Why will deer not come 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.

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 afraid of feeders?

WHAT TYPES OF DEER 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.

How do you attract deer if you can't bait?

What food attracts deer the most?

Food Plots

Plants that typically attract deer include red clover, chicory, and orchard grass. Certain high-protein crops, such as peas, soybeans, turnips, alfalfa, sorghum, kale, or corn, are also attractants that the animals enjoy feeding on. Deer like the nutritious nuts that come from chestnuts and acorns as well.

How to get deer coming to your feeder.

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.

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.

Where is the best place to put a deer feeder?

You might want to place it near trees large enough to place a tree stand or an area with natural-looking ground blinds or man-made ground blinds. No matter what your weapon of choice is, be sure to position your stand downwind of the feeder and deer travel routes coming and going.

What are the best times to set a deer feeder?

Feed Times

“You don't want the deer coming in too early and vacuuming up what is thrown out before legal shooting light arrives.” “And in the afternoon, I like to feed around 4:30 or 4:45 p.m. where we hunt. You want to see if you can pull them in with plenty of shooting time remaining.

What is the best thing to put in a deer feeder?

Once deer are consistently coming to the area daily looking for corn, set up a free-choice feeder filled with corn. Hand-toss corn on the ground around the feeder. When you observe deer consistently eating out of the free-choice feeder, stop hand-tossing corn.

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.

What time of day do deer eat?

Deer are most active during the twilight hours of dusk and dawn. Most sleep during the day. They typically feed in the early morning hours before sleeping and then again in the evening and through the night. However, deer can also be active during the day and even midday, especially during rut and around the full moon.

What scents attract whitetail deer?

Doe urine in the liquid form is probably the most common attractant scent used by deer hunters. It is good for calming deer's nerves and piquing their curiosity, since it simulates a new deer in the area. Since it is a common smell in the woods, it very seldom scares deer—bucks or does.

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.

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.

Are deer feeders worth it?

Deer feeders have positive benefits if well managed, but making sure that wildlife has access to food plots is a better strategy.

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.

Does peanut butter attract deer?

Deer love peanut butter, so it is an excellent bait. You can use peanut butter alone or in a mixture to lure deer into an area for hunting or just to enjoy watching them. Peanut butter is much cheaper than most commercial deer attractants and works as well or better.

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.

What is a deer's favorite smell?

Deer are attracted to the smell of soil as is, but if you want to up the attraction factor, pour some buck or doe urine, or scrape starter into it.

How do you attract big bucks?