jphillips, I did this very thing this past year on a 4800 acre lease. Let me relate a couple of things I found.

First, once deer find out there's protien, they will go nuts for it. And I swear that they tell every deer in the county! Normally I would have about 15-18 deer regularly coming to my two corn feeders, with occaisional "pass through" visitors.

Within a few weeks of protien I had more than 30 deer hitting that feeder (and those new deer never showed on cam at the corn).

They would empty 300 pounds of free-choice protien in 2-3 days. I mean empty! I had deer standing on thier hind legs kicking over the feeder!

I went to a 800lb Lamco timed trough feeder. I throw 5-8 pounds in the morning and again in the evening. The deer figured that feeder out within a week and would literally be lined up waiting for the protien to drop. Usually bucks first, with does batting cleanup. They would eat every pellet within 30 minutes and stand there waiting for more, even licking the trough. It was funny somtimes.

Once, when I was filling/testing the feeder, I had a two deer literally coming running right up within 30 feet of me staring at me, waiting for me to get out of the way. As soon I got in the Jeep they started gobbling before I even closed the door.

I know I am not feeding enough to make much of a difference in antlers, but I DEFINITELY am drawing deer from all over the lease and neighboring properties.

Those deer are starving, the habitat is in terrible shape or both. We feed 1,800 acres that is high-fenced in Webb Co.. When it rains and greens up the deer won't touch the protein until all the green is gone. Same thing for when there's a good crop of mesquite beans. Deer much prefer and need those nutritious new-growth forbs and legumes to reach their maximum potential. Protein is for the tough times. That's why it is called supplemental feed. We had a ton of rain in Webb County the second half of 2013 and continuing into 14. Last load of protein we bought was 14 tons. The deer only ate 6.5 tons of it. We had to throw the rest away, as all the other ranches around us had the same problem. Protein is not a complete ration and deer will not utilize it in that manner unless there is nothing natural to eat. If they are eating it in that manner, you better be feeding some alfalfa too or your deer will founder.

I am building some 3,000 lb split compartment protien/ 500 lb spin cast corn feeders. I only want 1 station for both corn and protein is the idea behind all this. I am also building a 4 ton trailer with blower for delivery. On storage, I have none, but can store in bulk bags in dry container if I have excess from filling from trailer. Great info guys. Keep them coming. Any past experiences and advice is greatly accepted....

I can understand your perception, but I assure you the property is in good shape. They just like the protien. We have lots of deer, good fawn crop, good ratios, and fat, healthy, deer. If they were starving, they would eat the corn in the same manner.

We have good number of quail, predators, and other wildlife too! Maybe the deer coming from distance on other properties - but I can garantee the deer have LOTS to eat, both natural and supplemental. And you should have seen the acorn crop this year! And mesquite beans.

I'm telling you, they just like the protien.

Those deer are starving, the habitat is in terrible shape or both. We feed 1,800 acres that is high-fenced in Webb Co.. When it rains and greens up the deer won't touch the protein until all the green is gone. Same thing for when there's a good crop of mesquite beans. Deer much prefer and need those nutritious new-growth forbs and legumes to reach their maximum potential. Protein is for the tough times. That's why it is called supplemental feed. We had a ton of rain in Webb County the second half of 2013 and continuing into 14. Last load of protein we bought was 14 tons. The deer only ate 6.5 tons of it. We had to throw the rest away, as all the other ranches around us had the same problem. Protein is not a complete ration and deer will not utilize it in that manner unless there is nothing natural to eat. If they are eating it in that manner, you better be feeding some alfalfa too or your deer will founder.

B-Man, on the cost, I will get back with you on that. Should not be all that high since I am doing all the construction myself. I will only be out cost and my own time. I just now have my final idea on design of the feeders. I am going to get my material this week. Should take two or so days to complete build and a couple more to finish prime and paint, depending on if I am painting or lineing the inside. Should be some good ones though if my plans all work out....