Introduction
Hey there, this is Jamie, and I’m excited to share with you our deer feeding routine as we prepare for the next deer season. In this post, I’ll walk you through how we supplementally feed our deer herd with protein from March to May to support antler growth for bucks and the health of pregnant does. Let’s dive in!
Feeding the Deer
We use a product called Max Racks, a 16% protein feed that also contains essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, salt, zinc, and copper. The deer on our property absolutely love it, and we’ve seen great results in their health and antler development.
Feeding Process
I typically add two 50-pound bags of Max Racks protein and 25 pounds of corn into our trough feeder. Mixing in the corn serves as an extra attractant for the deer, although it’s not necessary. This mix provides a balanced diet for our deer and ensures they get the nutrition they need.
Feeding Stations
Across our 1600-acre property, we have five feed stations. Each station consists of two trough feeders, with a total of 200 pounds of protein and 50 pounds of corn. This setup allows us to distribute the feed effectively and monitor deer activity in different areas.
Results and Monitoring
After setting up the feed stations, we observed an increase in deer visits and captured some amazing photos of bucks and does enjoying the protein feed. Feeding them through June ensures they have access to nutrition before transitioning back to natural browse, promoting their overall well-being.
Conclusion
I hope this insight into our deer feeding practices has been helpful to you. By providing supplemental protein feed, we contribute to the health and vitality of our deer herd, setting them up for success in the upcoming season. Thanks for joining me on this journey!
**Related Questions:**
1. **How does supplemental protein feeding benefit deer during late winter to early spring?**
Supplemental protein feeding during late winter to early spring provides essential nutrients for antler growth in bucks and supports the health of pregnant does.
2. **Why do you mix corn with the protein feed, and is it necessary?**
Corn is mixed with the protein feed as an additional attractant for deer, although it is not essential. The combination creates a balanced diet that enhances deer visitation to the feed stations.
3. **How do you distribute feed across your property, and why do you use multiple feed stations?**
We distribute feed using multiple feed stations, each equipped with two trough feeders. This strategy helps us cover different areas of our property effectively and monitor deer activity for optimal results.
4. **How long do you continue feeding deer protein, and what is the transition plan to natural browse?**
We feed deer protein through June to ensure they receive adequate nutrition before transitioning back to natural browse. This gradual shift helps them adapt to seasonal changes while maintaining their health.
5. **What are the key benefits you have observed from your supplemental feeding program for deer?**
The key benefits we have observed include increased deer activity, improved health and antler development, and the opportunity to monitor and photograph deer behavior, enhancing our overall understanding and connection with the herd.
Sidney