The ideal height for a deer protein feeder typically ranges from 4.5 to 5.5 feet. This height is optimal for allowing browsing deer to easily reach the feed and disperse it around the area. It should also be tall enough to deter other animals from consuming the feed, since deer can typically reach higher than other animals.
Additionally, taller feeders will help to minimize waste by keeping the feed contained and reducing the spread of the feed by wind. Feeders should also be securely anchored in the ground in order to prevent tipping over and to make sure that animals cannot move or push against it.
How high should a deer trough be to keep hogs out?
To keep hogs out of a deer trough, it should be at least 24 inches off the ground. This height keeps them from being able to reach their noses into the trough or climb in. It is also tall enough to create a physical barrier that will discourage even the most determined pigs from accessing the food.
Furthermore, adding weight, such as large rocks or cinder blocks, to the top of the trough can further prevent hogs from reaching it. Additionally, electric fencing or motion-sensing lights can also be used to deter hogs as well.
Finally, it is important to remember to regularly clean out the trough to remove any food scraps or leftover scraps that may attract wild hogs.
Where should you place a deer feeder?
When placing a deer feeder, it is important to take into account the behavior of deer in the area. Deer can be wary of unfamiliar objects in their environment and may not come near a feeder in a visible location.
Ideally, the feeder should be positioned in a spot where deer can find it easily and confidently. Consider carefully the deer’s preferred travel routes and choose the area in the cover of trees or shrubs that provides a natural screening for the feeder.
Avoid open, grassy areas near roads or trails. As deer are curious animals, they may be drawn to an area where there is movement, so be sure to choose a spot away from busy roads and recreational activities.
When placing the feeder, it is also important to keep it in an area with access to water. Setting the feeder near water sources can encourage deer to return and visit the area more often. Keeping the feeder away from other activity is especially important if you are shooting or hunting in an area.
How long does it take for deer to get used to a feeder?
The amount of time it takes for deer to get used to a feeder varies depending on a variety of factors, including the proximity of the feeder to other food sources, the local deer population, the size of the property and the amount of human activity in the area.
Generally speaking, deer will become familiarize with a new feeder within a couple of weeks, however the process can be much shorter or longer depending on the circumstances. If the feeder is located far away from any other food sources, deer may become familiar with it more quickly.
If the deer population is large and the area is highly populated by humans, the process may take longer as deer may be more skittish. Finally, if the property is large and the feeder is spaced out, it can take quite some time before deer fully understand the feeder and its purpose.
What do deer love to eat the most?
Deer love to eat a variety of vegetation, with their diet changing depending on the season and the type of habitat they are in. In general, deer prefer eating leaves, shoots, grasses, and larger plants such as clover, alfalfa, and young dandelions.
During the summer months, they are especially fond of fruits and vegetables, such as apples and corn. Additionally, they will eat many varieties of nuts, berries, and even mushrooms. In the winter months, deer like to eat the bark and twigs of trees.
In their natural habitat, deer will browse for various plants, grasses, crops, and acorns. When available, deer enjoy eating crops such as corn, oats, barley, and wheat. In urban areas, deer will also feed on garbage and pet food.
Why do deer stop coming to feeder?
Deer can stop coming to feeders for a variety of reasons. They may become accustomed to the food and relocate to a new source of food, or may no longer feel safe in the area due to changes in their environment such as increased hunting pressure or the presence of predators like bears or coyotes.
Deer also reduce their activity during the winter months when food is harder to find and temperatures are colder. Finally, if the feeder is left out for too long, the deer may become used to the smell and flavor of the food, and they may lose interest.
How do you get deer to come to a new feeder?
Getting deer to come to a new feeder requires patience and good timing. Initially, it is best to leave the feeder empty until deer start to show up in the area, as deer are more likely to come to a new area if they know other deer are already there.
You can then start to introduce food items into the feeder and continue to top it off throughout the day. It is important to be aware of the changes in the deer diet throughout the year, as deer are more likely to approach a new feeder if they know they will have access to the type of food they’re looking for.
Additionally, it may be beneficial to set the feeder up near a wooded area or in an area that gets a lot of sunlight, as this can be helpful in attracting deer. If possible, set up multiple feeders in the desired area, as this will also help to draw in more deer.
Once deer start to come to the feeder, make sure to remain quiet and still and avoid sudden movements, as deer are easily spooked and may avoid coming back if disturbed.
Do feeders spook deer?
Yes, feeders can spook deer, especially if the deer is unfamiliar with the feeders and their activity. Deer are usually skittish around objects and people they are not accustomed to, and the activity of feeders can cause a deer to become startled if it is not used to the sound of the feeders.
Additionally, the scent of the humans and the feeders themselves may cause a deer to become spooked. Feeders also attract other animals such as raccoons, opossums, and birds that are natural predators of deer, and the accompanying scents and noise can create a source of fear for the deer.
