Why Winter Deer Nutrition & Feeding Matters for Next Season
As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, you might notice less activity at your deer feeders. It’s easy to think that once the rut is over and hunting season winds down, the work is done. But experienced land managers know that winter is actually a critical time for winter deer nutrition to ensure your herd survives and thrives through the harshest months.
Feeding your deer herd during and after the rut sets the stage for success next year. Whether you are managing for trophy bucks or a healthy population, winter nutrition is the key. At J&N Feed & Seed, we want to help you understand why keeping those feeders full right now makes a massive difference for bucks, does, and fawns alike.
Helping Bucks Recover After the Rut
By the time winter hits, bucks have already achieved their hard rack and antler size for the year. However, they are often physically exhausted. During the rut, bucks are incredibly active and eat significantly less. It is common for a mature buck to lose 10% to 30% of his body weight while chasing does and defending territory.
Winter feeding isn’t about growing antlers right this second; it’s about recovery. Feeding bucks during the fall and winter allows them to regain the crucial weight they lost.
Think of it as an investment in next spring. If a buck enters the spring season in good body condition, he can immediately direct nutrients toward antler growth. If he enters spring skinny and weak, his body must first prioritize regaining weight before it can even think about growing bone.
During this recovery phase, you don’t necessarily need the high-protein diet used for maximum antler growth in summer. Instead, focus on a well-balanced diet. We recommend a feed with roughly 16% protein, added fat, and minerals. This is far more beneficial than simple corn, which offers energy but lacks the complex nutrition needed for recovery.
Supporting Does for Future Fawns
The does in your herd have had a long year, too. After spending the summer producing milk for one to three fawns, a doe’s body condition is naturally depleted. Just like the bucks, she needs to regain weight to survive the winter. But for does, this weight gain is also critical for reproduction.
Research on mule deer has shown a strong link between nutrition and pregnancy rates. Does that have a higher intake of digestible energy the month before breeding season show improved pregnancy rates. Furthermore, does with greater body fat reserves are more likely to produce twins.
By supplementing their diet now, you are directly influencing the size and health of next year’s fawn crop. A healthy doe means a successful spring.
Giving Fawns a Fighting Chance
Winter can be particularly harsh on the youngest members of the herd. Does in good body condition during gestation tend to produce heavier fawns. This birth weight matters immensely. Fawns born with low birth weights face a much higher risk of mortality within their first week of life.
Fall and winter feeding benefits fawns born at different times of the summer:
- Early Summer Fawns: These deer are being weaned in early fall. Depending on the natural forage available on your land, they often need supplemental feed to transition smoothly away from their mother’s milk.
- Late Summer Fawns: These younger deer need extra help to achieve an adequate body size to survive the freezing temperatures of winter.
In both scenarios, fawns learn by watching. They see the does consuming supplemental feed and start nibbling it themselves. Weaning is a stressful period, and having an easy, nutrient-dense food source helps support them during this transition.
The Bottom Line on Winter Deer Nutrition & Feeding
Most hunters understand the importance of spring and summer feeding for antler growth. However, continuing your feeding program through the fall and winter is just as vital. It supports the nutrient requirements of every class of deer—bucks, does, and fawns.
By maintaining body weight and condition now, you ensure your herd doesn’t just survive the winter, but thrives going into the next season.
Ready to stock up?
Stop by J&N Feed & Seed today. We can help you select the right supplemental deer feed to keep your herd healthy, strong, and ready for next year.
