Quick Answer
As whitetail deer mature, their diet shifts from primarily grasses and leaves to more forbs, fruits, and mast. This change is driven by the deer's increasing preference for high-calorie foods, which are essential for survival during periods of food scarcity. This shift often begins around 3-5 years of age.
Young Deer (0-2 Years)
Young whitetail deer primarily feed on grasses, leaves, and twigs during their first two years of life. Their diet is limited to what their mothers can provide, and they follow her to browse on the best available food sources. At this age, they are highly dependent on their mother’s guidance and protection.
Sub-Adult Deer (2-5 Years)
As young deer mature, they begin to venture away from their mothers and explore their surroundings. Their diet expands to include more forbs, such as clover and wildflowers, and they may start to eat small amounts of mast, like acorns. During this period, they are still learning what foods are safe to eat and are more susceptible to predation.
Mature Deer (5+ Years)
Mature whitetail deer prefer a diet rich in high-calorie foods, including mast, fruits, and nuts. They may travel longer distances to find these food sources, particularly during periods of food scarcity. Research has shown that mature deer can travel up to 20 miles (32 kilometers) in a single day to reach their preferred food sources.
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