Deer, in most cases, feed on the leafy parts of the plants, the shrubs, and the trees amid these seasons. Hard and soft mast. The question of what to feed deer other than corn is one that has many answers. These have to be prepared and can be sourced from most stores that sell deer feeds. During winter, deer predominantly survive on woody vegetation such as stems, twigs, and buds. However, it is essential to know how deer feed at different times of the year. A well-balanced diet of 16% protein and added fat and minerals to support reproduction is of greater benefit than just corn during this time of year. So as far as what to feed deer in winter or what to feed deer instead of corn, stick to more natural sources like cutting a small patch of forest down to bring browse to deer level. Supplemental feeding can be especially important for diminished habitats. This will help you identify which feeds are ideal for which season. 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I didn't mean it to sound like it didn't. Hard and soft mast are a great all year round source of food for deer. What to feed Deer instead of Corn? If you’re looking for something else in the mix or what to feed deer instead of corn, a better and safer option for winter deer feeding is to use deer food pellets or other high fiber deer feed. we live in a small city in north east washington 40 miles from canada so we get quite a bit of snow and very cold weather snow stays heavy some winters. More body fat means that deer and other animals are able to produce and maintain more body heat. If you’re looking for something else in the mix or what to feed deer instead of corn, a better and safer option for winter deer feeding is to use deer food pellets or other high fiber deer feed. 5.) Spring is the season when deer transition from the winter. If you’re looking for something else in the mix or what to feed deer instead of corn, a better and safer option for winter deer feeding is to use deer food pellets or other high fiber deer feed. And while corn is cheap, it is not the best deer feed. Instead, ease your head in far enough to look both directions. There may be some debate, but cracked and shelled corn both seem okay. It is very much similar to cottonseed and is ideal for helping deer add weight. Acorns are probably the most essential mast. A low maintenance food plot can be a great alternative to corn throughout the year. There is an abundant source of protein available to them during the growing stages. Don’t forget to use the feed-point estimate calculation for the particular form, positioned on the backside of the deer feeder belongings, to settle on the ratio between pounds of corn used per second. Learn which are the best deer feeder for these kind of alternatives. I was going to back them all off a bit, but with the range … And feeding deer during winter more often than not leads to death. Always check the latest hunting gears out in the market and try to share his honest opinion with the audience in OUTDOOR EVER. Since the idea is to attract deer and not feed them to death, you may want to find an alternative feed. As a whole, it includes planting food plots, providing supplemental minerals and feed, and working on habitat projects to improve native forage production. Learn which are the best deer feeder for these kind of … Another option to try is bagged horse feed that contains 12%-14% protein. Deer management is all about providing the best resources, at the right amounts and the right time. It seems that most of the Feed Stores in and around Lexington Kentucky sell a pre-mixed version that contains Rice Bran and other ingrediants for horses.. "Omega" is one of them, and it sells for over $20.00 a 50lb bag at Southern States, and even higher at local feed stores...This is not what you want anyhow... .. Because of this, turnips are better suited for Northern states. Further, young deer that associate feeding sites with winter habitat may never learn to occupy natural winter habitat. During the cold of winter, deer need protein as it is a source of energy. If you do not see anything close, pick up your binoculars and examine the area closely. Don’t stop feeding them. We only feed a corn/soybean mixture in the winter time. Set up feeders or troughs as far as possible from your home so that the deer don't come near your house. Turnips have a protein content of between 15% and 20% depending on the type. some states have strict rules on feeding deer, List Of What To Feed Deer Other Than Corn. If you setup a mineral block, make sure to do so near a water source. Most animals, deer, including deer, will be looking to fatten up before winter. Deer feeding can take on multiple aspects. Although deer don't "need" the high-protein feed as much as they did in summer, it is important to transition them from a diet heavy in protein into rations of grain and or hay. During autumn, deer will prefer foods with high-fat content. These animals are herbivores, and they browse during the night and eat almost any plant that they come across. Also, the winter cold causes a chemical reaction in turnips that leads to the plant producing more glucose. Oct 18, 2019 - Learn what to feed deer instead of corn? These pellets are usually rich in proteins and have a protein content of between 16 and 21%. In addition to high protein supplements, don’t forget to supply minerals as well. Good optics will help you pick out a deer in the difficult background of brown corn. Feeding Does Through Winter After a summer of producing milk for one to three fawns, a doe’s body weight and body condition