One Type of Plant is the Greatest Source of Deer Nutrition. Here’s How to Grow It.

By Mark Turner – National Deer Association

After analyzing over a thousand deer forage samples from 25 states, I learned there’s only one type of plant that consistently meets a deer’s nutritional needs. However, most hunting properties aren’t producing enough of them to make a noticeable difference in body and antler size. The results of my research can help you steer your habitat management efforts to fill this gap and answer the most important nutritional demands of deer.

The Three Limiting Nutrients

Deer require many nutrients to survive and grow, including protein, minerals and vitamins. They meet their nutritional demands by selectively foraging on plants providing these resources. Although all of these nutrients are important, three are commonly considered to be limiting for deer during the growing season: protein, phosphorus and calcium. 

Nutritional requirements for deer vary based on age and life history events, such as gestation, lactation and antler growth. Lactation is generally considered to be the most nutritionally demanding period for deer, and fawns receiving adequate milk production early in life is important for their growth and survival. A doe with twin fawns requires at least 14% crude protein, 0.3% phosphorus, and 0.34% calcium in her diet. These are the benchmarks we want native or planted forages on our hunting land to meet or exceed. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL STORY