Whitetail Deer in February and March
Understanding Winter Survival and Early Spring Transition
Written by: Ryan Reading, Fall Obsession Pro Staff
Whitetail deer endure some of their toughest months in February and March. The peak of winter is behind them, but food is scarce, and energy conservation remains critical. Hunters who truly want to understand deer behavior should recognize the cycle of the whitetail year-round, and these months are pivotal for survival and setting up future movement patterns.
February: Survival Mode and the Impact of Winter
Food Sources
By February, natural food sources are dwindling, and deer are primarily scavenging for any remaining mast (acorns, beechnuts), woody browse, and agricultural remnants like waste grain in fields. Some key food sources include:
Woody browse: Twigs, buds, and bark from species like maple, dogwood, aspen, and sumac.
Leftover mast: Any remaining acorns or nuts not consumed earlier in the season.
Evergreen forbs: Some green vegetation under snow cover, like wintergreen and ferns, can still provide nutrition.
Agricultural fields: Deer will paw through snow to access waste grain such as corn or soybeans.
Where They Live: Wintering Areas and Yarding
In deep-snow regions, whitetails move into "deer yards," which are dense areas of coniferous cover that provide both thermal protection and reduced snow depth. Yarding is a survival tactic where deer congregate in tight groups, creating packed trails that make movement easier and reduce energy expenditure.
Conifer stands (cedars, hemlocks, pines) offer thermal cover and reduce wind chill.
South-facing slopes are preferred when the sun is out, providing warmth.
Lowland swamps with thick cover help shield deer from predators.
Yarding increases survival rates but also puts stress on local food sources. By February, heavily browsed areas show clear signs of overuse, with tree bark and lower branches stripped bare.
Buck Recovery and Antler Drop
Post-rut bucks are still recovering from the toll of chasing does and fighting in November. By February, most bucks have shed their antlers, though some may still be holding on depending on genetics, stress levels, and nutrition. Shedding usually happens sooner in tough winters due to high physical stress.
For shed hunters, February is prime time to start searching in bedding areas, feeding zones, and travel corridors.
March: The Transition to Spring
As winter loosens its grip, March brings the first signs of recovery, though it remains a challenging time.
Food Sources
Early green-up: As temperatures rise, grasses and forbs begin to sprout in southern-facing exposures first.
Buds and catkins: Trees like aspens and willows produce buds that deer consume as fresh sources of nutrition.
Crop fields and food plots: If available, standing soybeans, brassicas, and clover start attracting more deer.
Carrion and minerals: Deer may also consume winter-killed animals for minerals like calcium and phosphorus, helping prepare for antler growth and fawn development.
Shifting Habitat and Dispersal from Yards
By mid to late March, deer start dispersing from wintering areas as snow melts. They begin using a larger range again, shifting toward spring food sources and preparing for the pre-summer growth phase.
Key changes include:
Movement toward agricultural areas as winter food plots and fields become accessible.
Expansion into hardwoods for fresh browse from saplings.
Returning to summer ranges as does prepare for fawning season (late May-June).
Buck Activity and Early Antler Growth
By late March, buck hormones begin shifting toward new antler growth. Pedicles start healing after shedding, and velvet-covered antlers slowly emerge as nutrient demands increase. Minerals and high-protein forage become increasingly important at this time.
Why This Matters for Hunters
Understanding deer behavior in February and March is crucial for year-round scouting and land management. Here’s why:
Shed Hunting & Post-Season Intel: Finding sheds helps identify which bucks survived the season and where they winter.
Late-Winter Habitat Improvement: Creating or protecting thermal cover, planting late-season food sources, and minimizing pressure in yarding areas can benefit deer populations.
Predicting Spring & Fall Movements: Late-winter food sources often dictate early-spring travel routes, which can give hunters insight into future deer patterns.
February and March are about survival, recovery, and transition. While deer movement is reduced compared to the rut, they are still leaving behind critical sign—tracks, trails, beds, and shed antlers—that savvy hunters can use to plan for the seasons ahead.