deer feeders

[howerton]

I just recently moved and i first noticed the deer sighn on my 24 acre property immediatly. tracks in my yard, Last year rubs on cedar trees in my back field, Deer trails everywhere. On top of remodeling my house i found some time to put together some quick feeder boxes. I made 2 of them and nailed them to trees one on a pine tree in my field and one in heavily traveled area in the woods. well my question is im wanting to draw allot of deer in around my house and feed them to maybe help antler growth and weight gain. Is corn going to help me do this or not? ###If anyone has any answers or suggestions please let me know. Thank you.

[russ]

Hey howerton I have only used corn to attract deer.If you are going to use feeder boxs I would build them so they will last a few years.

Then when you know deer are useing your feeders,I would start useing deer pellets and or spike your corn with mineral supplements.

I read some where that you need to use a roof over a feeder box this will help prevent disease.But bucks need the roof about 4 feet above feeder.

Sorry I can't remember were I seen this info but hope this will help get you started.

[Gator]

Dried soybeans are also a good source of protein that the deer love. ###You can put it in the feeder just like corn. ###I would start off with a mix and then gradually go to all soybeans and pellets. ###When you build your feeder, build it in a way that coons can't get to it. ###They will waste alot of your feed.

[Jon Bain]

Corn is a good attractant, but stinks when it comes to actually benefiting the deer as you mentioned. ###The reason why is because Corn is a high carbohydrate high fat food source that does little to aid in growth and is used more for creating energy through calories. ###To aid with the growing process you need to look toward proteins. ###For deer a feed supplement should be at least 15% protein and no more than 20% protein. ###More in this case is not necessarily better. ###The high protein food source can be found in the supplemental deer feeds that Russ mentioned or you can try combined soybeans, which are a high protein food source. ###If you buy either you may have to get the deer started on them by mixing in corn and slowly removing it over time as the deer get use to feeing on the other feeds provided. ###It doesn’t hurt to provide the high carbohydrate (corn) during the winter when it can be used, but it still should be mixed with a good protein rich diet.

Other items to look for in supplemental deer feed when wanting to aid in growth are: crude fiber between 10% to 20%, Phosphorus around .5% to 1%, Calcium 1% to 2%, salt at 2% or less, and vitamins like A, D and E are common. ###

A protein and mineral mixed diet supplement is what you need to aid during the growing period. ###

As for the feeders, Russ is correct in that you should keep the feed off the ground and dry by covering the trough with a roof. ###Actually the roof only need be three feet above the trough, but the trough should be 12 to 15 inches off the ground. ###A good trough size is 36 inches long by 18 inches wide and 12 inches deep. ###As long as the feeder you have is a feed at will type, keeps the feed off the ground, and keeps it dry you should be good to go.

I’d look at planting food plots if you have the place and equipment. ###You’ll come out cheaper in the long run. ###Good luck.