has decreased. They also have other nutrients as part of their ingredients. Have had a couple of hunting friends say they prefer ear corn to shelled corn (for ground feeding)----less consumption by turkeys and other birds. Also, deer love rice bran and will make for an excellent deer attractant during the deer hunting season. To give you an idea of their behavior, they also avoid staying long in one spot as a survival measure. Main drawback is the cost. Acorns are the preferred bait of a lot of hunters and a much safer alternative to corn as well. I have some somewhere that show about twice that many deer. Often times popular believes are not entirely true. Corn is low in protein and high in carbohydrates. Since acorns produce in cycles, it is recommended you plant different species of red and white oak. When it comes to feeding, deer, planning and understanding deer habits are essential. Turnips are great for deer because of their high protein content. Thanks for you feedback. Acorns make up to 71% of deer food during autumn. The reason being that acorns help them add on weight as they prepare for winter. The food plot can have a diverse mix of mast-producing trees and shrubs. Then slowly reduce the corn content until you're at a 50% mix or more of the protein feed. Oats are rich in fiber and have a protein content of about 12%. There was a study that found cracked corn is more digestible. In summer, soft mast foods are essential to deer. The food plot can have a diverse mix of mast-producing trees and shrubs. Feeding deer can be an enjoyable experience for deer lovers. A low maintenance food plot can be a great alternative to corn throughout the year. In Southern states, turnips are best for the late season when temperatures are usually extremely cold. Learn how your comment data is processed. Compared to other alternative feeds rice bran has a relatively small protein content. May 2, 2019 - Are you wondering what to feed deer other than corn? More often than not a deer feeder’s use occurs on the most basic level you can imagine. Also, you can plant other mast-producing trees such as chestnuts, beech, and hickory. Corn is probably the most common deer feed in the country because of how cheap it is. Also, they are easy to digest, which is always a plus for deer. In the Deep South, hunters may not plant any of these seeds until August or early September. Some of the soft mast sources you can use include pawpaw, wild grapes, crabapples, and blackberry. Soybeans are slightly more expensive than corn but offer more in terms of nutrients. Many facts have surfaced which advocate in favor of feeding deer something else. This is nutritionally more in line with what they naturally eat anyway. Having it near a water source will tie it to their natural routine of needing water. With approximately seven to ten percent protein, corn does not provide adequate protein levels. i don’t know how many deer eat out of the 5 containers i put out not lg. The white-tailed species is the most common in the wild. Well, There are some excellent alternatives that offer more benefits to deer than corn. What Can You Feed Deer Instead Of Corn? As such, their digestive system is not equipped to handle a high carbohydrate diet. Intervention in the form of a couple hundred pou… Many people make the mistake of only feeding deer corn, which is high in carbohydrates … What is the feeling of the hunters on here? Autumn comes before winter. But is corn the best deer feed? This will prevent the feed from getting moldy. Corn is deemed as one of the best supplementary food of deer, which is not true. Even though it is one of the poorest types of deer feed available. Other than that, it does not have a lot to offer compared to other feeds. In the beginning of this phase, you may need to mix the protein with corn to make it more attractive to the deer. What You Should Feed Deer Instead Of Corn Posted on the 02 May 2019 by Mitchell Wood @Mitchel78489274. Spring and Summer Deer Feeding Basics. This happens for many reasons but the result is the same; inadequate amounts of quality food for deer.There is a difference between baiting and supplemental feeding. Anything that has a high fiber and protein content will be good for deer. This is nutritionally more in line with what they naturally eat anyway. It is not beneficial just because it is cheap and labeled as “deer corn”. This is nutritionally more in line with what they naturally eat anyway. In winter, red oaks and other similar plants become more critical. It has about 20% of fat. Pick the clover and the oak leaves and blend them with the lettuce Many experts have widely recognized by many people due to the unbelievable quality connected with performance on the market. However, since it is not as rich in nutrients as other feeds, it is not wise to use it alone. They can be stored for long periods, and those who choose to use them often find quite a bit of success with the humble oak seed. All the alternatives mentioned above will make better deer feed than corn. L It is about conservation. Then, you can gradually wean the deer off the corn as summer goes on. Research on deer feeding habits and digestive system suggests it’s not, which is probably why some states have strict rules on feeding deer and deer baiting. I show you the different and healthier alternatives to satisfy deer now. What it has in plenty is fat. Supplemental feeding is to What to Feed Deer. If the corn is presented to deer they will eat but so will coon. First and foremost, the decision to feed deer is often dictated by state wildlife regulations, which vary