White-tailed deer are opportunistic foragers that eat a variety of vegetation depending on what is available to them throughout the year. It has been documented that deer consume over 400 different species of plants in the Southeastern part of the U.S. Hard and soft mast (acorns and berries), forbs (herbaceous broad-leaved plants), and browse (twigs and leaves of woody plants) comprise more than 85% of the diet of a white-tailed deer. Changes in their diet mainly depend on forage abundance and seasonal changes.

During the summer months soft mast such as berries are preferable, but they are also selecting a variety of green plants such as grasses, forbs and browse to consume. They transition quickly into hard mast in autumn when acorns (highly preferred) become available. In the winter months deer continue to consume hard mast but may also select woody twigs, leaf buds, grasses, and agricultural crops such as soybeans and corn when available. Providing over 80% of the diet and being readily available during every season except autumn, forbs and browse are the most important food source to a white-tailed deer. 

Habitat management techniques that aim to increase sunlight exposure to promote plant growth and improve wildlife habitat and deer browse. 

  • Timber Thinning- involves selectively removing trees to let more light reach the forest floor, encouraging understory growth. 
  • Patch Clearcutting- creates open, sunny areas beneficial for sun-loving species, often followed by replanting or natural regeneration. 
  • Edge management- enhances biodiversity by creating gradual transitions between habitats that receive varying amounts of sunlight. 
  • Brush management- removes invasive or overgrown shrubs that block light from reaching native ground plants. 
  • Controlled burns- reduce dense vegetation and leaf litter, increasing light penetration and recycling nutrients back into the soil.

For more information on the white-tailed deer diet and habitat management techniques please visit our website: www.mdwfp.com/privatelands