Biologists agree that ashe juniper is absolutely a last resort food for deer and many other animals. The appearance of a browse line in ashe juniper is a clear indication that deer populations are out of balance with the environment. Wildlife managers make observations to arrive at the number of animals the land support, then select an intervention to achieve and maintain this number. Annual deer census are conducted at Lake Georgetown to determine the numbers of deer in the area. Although a favorite food for deer, corn ranks very low for nutritional value.
Corn contains about eight percent protein and is high in carbohydrates.
The white-tailed deer needs a daily diet that contains sixteen percent protein for optimum development. This toxin is produced by a fungus and is present in corn which is grown under stress. While deer are less susceptible to the effects of aflatoxin, consumption can make the animal ill. Waterfowl and turkey who consume the contaminated corn often die. Deer in particular are prolific breeders and have the capability of doubling or even nearly tripling their population in one year.