Are deer feeders worth it?

Deer feeders are excellent tools for keeping deer in your hunting area and bringing that big buck you dream of into comfortable shooting range. A 40-gallon steel feeder that only needs to be filled once or twice a season.

Should I use a deer feeder?

Deer feeders can be game-changers for anyone trying to get a glimpse of the wary animal. Whether you're a seasoned hunter, a photographer or a wildlife enthusiast, deer feeders can lure deer into an area where you can view their habits, snap a photo or even take a shot.

Are automatic deer feeders worth it?

Deer can eat all they want at night so they don't have to come in the daytime. They do though if you don't spook them when they come. Automatic work better and cost far less to run. I start them in August and by season the deer come running when it goes off if there aren't alot of acorns.

Do feeders scare deer?

Because not all spin feeders blend in with the natural surroundings, you may wonder if even their existence will scare deer away. Although these feeders seem like they have the potential to scare deer, they actually attract them.

Should you hunt over a deer feeder?

Use No.

Only about 25% of states with huntable whitetail populations allow hunters to shoot a deer over bait, but it's a common and popular practice where legal. Tactical Tip: Some say to pour out as much feed as you can muster. Others choose to limit how much they put out and replenish on a regular schedule.

Using Feeders When Hunting For Whitetail Deer | FOUR REASONS I DON’T LIKE USING FEEDERS - ABO

Will big bucks come to feeders?

A lot of folks will tell you that you can't kill a big buck on a deer feeder because deer feeders make big bucks nocturnal. Well, that can be true—if you use the feeder incorrectly or hunt the area in the wrong way. Done right, deer feeders can absolutely create patternable behavior in mature whitetails.

How long does it take for deer to get used to a feeder?

It normally takes around three weeks for deer to get used to a feeder. During this transition phase, you should avoid doing any maintenance work on your feeder and let the herd get accustomed to their new food source.

Why are deer not coming to my feeder?

It's important to know how to attract deer to your feeder. In this case, if you build it, they won't necessarily come. You'll need to strategically place your feeder in an area the deer already frequent. Also, they aren't naturally accustomed to eating pellets from a feeder.

What time should I set my deer feeder to go off?

Feed Times

“Obviously, in the morning, you want to throw corn a time or two right before, right at, or just after sunrise,” said Lillis. “You don't want the deer coming in too early and vacuuming up what is thrown out before legal shooting light arrives.”

Can you have too many deer feeders?

Registered. First in some respects your buddy is correct, there is no such thing as too many feeders. The deer will only eat what they want or need.

How long will 300lb of deer corn last?

2nd: The corn will last about 8 weeks. My 55 gallons hold 300 lbs, and they will run 12 when I had a spinner on them.

How often do you have to fill a deer feeder?

A 40-gallon steel feeder that only needs to be filled once or twice a season. This feeder has a digital timer that will feed up to six times daily with feeding duration of one to 30 seconds.

Why do people have deer feeders?

However, the concept behind a feeder isn't all that different from simply knowing where natural food sources are and choosing to hunt near them. In the hands of an experienced hunter, a deer feeder is just another tool to help you understand your prey's behavior and give a better chance of a successful hunt.

What is the cheapest thing to feed deer?

An inexpensive way to feed deer is with corn. Deer love corn and many hunters rely on it for supplemental feeding. That being said, corn is not an excellent source of protein, which is essential for antler growth and the nursing of fawns.

How many acres do you need for a deer feeder?

Place your feeders along frequently used runways or trails and be sure to have enough so that deer do not have to travel more than ½ to ¾ of a mile to a feeder. A good rule of thumb is to provide one feeder per 300-400 acres.

How do I get deer to come to my feeder during the day?

Items like corn, peas, nuts like acorns and pecans, and small fruits will attract deer. Add shrubs and other regular plants to make it look natural. They will be more attracted to this. Create your food plot in an area where there is the least amount of noise on your property.

How high off the ground should a deer feeder be?

The sides of the roof should be 72 inches or more off the ground to keep any bucks in velvet from hitting their antlers. The sides of the trough should be around 24 inches off the ground to allow fawns to access the feeder.

What is the best feed to attract deer?

By far the most popular and widely used bait for attracting whitetails is corn. Not only is deer corn highly consumed and well received by whitetails in almost every habitat across the continent, but it's also one of the cheapest options for hunters.

Will deer eat corn off the ground?

Many articles, presentations, and campfire conversations about deer nutrition state emphatically that corn is not good for deer. In a general sense, this is true because corn is low in protein (9%), has a poor mineral profile, and can cause digestive upset and metabolic problems.

What can you put in a deer feeder besides corn?

Some good fall food sources include hard mast (e.g., oak acorns, beech nuts, chestnuts, hickory nuts, etc.), soft mast (e.g., apples, pears, persimmons, etc.), and agricultural crops (corn, soybeans, brassicas, cereal grains, etc.).

Does human urine spook deer?

H. Koerth, human urine does not frighten deer. On a large lease, mock scrapes were created and different lures were used to attract deer. Scrapes are spots where bucks paw the ground down to bare earth and then urinate in them.

Are salt licks good for deer?

All hooved mammals love salt, so licks made only of salt do a fine job of attracting deer. Licks with added flavors, minerals and nutrients can be even better, especially if you find one the deer in your area really love.

How many feeders are needed per acre for deer?

A good rule of thumb is one feeder per 100 acres, depending on the local deer density and habitat quality.