen, willow, birch, sumac, and dogwood
* Fruits and Berries: They love fruits like apples, berries, and acorns, especially in the fall.
* Mushrooms and Fungi: Deer will sometimes eat mushrooms, although they prefer the above options.
* Agricultural Crops: Unfortunately, deer also enjoy raiding farm fields and gardens, eating crops like corn, soybeans, and vegetables.
Seasonal Variations:
* Spring: New growth of grasses, forbs, and tree buds are abundant.
* Summer: Grasses and forbs are plentiful, along with berries and fruits.
* Fall: Acorns, berries, and fruits are abundant, as are grasses and forbs before the first frost.
* Winter: Deer primarily browse on twigs, buds, and bark of trees and shrubs. They may also eat fallen fruits and berries if available.
Important Note: Deer often prefer certain plants over others, and their preferences can vary based on location and individual deer.