Has anyone (I haven't) ever given any strategy thoughts towards the specific type(s) of leaves a whitetail is utilizing for a food source, during leaf drop.....and used this information as a strategy tool for trying to set up on them?

I absolutely have ..... late season, there are these knee to chest high deals that will keep green leaves on them in the deep of winter .... deer LOVE them .....

I guess I haven't paid attention either really. Here in IL, with so many other food sources (crops, acorns, locust pods) so I don't really think they are eating all that many leaves necessarily. In locales with maybe more severe weather earlier in the season, perhaps leaves are an option for food.

It would only work in late season if it does at all.

Honey Suckle (sp?) is about the only leave I have seen deer utilize as a food source on a regular basis.

According to some, that would be baiting, not that there is anything wrong with it .

Deer eat all sorts of leaves (including hardwoods). Some of them are prior to.....and a lot of them post leaf drop (and the timing of when they actually fall has a bearing on HOW attactive they are to the deer).

Hence my question.

I know they like mape, I've watched em eat them like candy.

To answer your question no.

Personally, I have observed deer browsing on leaves that are still on a tree then browsing off the forest floor after they have dropped.

A deer will browse on just about anything. They will eat fungus off of decaying timber as well. Do not know why, but I have witnessed this first hand. I do know they will eat the heck out of Honey Locust Pods and Honeysuckle as well.

LT