Do Coues Deer Prefer Certain Forage In Different Seasons?

Spring Forage Preferences

In the spring, Coues deer in Arizona focus on foraging for grasses and shrubs that have high moisture content, such as greasewood, blackbrush, and cholla. They also consume the young shoots of plants like mesquite and paloverde. Deer tend to congregate in areas with heavy rainfall, where green forage is more abundant.

Summer Forage Preferences

During the summer, Coues deer shift their diet to plants with high water content, such as desert marigold, globemallow, and ocotillo. These plants often grow in areas with full sun and well-drained soil. To locate areas with preferred summer forage, look for deer trails near these plants and note the time of day they are most active.

Fall and Winter Forage Preferences

In the fall and winter, Coues deer focus on foraging for more mature plants with higher energy content, such as the seeds of grasses and shrubs like saltbush and greasewood. They also consume the leaves of paloverde and mesquite trees. To locate areas with preferred fall and winter forage, look for deer trails near mature shrubs and trees, and note the areas where deer are most active during this time.