Deer cannot digest mature grasses and can actually starve to death with a full stomach of these plants. These are either low in protein or the deer cannot extract the protein available in these plants. A deer's diet depends to a great extent on the season. In areas with large oaks, acorns can make up a substantial part of the fall diet. Farm crops, if available, can comprise a large portion of a deer's yearly diet.
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.