Should I feed the deer?

Please Don't Feed The Deer! Under 4 VAC 15-40-285, it is unlawful to feed or attract deer from September 1 through the first Saturday in January. Nor, upon written notification by department personnel, shall any person continue to place or distribute any food, salt, mineral or similar substances for any purpose if the placement of these materials results in the attraction of and/or feeding of deer. No part of this regulation shall be construed to restrict bona fide agronomic plantings (including wildlife food plots), bona fide distribution of food to livestock or wildlife management activities conducted or authorized by the Department.

Feeding deer outside the deer-hunting season is a popular activity among some sportsmen and wildlife watchers. Most feeding is done by well-intentioned people who think that providing food for deer will help them survive better or produce better quality antlers. While feeding may provide enjoyment to people, wildlife biologists do not recommend this activity for several reasons. First, it can cause wildlife to lose their fear of humans, a situation that can be dangerous to both people and animals. Second, when many deer are using a feeding area, the possibility of spreading and maintaining disease among animals is increased. Attracting deer to feeding sites has been linked to the spread of tuberculosis and chronic wasting disease in some states. A third reason not to feed deer is that feeding can actually harm deer. In winter, a deer is well adapted to survive by eating the foods provided by Mother Nature. A rapid change in a deer's diet can leave the animal unable to digest the new food and can actually have a deadly outcome. Also, corn and other feeds are sometimes contaminated with aflotoxin, a common fungus that can poison deer and other wildlife. Finally, if feeding deer does increase their survival, the number of deer may increase beyond what the local habitat can support. Too many deer can cause habitat damage, harming the long-term survival of both deer and other wildlife in the area. So help keep the "wild" in wildlife - Don't Feed the Deer!

Adam K. Downing, Extension Agent
Forestry & Natural Resources - Northern Piedmont Area*

Virginia Cooperative Extension, Madison County
War Memorial Building, 2nd floor, Main St.
P.O. Box 10; Madison, VA  22727
Phone: 540.948.6881  Fax: 540.948.6883
< http://offices.ext.vt.edu/madison>