Just How Valuable are Forbs for Whitetail Deer?

This week Matt and Chainsaw Chad discuss the ins and out of forbs and the value they provide to lactating whitetail and bucks developing antlers. We review a recent NDA article published by Mark Turner named "One Type of Plant is the Greatest source of Deer Nutrition. Here's How to Grow it" We get deep into the Crude Protein, Calcium and Phosphorus nutritional demands and which forbs provide the adequate % to demands of a lactating whitetail doe. Broadleaf species such as marestail, jewelweed, pokeweed, ragweed, old field aster and giant ragweed rise to the top of the list when it comes to nutritional value. It does appear that calcium levels and protein levels are rarely lacking, but the phosphorus levels are less commonly found met by forage values. Regardless, the true takehome value comes from offering diversity in your forages! Both, forbs and woody and semi-woody plants need to offered in abundance! Its not food plots that are meeting the needs of whitetail deer, its weeds! Promote weeds to feed deer.