Deer Hunting Secret: Deer Have a Sweet Tooth! (2024)

FAQs

Do deer have a sweet tooth? ›

I'm not alone, deer also have a sweet tooth. In fact, I believe deer like sweets more than white oak acorns and that's saying something. I use this knowledge when I'm scouting each fall. There are many varieties of sweets throughout the whitetail's range that may be available during the fall.

Acorns, nuts and fruits are generally called mast. They supply high-energy sources during times of thermal stress or rapid body and antler growth. Fruits such as grapes, blackberries, mulberry and plums are used by deer as a high-energy source rich in carbohydrates during antler growth.

Line up with the deer's front leg, aim for the middle between the belly and back. It's the golden zone for hitting the heart and lungs while keeping the meat prime. You need to spot the right landmarks on a deer for this shot. Aim between the lower chest and upper back, in line with the front leg.

There are numerous cuts of deer meat that hunters can and should enjoy. These are delicious morsels that provide healthy meals. And in most states, wanton waste laws require hunters to remove and use the majority of the edible portions. Of course, hunters should remove the hams (back legs/hind quarters).

When it comes to fruit trees, deer have a clear predilection for pears, apples, and persimmons, although they will not shy away from plums. Some pear and apple varieties are particularly cherished and appreciated by deer.

The varieties of deer food you can use during summer include shrubs, leaves, and grass. You can also add vegetables and fruits, except corn, as it can cause various health problems in deer.

Doe urine in the liquid form is probably the most common attractant scent used by deer hunters. It is good for calming deer's nerves and piquing their curiosity, since it simulates a new deer in the area. Since it is a common smell in the woods, it very seldom scares deer—bucks or does.

By far the most popular and widely used bait for attracting whitetails is corn. Not only is deer corn highly consumed and well received by whitetails in almost every habitat across the continent, but it's also one of the cheapest options for hunters.

Deer will smell it and come up to lick it. Keep in mind that other critters relish peanut butter just as deer do. Raccoons especially are fond of peanut butter and are adept at getting to things good to eat.

How do you attract deer to a certain spot? ›

It's been stated many times that deer go-to greens when temps are rising, and to grains (or acorns) when they're falling. In my experience, that's usually a true statement. Soybeans, clover, alfalfa, and other lush foods are solid bets at this time.

Infected deer become infected meat, so when you're out in the field, keep a close eye on the animals you hunt to ensure that they look safe and healthy. Overall, don't bring home a kill that looks diseased, sick or otherwise questionable.

Hang and skin your deer in an airy, open space. Dry age the carcass or quarters for 2-21 days at a temperature between 34 and 37 degrees. A fridge (with racks removed) or meat locker works great to maintain even temperature. Get the right deer meat processing equipment.

Humans aren't the only mammals with a sweet tooth. Omnivores from beagles to grizzlies can detect a wide range of flavors and enjoy the taste of sugar.

Specialized Digestive System

The rumen allows for the deer to gather a lot of food at once and then digest it later. The deer bring the food back up into their mouth and Page 2 chew it again. This process is called chewing their cud. It is also called ruminating, named after the rumen.

The top 20 deer foods are: acorns, alfalfa, apples, beechnuts, brassicas, cereal grains, clover, corn, cowpeas, fall leaves, fir needles, forbs, milo, northern white cedar, persimmons, pears, saplings and shrubs, soybeans, and treetops (felled or fallen).