I was considering a supplemental feeding program at our place in Throckmorton using whole cottonseed, and I have a few questions for you guys using it. First, are you guys seeing any benefits from feeding seed? I know this summer was really hard on our bucks, and I feel they could've benefited from some help. Second, where do you buy yours? I live in Brock (Weatherford), work in Ft. Worth, hunt Throckmorton, so does anyone know of a place convenient to those areas? Third, if you have a feeding cylinder 3' around and 5' high how many pounds of whole cottonseed will it hold?


Thanks for any help!

It's an excellent post-rut ration when the deer need to put weight on. However, it is not a complete ration like protein pellets. As for where to get it in your area, co-ops would be the best resource for bulk. Or you can buy it bagged at some feed stores.

I believe these are the closest gins

Weinert Gin 100 N Breustedt St, Weinert, TX 76388 (940) 673-8280

Rule Co-Op Gin & Elevator 301 Adams Ave, Rule, TX 79547 (940) 996-2421

I have thought about feeding to deer as well but I once read that it might cause infertility in the male animals that do eat it (not that much eats it but bucks do.) Here is a link that talks about it.

http://springcreekoutdoors.com/cottonseed-the-good-the-bad/

Feed it post rut and pull it before they shed velvet. Takes @ 30 days for them to rid the Gossypol from their system. They're not producing sperm during that time anyway.

we have fed it for years on our 9000 acre lease with great results. Especially post rut. No issues with infertility - the other advantage is that it can be fed outside of a pen so your younger deer can benefit from it too

When my buddy puts it out in his place in Bracketteville the deer and axis eat it up pretty quick, he has shown me photos of deer laying on it. He just lays it on the ground as its gone within a few days.

I feed it on my place beginning in late January/Feb all the way through September/October. Biologists do recommend feeding this along with Antlermax or some other protein mix, as cottonseed is high in protein but lacks other key nutrients needed for milk for yearlings later in the year.

It's a low maintenance feed, which is what I like. I make circular troughs using 2"X4" fencing material about 1 1/2' in diameter, wire it together and secure with a t post. Make sure you secure it, otherwise you'll have a buck running around with fence on his antlers... lol.

You'll save by buying in bulk.

We feed 20 % protein year around. From Post Rut to September 1 we feed cottonseed as well. We cut it then to allow the deer to regain their virality. Seems to add a lot of fat, weight and mass. Second year in on that program