To supplement the native forage, an attempt should be made to have high-quality agronomic forage available during the stressful periods and year round. Stress periods vary but in general occur during late winter to early spring and then again in late summer. By selecting a variety of plants that will produce sufficient quantities during these stress periods, deer will be provided with highly nutritious forage when native foods are not available or are low in nutrient content. No one type of deer food planting will meet deer needs throughout the year. Instead, plant a variety of cool and warm season species to maximize forage year round and cover the stress periods.
Different plants provide different nutrients to deer.
Knowing the missing nutrients in an area, and using supplemental plantings to provide these nutrients, is the key to successful planting for deer. Oats provided the highest level of phosphorous and legumes provided more calcium. Energy is important in late winter, especially in years of low acorn production. Planting strategies may include both single and mixed species plantings. However, mixing crops may cause competition among plants and reduce yield.