Are Weeping Willows good deer habitat?

By Grant Woods,

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← Grant's Answers — Miscellaneous
Question
I’m wondering if a pretty small wooded lot of mostly fairly mature weeping willow tress would hold deer. The property is only about 20 acres and has a river as the south property line. There is one area that is easily accessible and open enough to add a food plot that already has a number of crab apple trees and some white Oaks(not many and if I purchase I would try to squeeze in more where I could) but probably 17 of the acres is covered pretty thick with weeping willows. I don’t have the time or money to convert to pines or such. I know deer will sometimes nibble on the foliage but will they stay close enough to hunt in day light or will they look to bed in a different area?
Thanks for your time

Jeremy,

Usually Weeping Willows shade out vegetation from growing beneath them.  Deer like cover that’s from the ground to three feet tall.  

On smaller properties it’s just as important to consider the habitat quality and hunting pressure on neighboring properties!  Remember deer are very selective feeders.  They tend to eat the best food within their home range.  Hence, they may eat the leaves of Weeping Willows during certain times of the year at one location and never tough them at another. In general Weeping Willows are not a preferred deer browse.  

I’d also look for signs to see if the property floods and if so how frequently.  Is the property part of a travel corridor – do deer regularly pass through it going to better sources of food or cover?  Often times deer travel edges of streams.  I suggest scouting along the stream for rubs made during past years. This would indicate deer have used this area as a travel route for years.

Enjoy creation,

grant

November 12, 2015