Seasonal Feeding Strategies for Wild Deer: What to Feed and When

By Healthy Herd Staff | Wild Deer Wellness & Nutrition

We took a look last blog at nutrients and what function they have for deer growth and development. Now let's look at seasonal feeding strategies to maximize deer health and growth.

Why Feeding Strategies Matter

Proper feeding isn't just about growing big antlers—it’s about building a resilient, healthy deer herd that can thrive year-round. Every season comes with different nutritional demands, and matching your feeding program to these needs is the key to success.

Whether you manage land for hunting, conservation, or both, this guide will help you understand what to feed, when to feed it, and why it matters.

Seasonal Breakdown: Feeding Wild Deer Through the Year

Spring (March – May): Rebuilding and Regrowth

Biological Focus:

• Bucks begin new antler growth

• Does begin fetal development and prepare for fawning

• Overall body recovery after winter stress

Nutritional Goals:

• Replenish energy and protein reserves

• Support early antler formation and fetal growth

Recommended Feed Types:

• High-protein sources (16–18% crude protein)

• Mineral supplements (especially calcium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc)

• Green forage: Clover, alfalfa, soybeans, chickory

Healthy Herd Tip: Start offering free-choice minerals and protein-rich supplements early to support the velvet and gestation periods.

Summer (June – August): Peak Growth

Biological Focus:

• Antlers grow rapidly and begin to mineralize

• Does are lactating; fawns are growing fast

• Overall nutritional demand is at its highest

Nutritional Goals:

• Fuel rapid tissue growth in both bucks and fawns

• Maintain hydration and immune function during hot months

Recommended Feed Types:

• High-quality forage: Legumes, brassicas, and warm-season plots

• Free-choice minerals with zinc, copper, manganese, calcium

• Water access: Deer need consistent hydration for digestion and lactation

Healthy Herd Tip: Use a balanced summer pellet or liquid supplement that provides protein, minerals, and electrolytes—especially important during drought conditions.

Fall (September – November): Pre-Rut & Rut

Biological Focus:

• Bucks harden antlers and enter the rut

• Does enter estrus cycles

• Increased movement, fighting, and mating burn massive energy

Nutritional Goals:

• Maximize energy intake for rut endurance

• Maintain immune strength to prevent post-rut crashes

Recommended Feed Types:

• High-energy grains: Corn, oats, barley

• Fall food plots: Brassicas, turnips, winter peas

• Molasses-based attractant supplements for increased calorie intake

Healthy Herd Tip: Offer dense calorie supplements pre-rut to build energy stores, and consider feeding locations near rutting travel corridors for effectiveness.

Winter (December – February): Survival Mode

Biological Focus:

• Bucks recover from rut exhaustion

• Nutritional stress is highest due to cold and poor forage

• Pregnant does require nutrients for fetal development

Nutritional Goals:

• Prevent excessive weight loss

• Provide digestible fiber and long-burning energy

• Support immune systems

Recommended Feed Types:

• Fiber-rich roughage: Hay, browse, soybean stubble

• Energy-dense grain mixes

• Vitamin-rich blocks or fortified licks

Healthy Herd Tip: Winter feeding is about survival, not antlers. Help deer maintain body fat so they can recover fully by spring.

Nutrient Timing: Why It Matters

Certain nutrients are more valuable during specific parts of the year:

Nutrient	Spring/Summer Use	Fall/Winter Use
Protein	Velvet growth, fawn size	Muscle recovery post-rut
Calcium/Phosphorus	Antler calcification	Bone maintenance
Zinc/Copper	Antler & skin health	Immune support
Energy (carbs)	Fuel growth	Fuel thermoregulation
Vitamins A/D/E	Reproductive health	Antioxidant & immunity

Feeding Tips by Scenario

Land Managers

• Rotate food plots by season to ensure year-round nutrition.

• Test soil annually to optimize mineral content in forage.

• Monitor deer density to prevent food shortages in winter.

Hunters

• Use seasonal attractants responsibly to pattern deer movement.

• Post-rut feeding can help bucks recover for the following year.

• Combine camera data with feeding patterns for better hunt timing.

Final Thoughts: Feed With Purpose

Feeding wild deer is more than just scattering corn—it’s a strategic tool for herd management. Whether your goal is healthier does, stronger fawns, or bigger antlers, aligning your nutrition plan with the natural cycle ensures that every season builds toward long-term success.

Boost year-round deer health with Healthy Herd.Our scientifically formulated wild deer supplements support digestion, immunity, antler growth, and reproductive performance.