This is where it is important to understand the difference between naturally occurring food and intentionally feeding wildlife. But there is another reason New York has restrictions on feeding deer. Intentionally feeding deer can cause animals to congregate in unusually large numbers and can increase the risk of disease transmission. Why New York Restricts Deer FeedingThe goal of these restrictions is not simply to keep deer out of your backyard. Wildlife management and conservation are major priorities for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which is why intentionally feeding deer is treated differently from deer simply taking advantage of naturally occurring food.