Deer and leaves
08-08-2008, 07:48 AM
#1
Dominant Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location:
Posts: 21,043
Deer and leaves
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?
08-08-2008, 07:51 AM
#2
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Heaven is my home, temporarily residing in WNY :)
Posts: 6,679
RE: Deer and leaves
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 .....
08-08-2008, 07:53 AM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cenral Illinois
Posts: 3,180
RE: Deer and leaves
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.
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08-08-2008, 08:01 AM
#7
Dominant Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location:
Posts: 21,043
RE: Deer and leaves
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.
Hence my question.
08-08-2008, 10:48 AM
#10
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location:
Posts: 1,796
RE: Deer and leaves
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
LT