Acorn Usage by Deer: Significance of Oak Management

Abstract

Abstract Fall food habits and food availability of four lead white-tailed deer were studied in hardwood seedling-sapling areas, cut-over mixed hardwood areas, and an oak sawtimber site in southern New Hampshire in 1979 and 1980. Red or white oak acorns were the single most consumed foods in both years. Acorns and/or oak leaves comprised over one-half the fall diet. Individual foods representing 10% or more of the diet were red oak acorns, red oak leaves, and yellow birch leaves in early fall, and red oak and white oak acorns, and red oak leaves in late fall. Management implications and recommendations are discussed. North. J. Appl. For. 4:124-128, Sept. 1987.