What Time Do Deer Come out to Eat?

Deer on the move are generally grazing, so having deer feeders is a great way to attract the animals to one location. Knowing when deer come out to eat can help shape your hunting strategy or ensure you get some great pictures. 

What Time Do Deer Come out in the Day?

Deer are most active during the twilight hours of dusk and dawn. Most sleep during the day. They typically feed in the early morning hours before sleeping and then again in the evening and through the night. However, deer can also be active during the day and even midday, especially during rut and around the full moon. While deer can still feed and move around during the day, they tend to stay closer to their bedding area during the daylight hours.

Do Deer Feed at Night?

Bucks in particular head out to feed after dark, which can make dusk a good time to hunt them. However, all deer usually feed from dusk and into the evening. In areas of high hunting pressure, deer might wait until after dark before they even step out to feed. 

Keep in mind, too, that deer can be fickle. Their routes and feeding areas change. Deer can even go on excursions to find new bedding and feeding areas. For this reason, using a trail cam or deer feeder can be a good idea, since it will help you track patterns and changes in behavior over time.

What Season Are Deer Most Active?

It should come as no surprise that deer take advantage of feeding times when vegetation is most abundant, which is between April and September in most regions. During these months, deer can feast on fields of soybean, alfalfa and other greens. Those that are not in agricultural areas tend to feed on native forbs and grasses.

Acorns are among a deer’s favorite foods. Once acorns start falling, you can count on seeing deer near oak trees. In most regions, acorns fall in September through October. You’ll want to stay alert for the first signs of acorns on the ground to adjust your hunting strategy.

It also important to consider that deer habits during the day can vary according to the environment. Loud noises can affect when deer emerge and eat. Weather can affect deer as well. Some experts have noticed deer eat vegetation more often after it rains, for example. Whereas during times of cold weather, snow and frost, deer prefer eating high-energy foods like corn. 

Take Advantage of Leading Technology From Moultrie

Understanding when deer come out to eat can help you spot more of the animals, and understanding deer behavior can help you set up your deer feeder correctly. Moultrie is your one-stop shop for the equipment you need. We’re one of the most trusted brands for deer cams and deer feeders among biologists and hunters.

Browse our sturdy, durable deer feeders and buy online. You can also find a local retailer to buy in person.