As the autumn season approaches, many people begin to wonder about the relationship between deer and pumpkins. The question arises: do deer eat pumpkins?
The simple answer is yes, deer do eat pumpkins. The longer answers is more complicated. What you really want to know is, are your pumpkins at risk? This depends on a few things, how many deer you have in your area, how hungry they are, and how easy it is for deer to access your pumpkin patch.
At our mountain farm, we have A LOT of deer. Seriously, our area is deemed a critical habitat for mule deer in Colorado. With that in mind, I’ve seen deer eat dahlias and super hungry deer eat tomatoes. I’ve also learned a few important ways to keep the deer out your garden. Today, we’re covering it all. Let’s get to it and keep those pumpkins safe!
Key Takeaways
- Deer have been known to eat pumpkins, especially the fruit itself
- That said, pumpkins aren’t a deer’s first choice
- If your deer pressure is high, you may need to install a deer fence
Why Do Deer Eat Pumpkins?
The bottom line is a hungry deer will eat just about anything. A deer with choices will generally choose other things. The deer in my area absolutely love sunflowers and will easily chow down an entire row of lettuces if left alone.
Deer are known to eat pumpkins, and the reason is due to their rich nutrient content and availability during the fall season. Pumpkins provide a great source of energy and essential nutrients like potassium, fatty acids, and vitamins A and E, which help deer survive the cold weather.
Although they might not be too keen on the hard outer skin, they love the soft interior and the pumpkin seeds. They can effortlessly use their antlers or hooves to crack open the pumpkins and easily feast on their contents.
When it comes to the pumpkin plant itself, deer will eat the vines, flowers, and leaves. Although they might not be particularly fond of the fuzzy stalks, they can still eat them if other food options are scarce. Deer have a strong preference for the flowers, as they consider them juicy and tender.
Preventing Deer from Eating Pumpkins
Livestock Guardian Dogs
We live in a very remote area with heavy deer, bear, and mountain lion presence. To keep our livestock, garden, and children safe we rely heavily on the protection of Colorado Mountain Dogs (a new breed of livestock guardian dog).
Our three Colorado Mountain Dogs do an excellent job protecting our chickens and goats (and kids!), and a good job keeping the garden safe. If they are around, they will always chase a deer out of the garden, but they are often busy out in the fields protecting animals. For that reason, we also rely heavily on a deer fence.
Effective Fencing Solutions
The Colorado State Extension states that the best way to keep deer out of the garden, is to install a fence. And after trying just about everything in an area with a lot of deer, I would agree.
If you really want to get serious about protecting your garden, you’re going to need a deer fence. And while there are plenty of cute-looking fences on the internet, you need to prioritize height and sturdiness.
Deer can jump incredibly high, so aim for a fence height of at least 8 feet. And if you have a lot of elk in your area, you’ll want a ten foot high fence.
Additionally, make sure the fence is secure at the base to prevent deer from pushing their way through. You may also opt for an electric fence if it is allowed in your area, which will serve as an added deterrent for deer.
I know some people recommend netting as an alternative, but I don’t prefer that. Yes, you can drape a net over your pumpkin patch, but in my experience it can accidentally snag snakes, rabbits, and other small critters. I hate accidentally harming a wild animal, so I stick to a fence in place of any netting.
Commercial Deer Repellents
Various commercial deer repellents are also available that can be applied to your pumpkin plants or the perimeter of your garden. These repellents often contain strong-smelling and bitter-tasting substances that deter deer from eating the plants while not harming them. These have varying degrees of effectiveness, but need to be reapplied often. We have an extremely large market garden (we sell at the local farmer’s market each summer), so spraying each plant is not feasible.
I also know people who have successfully used a motion-activated sprinkler system that gets triggered when deer approach your garden. The sudden burst of water is usually effective in scaring deer away and keeping them from venturing further into your pumpkin patch. Living off-grid we’re always looking for options that don’t require extra power, so this isn’t something we use.
FAQ: Do Deer Eat Pumpkins?
Do deer eat pumpkin leaves?
Yes, deer do consume pumpkin leaves. During the summer season, deer are attracted to the edible leaves of pumpkin plants as they provide a source of nutrients for them. However, do keep in mind that deer also eat other parts of the pumpkin plant, including the flowers and the fruit itself.
Are pumpkins beneficial for deer?
Pumpkins are indeed beneficial for deer as they are a nutritious food source filled with vitamins and minerals. While pumpkins are not commonly found in the wild, they can still form a healthy part of a deer’s diet, which mainly consists of fruits and vegetables.
What parts of a pumpkin do deer eat?
We’ve answered the question, do deer eat pumpkins? And now you might be wondering if a deer will eat the leaves and stalk of your pumpkin plant. As I stated above, a hungry deer will eat just about everything. But given a choice, deer prefer the pumpkin fruit and don’t tend to love the stalk and vines.
Do deer prefer pumpkin seeds or the flesh?
Deer have a preference for the guts of the pumpkin, which includes the seeds, rather than the shell or flesh. They love eating pumpkin seeds, and if you want to attract deer or feed them, you should break the pumpkin open to make the guts more accessible.
Will deer be attracted to carved pumpkins?
Yes, deer will be attracted to carved pumpkins. The exposed flesh and seeds inside the carved pumpkin can entice deer to come and have a little feast. If you want to protect your carved pumpkins from being eaten by deer, it is advisable to place them in a location that is not easily accessible to these animals.
What other animals commonly eat pumpkins?
Besides deer, there are several other animals that commonly eat pumpkins, including squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and even birds like crows. These animals are attracted to the soft flesh, seeds, and other parts of the pumpkin as a source of nutrients.
