Our bucks seemed to be really hungry after the rut ended 2-3 weeks ago. We put out protein this past weekend to see if we might help them out. I was wondering if them coming to and eating protein right after the rut makes them discover the protein and use it any easier. Bucks are trying to run does off the corn right now, because they are really hungry. I think next year we are going to start feeding protein about the time the rut ends so it will be available to bucks and make it easier for them to put as much weight as quickly as possible. It also might improve the hunting and make it easier to introduce protein after the rut if the bucks are really hungry. I know some of you feed protein year round and was wondering if you see an increase in bucks at feeders after the rut?

Absolutely. The late-winter post-rut is one of the peaks of protein consumption for us (other is late summer). Bucks have generally lost ~25% of their body weight at this point and the natural forage is often pretty poor. IMO, this time of the year is the most critical for protein. A buck is not going to throw his best antlers in Spring if he is in terrible body condition this time of year.

As an added bonus, it can keep your best bucks in your area. I've seen summer bachelor groups set up on a protein feeder multiple times. They remember where it is when the season rolls around and they split up too.

This is the time they need food more than any imo... one of the biggest buck loss times of the year

We start feeding Protein every year in January!

going down this January to get it started

We have a 1200# and a 750# free choice protein feeder. We fill them up on the last hunt (this past wknd). Our place is small, 500 acres. Pastures north and west of us do the same. The feeders are worth the money / effort in my opinion. We could really see the difference in three years.

Which is better for energy right now and fat content, protein or corn? I would think corn, no?

I will be firing up a protein feeder this weekend on my place.

this - we start protein and cottonseed to rebuild their weight and increase survival post rut

We have 8 spots and 4 of us have both corn and free choice protein feeders and without a doubt the spots with the protein feeders get twice as many deer. During the summer months it will last but right now I can't hardly keep my protein feeder full.

I took this pic last Saturday

Where can you buy cottonseed?

We're in late rut/post rut on our place, right now. All protein feeders were filled before we left ranch, yesterday. As stated above, this is the most critical time to provide supplemental feed. Free choice if you can afford it.

Cotton gin or Co-Op. But it is very labor intensive to put out and keep out.

Do you quit feeding protein at any point during the year?

I'm about to start feeding protein and curious if I need to run it 365 days a year or mainly not to hunting season.

we stop protein and cottonseed end of Sept and resume mid January -

We do basically the same unless the country is in really poor shape. Then we keep it going throughout the season.

My rut is still going in central, south and west Texas. I kept peanut hay out all winter. Does are doing well but bucks are still skinny.

Cool thanks for the info

I started with my first protein feeder last march and haven't stopped filling it. I figure if they are still eating it I'm gonna keep filling it. I just added another protein feeder on my place a few weeks ago. I could definitely tell the increase of deer on my property after I added the first one. Hoping to do the same on the other side of my property with the other one.

We feed protein year round. But, we don't hunt feeders. Consumption slows in Fall and Spring, and peaks post-rut and late summer.

I filled 3 55 gallon feeders on Sunday and I expect them all to be empty when I go back out in 2 weeks. Also turned the corn timer way down to try and encourage them to eat more protein.

I'm feeding rice bran all year. Its in a lot of the protein pellets. It has seemed to make a difference.

For those of you who have fed protein for a few years.....I have two questions:

Have you noticed an increase in antler size?
How many acres per protein feeder do you have or what is the recommendation?

We also start in January with protein and feed free choice till September. To answer Doc Hortons question, yes we have noticed an increase in antler size and we have a protein feeder per 100 acres.

Get you A Lamco timed feeder bud. I know it's not ideal, but you can ensure they'll have "something" to eat for 3 or 4 months and it'll pay for itself in no time with the fuel savings.