Will Bucks come to feeders?

A mature Alabama buck visits a feeder alone, at night, in the post-rut. New deer research suggests those are the exact conditions under which adult bucks are most likely to use hunted feeding sites (photo by NDA member Fred Hart).

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.

Do deer feeders scare big bucks?

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 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.

What is the best way to attract bucks?

Feeder - Buck Rogers (Official HD Video)

What sound attracts bucks the most?

Doe bleat calls are great for attracting all kinds of bucks or even other does, which makes it a very handy call if you're looking to fill the freezer with venison. Bone Collector's Doe Bleat call is compact, yet produces very realistic estrous bleats that will bring a buck in on a string.

Why have deer stopped coming to my 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.

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 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.

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.

Is a deer feeder worth it?

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. These are some of the top reasons that hunters love using a deer feeder.

When should you set your 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.”

When should I start putting out deer corn?

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.

What time of day are most big bucks killed?

Most of them are specifically between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning to be exact. It's a proven time, and it could have a lot to do with the common perception among deer hunters that things slow down once early morning is through.

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 can I put in my 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 corn hurt deer?

Corn is high in starch and a good source of digestible energy, but can cause problems in a deer's digestive system. When deer eat too much corn or other high-‐carbohydrate food, many complex changes occur in the rumen. Some microbes proliferate while others die.

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.

Why is the deer not eating my corn?

You may have corn that has been treated with a pesticide. Deer will not eat it until it is rained on which with a feeder will never happen. I've encountered that problem before. Try new corn that you know is not treated.

Why am I not seeing big bucks on my property?

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.

Where do big bucks like to hang out?

Look for thickets, steep hillsides, deep draws, little swamps—out-of-the way spots where old boys might hide. The key to hunting one of these places is hidden, quiet access with a favorable wind, so you won't blow out the bucks.

How do you know when a buck is coming?