widely from state to state. There are over 10,000 deer farms in the U.S. where deer are fed products formulated for deer such as Monster Meal Feeder Pellets and Purina Antler Advantage , with a protein content of about 16 to 20 percent, which are suitable as an emergency feed. Some allow feeding year round, others only outside of hunting season, and some not at all. Thus you need to know what to feed deer instead of corn, especially during the winter. Feed deer on your property. The deer herd would be getting smaller with time if corn was bad for them, instead it is getting larger. In fact, feeding deer in the winter is a big concern for deer, deer managers, and many states. Hard and soft mast are a great all year round source of food for deer. We suggest you do not to ever skip a chance to try this What Can You Feed Deer Instead Of Corn?. Moreover, they are cheaper than commercially prepared high protein pellets. This is a considerably high protein content and will benefit deer during winter. This is the time that deer, just like all other animals are preparing for winter. To Feed or Not to Feed. We will discuss the deer feed-level estimate calculation chart below (Reminder: These calculations are calculated just approximately). There is an apple orchard directly behind the camera. Feeds high in carbohydrates are not recommended during winter. This is this kind of incredible What Can You Feed Deer Instead Of Corn?. Lake Streeter, A Gun enthusiast, and loves to hunt in the middle of the wood. Unlike some of the other alternatives on this list, protein pellets are not available naturally. Corn is what most wildlife lovers offer deer. Labor Day is when most southern deer hunters try to get their green-field plantings in the ground. It is worth noting that both the leaves and roots can be used as deer feed. containers. This is a very inexpensive way to feed deer – all you need is a chainsaw and a couple hours of your time. If the feed becomes moldy, it is best to not feed it to them. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If deer go to feed sites instead of protected deer yards, then the timber companies will see little value in continuing to protect the wintering areas. Also, most will help in maintaining a healthy deer population in your area. (Have a neighbor family needing work; may let them pull some ear corn to sell for deer feeding if there is a market for it.) Protein pellets are commercially produced for the purpose of feeding deer. we feed corn year around too in addition to cottonseed and mineral. In autumn, deer are drawn to acorns, especially from white oaks. Supplemental feeding isn’t about fattening up the deer you hunt. It's taken right at dark and there is enough daylight to show 15-20 deer feeding with that many coming from the open field behind them. Therefore, for the upcoming hunting season, remove corn from your deer baiting and feeding equation. Each deer should eat no more than 3-4 pounds of food per day. You can grow big deer without the use of feeders filled with corn. is it ok to feed white tail deer a mix of mgm and alfalfa pellets or corn and alfalfa pellets every day ? A deer's digestive system needs to grow the proper bacteria in order to properly digest a diet that is mostly grain, especially in times and areas where grain would not otherwise be available to them. Add sheep or goat pellets. Outdoorever.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I realize the midwest states produce alot of corn each year as well as big deer. Stalking bedded deer in standing corn is not a new idea. Soybeans offer value for money. On average, soybeans have a protein content of between 35 to 45%. Does, on the other hand, are preparing for fawn rearing. Start by mixing a small amount of the feed with shelled corn to get them accustomed to the smell and taste. These are high in protein, which is important for deer. it adds to the cost, but it gives the deer a little extra food, and more importantly keeps them coming by where the cottonseed and mineral is. This can be molasses to sweeten it or commercially prepared attractants. This is the time that bucks are preparing for antler growth. A hungry deer that has not eaten corn recently can die within a day if it comes across a large pile of corn that it devours [bloat and acidosis]. Simple and consistent corn feeding throughout the winter months appears to “help” deer and other wildlife through cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. That's not even the "good" pictures. This means during winter turnips become sweeter for deer. This is considerably higher than the 5 to 7% protein content of corn. The Spring And Summer Foods. There are a lot of deer that die as a result of bad feeding, especially from consuming corn during winter. As such, deer will require proteins to build up their energy. Feed the pet deer lettuce, clover, and corn amid the spring and the summer. Therefore, one of the best alternative feeds is oats. As such, they make an excellent alternative deer feed to corn. It works best when mixed with other feeds. Make sure to use a feeder that keeps the feed covered and dry. As such, feeds rich in proteins are recommended for winter deer feeding. ... We feed deer corn every evening. Also, proteins help in antler growth. This brings us to the question of today, what to feed deer instead of corn? If you plan to feed deer on your property, make sure you're feeding them the proper food, and not giving them too much of it. Annuals grow a lot of food for deer and turkeys in a short time. 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