Mid-Summer Diet of Deer on the Welder Wildlife Refuge

Abstract

The mid-summer food habits of white-tailed deer on the Welder Wildlife Refuge were studied by rumen analysis, using the point analysis method. Preference ratings were developed from the data collected. Deer diet in relation to soil type was: clay areas 70% forbs, 22% browse, and 8% grasses; and sandy areas 53% forbs, 45% browse, and 2% grasses. Seven species from the combined sand and clay areas made up 50% of the deer diet. Mast averaged 29% of the diet from the combined sand and clay areas.