Why do deer like eating bird seeds?

They do not like eating bird seed. Bird seed is not a natural food source for deer. They usually hit bird seed hard if there is no other natural food source in the area. read more

As for numbers, the hunters do their best to take care of that problem in the fall. As for eating my garden plants in summer - for the most part they stay out of the yard in summer - there's food in the fields and there's dogs in the yard. But, they do eat some of my flowering plants. Again, that's life in the country. I learn what they like less and plant more of that. Or I spray my roses with a repellent. So, another vote for feed the deer. And enjoy them. read more

Elk also love birdseed (we lost several pole mounted bird feeders when the elk knocked them down to get at the seed. But unlike deer, elk have no problem eating seeds, and their normal forage all year round. read more