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Do Whitetail Deer Like Triticale?

Published in Deer Forage 4 mins read

Yes, whitetail deer definitely like triticale. This hybrid cereal grain is highly favored by deer managers as a valuable food source, offering both strong nutritional value and a taste that deer relish.

Triticale is a cross between wheat and rye, combining the high yield potential of wheat with the ruggedness and disease resistance of rye. Its attributes make it an excellent choice for deer food plots, providing crucial forage, especially during the colder months when other natural food sources become scarce.

Why Triticale Appeals to Whitetail Deer

Several factors contribute to triticale's popularity among deer:

1. High Palatability

Deer are attracted to triticale for its taste and tenderness, particularly when the plants are young and actively growing. Its palatable leaves make it a preferred forage, encouraging consistent browsing.

2. Strong Nutritional Value

As a cereal grain, triticale offers a robust nutritional profile essential for deer health and development. It's a significant source of:

  • Protein: Vital for antler growth in bucks, muscle development, and overall body condition for all deer, including pregnant does and fawns.
  • Energy: Provides the calories deer need to maintain body temperature, especially during cold weather, and to fuel daily activities.
  • Digestibility: Triticale is generally easy for deer to digest, allowing them to efficiently absorb its nutrients.

3. Extended Forage Availability

Triticale is a cool-season annual, meaning it thrives in cooler temperatures and can provide green forage well into late fall and winter. This extended availability is critical because it fills a nutritional gap when many other plants have died back or become dormant. Deer often rely heavily on such food plots to sustain them through periods of scarcity.

Triticale in Deer Food Plots

For effective deer management, triticale is often planted as part of a food plot strategy. It's considered one of the primary cereal grains for deer managers, alongside wheat, oats, and rye.

Benefits of Including Triticale in Your Food Plot:

  • Winter Forage: Provides a vital food source when natural browse is limited.
  • Deer Attraction: Its palatability draws deer to your property, making it an excellent attractant.
  • Soil Health: As a cover crop, it can improve soil structure and prevent erosion.
  • Versatility: Can be planted alone or mixed with other cool-season forages like clover or brassicas to offer a diverse nutritional buffet.

Practical Considerations for Planting Triticale:

To maximize the benefits of triticale for whitetail deer, consider these practical tips:

  • Timing: Plant triticale in late summer to early fall (August to October in most regions) to allow it to establish before the first hard frost.
  • Soil Preparation: Perform a soil test to determine nutrient needs and pH. Triticale generally prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
  • Planting Depth: Plant seeds at a depth of about 1 to 1.5 inches.
  • Fertilization: Apply appropriate fertilizers based on soil test recommendations to support vigorous growth.
  • Stand Density: Aim for a good stand density to withstand grazing pressure from deer while still providing ample forage.

Feature Description Benefit for Deer
Palatability Deer find triticale highly appealing and tender. Encourages consistent use of the food plot.
Nutritional Value Rich in protein and energy, crucial for health. Supports antler development, fawn growth, and winter survival.
Forage Availability Provides green forage late into fall and winter. Offers a vital food source when natural browse is scarce.
Cold Tolerance Hardy cool-season annual, resistant to harsh weather. Extends the effectiveness of the food plot through colder months.

By incorporating triticale into food plots, deer managers can significantly enhance the local deer population's health and provide a reliable food source throughout the critical late-season period. Its dual benefit of high nutritional content and deer appeal makes it an excellent choice for any wildlife management strategy.

For more in-depth information on deer food plots and forage options, you can consult resources from reputable agricultural extensions and wildlife agencies: