However, elk ate tall fescue in the Mount St. Helens area during October and November 1985. Forbs and shrub species dominated their summer diet, but grasses were selected in greater proportion than their relative abundance in the fall. Reports of tall fescue palatability for deer vary. Tall fescue nutritive value drops during its summer dormant period. White-tailed deer in the Ozarks of southern Missouri eat tall fescue.
Tall fescue is most abundant in late spring, summer, and fall.
Forage samples were collected in the White River Basin of southern Missouri from fertilized and unfertilized fescue stands during May, July, September, and November. Protein did not vary significantly with respect to fertilizer treatment. Tall fescue in May had a crude protein content value higher than adequate for reproduction of white-tailed deer and only slightly below that yielding good growth and antler production. The protein values in other measured months were adequate to obtain some growth but retard antler development. Tall fescue is useful in rehabilitation work.