Deer do have selective tastes and they need higher quality food than elk that focus on bunch grass. Those tender buds and newly sprouted trees/plants are higher nutrient value for them and they know it.
Deer and beaver near my house definitely have selective tastes as well.
Figured out pretty...
Your story reminds me of my Grandpa and how he always knew where the elk would travel to when spooked.
I’ve never hunted WY but did get a preference point last year and I’m looking forward to hunting Wyoming