6 Early Season Whitetail Food Sources

During the early deer season, focusing on food sources can be a great tactic for getting on deer. Early season is a time of transition, when some of the summer food sources are going away and mast crops are ripening to provide different forage for deer. Summer patterns are shifting into fall patterns and the key food sources can change by the week. We aren't quite into pre-rut yet, so keeping an eye out for good deer forage is always helpful.

1. Acorns

Acorns are one of the most sought-after deer food sources in the fall. Acorns are nutrient-dense and provide an excellent source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins essential for deer to build fat reserves for the winter ahead. White oak acorns are great during the early season, and red oak acorns are more palatable to deer later on in the deer season. 

2. Browse and Forage

Deer extensively feed on browse, the tender shoots, leaves, and twigs of woody plants. As the leaves change and fall, deer often turn to forage on various shrubs, woody plants, and young trees. Common browse includes maple, blackberry, raspberry, honeysuckle, and sumac. Deer meticulously select plants based on their nutritional value and palatability.

3. Grains and Crops

Fall is also the season of harvest for farmers, providing a smorgasbord of food for deer. Agricultural fields filled with corn, soybeans, oats, wheat, and other crops become prime feeding grounds for deer. These crops are rich in carbohydrates and proteins, aiding in the deer’s growth and development as they prepare for winter.

4. Clover and Alfalfa

Clover and alfalfa are perennial legumes that remain green and nutritious well into the fall. Deer are drawn to these plants due to their high protein content, aiding in antler growth and overall health. They are common in many fields, pastures, and even along roadsides, providing accessible food for deer.

5. Fruits and Berries

Various fruits and berries also become important food sources for deer in the fall. Apples, persimmons, blueberries, and wild grapes are just a few examples. These fruits are not only nutritious but also offer the deer much-needed hydration as the season progresses and water sources may freeze or become scarce.

6. Food Plots and Wildlife Management

Many hunters create food plots specifically designed to attract deer and provide them with essential nutrition during the fall. These plots often include a mix of grains, legumes, and forage plants strategically chosen to meet the nutritional needs of deer.

Conclusion

The woods changes by the week during the early part of fall. Deer diet is often driven by the palatability of the foods they consume, and palatability changes based on the maturity of mast and vegetation. Paying attention to the browse deer are hitting and acting accordingly is key during the early season. 

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