However, when deer become accustomed to the sound of a feeder, the fear may eventually subside and the deer may become relaxed around the feeders.
Should you put a corn feeder in a food plot?
Yes, you should put a corn feeder in your food plot as it can help to attract and hold game animals. Corn feeders offer an easy and inexpensive way to supplement wild game diets that are lacking nutrition from other sources.
These devices provide an effective way to supplement otherwise nutrient-deficient food sources, including browse and forbs, for game animals such as deer, turkey, and other wildlife species. Additionally, setting up a corn feeder reinforces normal food patterns which entice game animals to return to the feeder again and again.
It also provides an easily monitored area to check animal health and population dynamics. Corn feeders are also effective in holding deer onto a certain area, making it easier to hunt and provide killing opportunities.
Is a deer feeder a good idea?
Yes, having a deer feeder can be a good idea depending on your overall goals and objectives. If you are trying to attract deer to a particular area in order to hunt them, then a deer feeder can be a great way to bring a large number of deer to your desired area.
A deer feeder can also be helpful in providing supplemental nutritional needs for the deer in the area, especially during colder months when food sources may be more scarce. Additionally, if you are looking to create a sustainable environment for deer, then a deer feeder can be a great tool for helping to maintain a healthy habitat for the deer.
While having a deer feeder does mean that you will incur ongoing costs, it can be well worth the investment as a long-term effort to help maintain a healthy deer population.
How many acres do you need for a deer feeder?
The amount of acreage you need for a deer feeder will depend on several factors, such as the size of your property and the availability of forage for deer. Generally speaking, a 10-acre property should be enough to support one or two feeders in order to attract and maintain a healthy deer population.
You should also think about the type of feeder you want to use and the type of food being offered. If you opt for a gravity-style feeder, you could potentially attract more deer than with a hand-fed feeder, so you’ll need more acreage to provide adequate space for the deer to access the food.
Additionally, if you opt for a higher-protein feed, like corn, then you need more acreage than you would if you were using a lower-protein option such as wheat or soybeans. If you are looking to attract more than a few deer to your property, then you’ll likely need more acreage.
Ultimately, the best way to determine the appropriate acreage for a deer feeder on your property is to consult a wildlife management professional.
Can you have too many deer feeders?
Yes, you can have too many deer feeders and in some cases, this might not be beneficial for the deer and the environment they live in. Too many feeders can lead to over crowding or disease outbreaks if the deer become too concentrated in one area.
Deer feeders should also only be used sparingly as too much supplement to their diet can cause an imbalance of their natural nutrition. Studies have also suggested that too many deer feeders can also lead to an increase in disease and malnutrition due to the behavioural changes it has on the deer (they may become more dependent to being hand fed and less likely to forage naturally).
Additionally, having too many deer feeders might encourage aggressive behavior such as pushing out of younger and weaker deer so it is important to decide on the right number to have in your area to ensure their safety and health.
How high off the ground should a deer feeder be?
The ideal height for a deer feeder off the ground should be around 4 to 5 feet. This ensures that deer can easily access the feeder, but predators such as coyotes and bears will not be able to reach the feed.
Depending on the type of feeder, many have adjustable legs that can be raised and lowered to adjust the height. If the feeder is secured to a tree or post, it is best to secure it at least 6 feet off the ground.
Additionally, with some gravity fed models, you can mount them above a hanging feeder to allow for a larger capacity. Ultimately, the ideal height will depend on the amount of feed you are putting in the feeder, the size of the deer where you are located, and how much access you want to offer the deer.
Where do you put corn on a deer?
The answer to this question depends on what you are trying to do with the corn. If you are trying to feed deer, the best place to put corn is in a deer feeder, look for one at a local feed store or sporting goods store.
You can also use other methods such as suspending the corn from trees or placing it in an open area to attract the deer. If you are trying to attract deer for hunting purposes, then it has been suggested that corn be placed around 50 yards away from the hunting spot in order to draw them closer.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to disperse the corn and check regularly to ensure the deer are accessing it. Keeping the area around the corn clean is also helpful in ensuring that the deer will frequent the area.
How do you keep a deer feeder from clogging?
One of the best ways to keep a deer feeder from clogging is to use a feeder with an adjustable flow control. This type of feeder uses an adjustable plate or valve to control the rate of feed distribution, preventing too much feed from entering the feeder at one time.
Regular cleaning is also essential in avoiding clogs. If a feeder is not cleaned and maintained regularly, the feed can accumulate inside and clog the feeder. Ensure all parts of the feeder are wiped down, rinsed off and dried before refilling to avoid any build-up of debris.
A large enough feeder is also important in helping to keep the deer feeder from clogging, as the larger the feeder the less likely it is to clog due to the greater surface area. lastly, use a quality deer feed with no additives or large pieces like corn which can easily clog the feeder.
