Should you hunt over a feeder?

Use No.

Some hunters use bait to hold deer on their property, but don't hunt over it. This is a common tactic in the Southeast. It can be effective, especially in areas lacking in quality browse or agricultural food sources. When doing this, it's a good practice to place the bait in the center of the property.

Will a feeder spook 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.

Do Bucks avoid feeders?

Adult bucks are moving more during the rut peak than any other time of year, but they are not focused on food. They're focused on breeding. Meanwhile, does that are not in estrus may be trying to make themselves scarce to avoid bucks during this time, so avoiding sites like feeders might also be advantageous.

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.

What does hunting over bait mean?

Deer baiting is strategically placing a pile of food near hunting blinds or clearings in hopes of luring a deer (or bears) into close range. It is seen as useful for precision and accuracy, which are especially challenging in bow hunting.

Hunting over a feeder - the Swedish way

Why do deer stop coming to feeder?

When large mast crops such as acorns, wild berries, fruit or mesquite beans become available deer will also back off on feed. Hunting pressure or the presence of a native predator such as bobcat, mountain lions or bears can also cause deer to decrease feeder visitation frequency.

Is it wrong to bait deer?

It is well documented that baiting and supplemental feeding sites concentrate deer and have contributed significantly to the increased spread and transmission of diseases in white-tailed deer and other wildlife, including.

How do I attract bucks to my feeder?

Introduce the Feeder

An important step of how to attract deer to your feeder is to introduce corn, then mix in pellets gradually. Once you've picked out a prime location, set up the feeder. Even if you'll be using pellets, the form which most supplemental nutrition comes in, start out with corn.

Will a big buck come to a feeder?

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 a 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.

Are deer feeders a good idea?

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.

Why do bucks not come out?

The more time you or other hunters spend on the property, the less likely you are to see deer, especially older deer. Studies have shown that as hunting pressure increases, mature bucks move less during daylight. They also spend more time in thick cover, where you're less likely to see them even if they do move.

When should your deer feeder 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.”

When should you put corn out for deer?

Early spring to mid spring is a good rule of thumb to start your spring deer feeding program. This roughly coincides as food plots will start being planted.

Is hunting over bait ethical?

Even where it's legal, it's ethically challenged, not only because it puts virtually all emphasis on the kill – forget the chase; it is also unfair to other hunters, especially those who, for whatever reasons, choose not to bait.

Why is deer baiting good?

Baiting can also help deer populations when it is used as supplemental feeding during the winter. Some parts of the country have snow on the ground for long periods of time and bait sites help the deer population get the necessary nutrients they need to survive a long, harsh winter. One last benefit is to the economy.

How often should you bait deer?

Deer need to feed on adequate amounts of browse, 2 out 5 times during a 24 hour period within their daylight bedding areas. However, quality browse without a quality afternoon food source can leave you scratching your head, when you fail to consistently hold deer on your land.

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.

Why am I not seeing deer while hunting?

If you're not seeing deer, you might be reaching your treestand too late and leaving too early. Get settled at least a half-hour before you expect deer to move. That means arriving before first light in the morning, and at least an hour before dark in the late afternoon. For evening sits, plan to walk out in darkness.

Is baiting deer fair chase?

Where an increased harvest of a particular species needs to occur, or where positive identification of size or sex is a legal requirement, baiting is “appropriate given the circumstances” and does not violate Fair Chase principles.

How do you attract big bucks?

What is the best thing 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.