Texas Hunting Forum

Supplemental feeding?

Posted By: javman

Supplemental feeding? - 06/01/15 02:58 PM

With all the recent rain we've had down here in South Texas (Starr County) is it really necessary for supplemental feeding with all the vegetation?

thanks,
Posted By: STXHO

Re: Supplemental feeding? - 06/01/15 06:11 PM

Its not totally necessary but it would not hurt to have protein or some kind of supplemental feed out. This time of the year deer are looking for mineral as we get later into the summer they will start hitting protein harder. As long they have more natural groceries they will prefer them over what you can give them. I wouldn't worry about it so much right now but by July I would have protein feeders going.

Good luck
Posted By: redchevy

Re: Supplemental feeding? - 06/01/15 07:19 PM

We still keep it out, but what we find is they slow WAY down on the consumption. Most of the time we will take enough down to fill everything and wind up storing it down there if we have had a decent rain since we left. You never NEED to feed it, but it gives them every advantage/opportunity to be all their genetics will allow.
Posted By: stxranchman

Re: Supplemental feeding? - 06/01/15 08:28 PM

Depends on your habitat and deer numbers. But you can bet it will get dry again someday, so no better time to start than now if you are thinking of feeding. The deer on my place started hitting protein again about 3 weeks ago. Not as much as last year at this time but activity picked up. I have had 24"+ of rain since March 5th and have food plots also. I keep it out year round to hold deer and also bring in deer. When they need it, it is there for them.
Posted By: javman

Re: Supplemental feeding? - 06/02/15 01:02 AM

Thanks for the responses. We have food plots also that consist of different mixes in each one. We've seen some activity but not a whole bunch. The deer aren't moving around much, guess with all the natural food sources they really don't need to. Thanks again for the advice.
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