Mule deer diet in the fall

[Mr. Natural]

When I shoot something, or catch a fish, or whatever, I find it interesting to know what they have been eating. I was surprised to discover that the yellow flesh and tiny black seeds of barrel cactus fruit was almost the sole component of the diet of the mule deer buck I shot in 37B last month. What had the deer been eating that you harvested this fall, if you checked? And what kind of terrain was it, and what part of the state?

[oz31p]

Ive watched mule deer and Coues Deer absolutely destroy barrel cactus.

[Big or Bust]

They'll stop during their hasty retreat after I've been busted with a bow and maul a barrel cactus. Then start their hasty retreat again. I'm talking big big boys..

 

See it quite often...grin...

[CatfishKev]

I know well known guide that pops the fruit open all the time when he's out and scatters the seeds. Good long term honeyhole effect.

[creed_az_88]

C'mere deer

[PRDATR]

I know well known guide that pops the fruit open all the time when he's out and scatters the seeds. Good long term honeyhole effect.

 

Like most seeds that have a hard shell they probably won't germinate until they pass through he digestive tract of an animal or bird.

[trphyhntr]

Probably cholla flower seeds they eat the shoot out those

[naturebob]

Seen Coues eating leafs off ocotillo if available. They love all fruit from Cactus. Mesquite beans and foilage too.........BOB!