A list of common natural foods eaten by southern white-tailed deer in Summer

By Matt Ross, Whitetail Stewards, Inc.

• Grape (Vitis spp.)
• Sumac (Rhus spp.)
• Sunflower (Helianthus spp.)
• Blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis)
• Strawberry bush (Euonymus americanus)
• Greenbrier (Smilax spp.)
• Western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis)
• Western soapberry (Sapindus drummondii)
• Chicksaw plum (Prunus angustifolia)
• Persimmon (Dyospyros virginiana)
• Rattan (supplejack) (Berchemia scandens)
• American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
• Common trumpetcreeper (Campsis radicans)
• Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)
• Red mulberry (Morus rubra)
• Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica)
• Buffalo-nut Pyrularaia pubera)
• American holly (Ilex deciduas)

It's important to note that scientific evidence has recorded the consumption of well over 700 species of plants nationwide by white-tailed deer, and the above regional lists only represent some of the preferred species; consumption of each item varies with soil type, timber stand condition, and land use, and may only comprise a small portion of any individual deer's diet. The amount of plant utilization depends on its regional availability, the preference of the deer in that particular area, and the types and availability of other foods.

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