A deer yard is a place where deer gather in the wintertime to find shelter from the cold winds and frigid temperatures. Deer yards are essential especially in places where winters are extremely cold and snowy. Sometimes access to a deer yard with a food source nearby can be the difference between a deer surviving the winter or not making it through to spring.
Sometimes deer return to a deer yard they used the previous winter. It depends on whether the environment still provides protection and food. Fallen trees and a lack of growth in the spring and summer can mean it’s not a good place for deer to gather for protection. So, the herd moves on to find a more inviting place to shelter.