Do deer eat hay?

Deer do not typically eat hay. However, when deer are hungry, they may consume hay if it is readily available. Deer tend to eat a variety of other plants, such as alfalfa, clover and wildflowers. They also enjoy eating nuts, such as pecans, acorns and hickory nuts.

Fruit is another food deer enjoy eating. Deer consume fruits such as blackberries, blueberries and persimmons. They typically eat what is available during specific seasons. For example, during warmer months, deer consume fresh vegetables such as carrots, beets and squash. During cooler months, deer tend to consume whatever is available, such as willow branches, bark and bush tips.