What are they eating?


NYBowhunter71

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Most books or articles you read tell you to set up along trails between the bedding areas and feeding areas. I know where some deer are bedding, but how can I find out where they are feeding?

Most of the brush in the surrounding area is so thick, it is completely impossible to walk through. This area is on publ;ic land, so placing a blind, permanent treestand or trail camera is out of the question.

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Guest luckyman4

Re: What are they eating?

Well, what is around there? Are there crop fields, or is it strictly woods. Not sure where you are hunting, but the southern part of NY I am familiar with is loaded with Oak trees. As the leaves start to fall, you can usually see where deer have been b/s they paw through the leaves looking for acorns.

If the area doesn't have oaks or crops, the deer are probably browsing much more. That's harder to pattern, but 3 of the best browse species I know are blackberries, raspberries, and Sugar Maple. Maybe you could try to find an opening in the woods where there is an abundance of browse and see if they are hitting it. Deer leave distinctive sign when they browse b/c they tear the end of the twig instead of nipping it clean, look for that.

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Re: What are they eating?

Luckyman nailed this. Depends really on what is around where you are how much and what kind of available food. Here there are still ag crops in and I am sure the deer are still using the beans and corn for food and some for cover, not moving anymore than they really have to at this point.

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Re: What are they eating?

Really hard to say what they are feeding on in your area. I had a 2 does and a button buck in my yard for the past few hours feeding on acorns. They are here on a regular basis. I'm also surrounded by corn fields, but they seem to be focusing on all the fresh acorns dropping.

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