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Changes in Deer Physiology
Wild animals have natural ways to deal with the harsh conditions winter can bring. While deer do not hibernate like bears do, they do undergo a unique set of physiological changes that allow them to require less food in winter. These changes include: the growth of a thicker coat of hollow hairs for added insulation, fat storage to provide calories over long stretches when calories may not be available and decrease of metabolic rate to burn fat more slowly and make fat storage last longer.
Deer Digestion
Deer fall into the category of ruminants, meaning they have a four-part stomach with microbes used for digesting specific types of woody vegetation that is the staple of their diet. When well-intended humans begin to introduce new foods into a deer̵7;s diet, specifically corn and other grains, deer are unable to digest the food efficiently because they do not have the right microbial support in their digestive systems. In some cases, deer may even starve with a stomach full of food.
Deer Habitat
While you may see deer roaming in fields and near the shoulders of the road, when the thick of winter approaches, they migrate to habitat complexes. These complexes are characterized by thick thermal cover to break brisk winter wind and provide shelter from heavy snow. These complexes typically contain sufficient vegetation for their survival as well.
Natural Selection
In a natural environment, the healthiest and strongest deer will eat first and eat the most. Young, old and sick deer eat less. This does not change if humans try to supplement the deer̵7;s natural diet. If humans supply more food, the healthiest and strongest deer will still eat first and eat the most, which provides little-to-no help for the deer that actually need the most help. This is a natural process that ensures the deer herd does not grow to numbers beyond what the natural environment can support.