Quick Answer
Deer in California's D Zones require a balanced diet consisting of 2-3% of their body weight in forage, with a mix of grasses, browse, and mast, to sustain their nutritional needs and support healthy growth.
Seasonal Forage Preferences
Deer in California’s D Zones exhibit distinct seasonal forage preferences. During spring, they focus on new green growth, consuming 2-3% of their body weight in grasses, such as blue wildrye and purple needlegrass. As summer approaches, they shift to browse, including shrubs like coyote willow and blackbrush, to supplement their diet. In fall, they return to grasses and mast, including acorns and walnuts, to prepare for winter.
Nutrient Requirements
Deer in California’s D Zones require specific nutrients to maintain healthy growth and reproduction. They need a minimum of 8% crude protein in their diet, which can be achieved through a mix of grasses, browse, and mast. Deer also require adequate amounts of calcium and phosphorus, essential for bone growth and development, which can be found in plants like clover and alfalfa.
Water Requirements
Deer in California’s D Zones need access to clean water sources to stay hydrated, especially during hot summer months. A good rule of thumb is to provide 1-2 gallons of water per deer per day, depending on ambient temperature and activity level. It’s essential to maintain a reliable water source, such as a natural spring or a water trough, to support deer health and well-being.
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