Most researchers believe it is their sense of smell, not sense of taste, that helps the deer choose diet. Deer also seem to like the taste of salt, although they may be drawn to it because it is an important nutrient. In winter, deer are often found licking the salt used to de-ice the roads. Deer feed during dawn and dusk. Deer are safest from predators during these times.
Deer move about while feeding.
They also face into the wind, so that there are any predators ahead, deer can smell them. Moving about while feeding also prevents overgrazing in one particular area.