Growth of new antlers begins almost immediately. The white-tailed deer is one of the more adaptable large mammal species in the world. Given adequate protection, deer thrive over a wide array of land-use types and, often, close to humans. Deer habitats are composed of different quantities and qualities of food, cover, and water. The number of deer that can be supported in good physical condition on any given land area is called the carrying capacity of that habitat.
Deer require an abundance and variety of nutritious foods for growth, reproduction, and maintenance.
The amount and nutritional content of available food will affect deer productivity, health, size, and antler growth. On the average, a deer eats 4 to 6 or more pounds of food daily for each 100 pounds of body weight. During a year, one deer may eat more than a ton of food. Deer have been known to feed on thousands of different food items. Generally, food is selected according to its availability, nutritional value, and taste.