yeah deer and moose will eat the bark. its not a starvation diet even though that has been the thought. they think its a mineral or something that the deer needs occasionally. especially when females are lactating.
pat we are getting a population of moose in the state but not for hunting. the state was actually going to let archers use their deer tags for moose because they dont want the big lugs in the state but that didnt go over well so they are untouchable. i saw a cow once about 2 years ago. never seen another. also our bear population is on the rise especially in my neck of the woods so pretty soon i'll probably be beer hunting. they are getting very used to backyard feeders and have been moved several times.