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Feed year round? #8260017 05/08/21 02:32 AM
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shark 25-06 Offline OP
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Very low pressure area with a good amount of ok trees and a river as a border/fence line. 100 acres that has not been hunted in 10 years. We took 9 deer off of it this season to manage the population. Question is, in this situation, would you feed year round? Why or why not? The place only has one feeder. No neighboring properties are hunted or fed on.


Originally Posted by East...
I will get off in a little bit
Re: Feed year round? [Re: shark 25-06] #8260021 05/08/21 02:37 AM
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No neighbors hunting I find hard to believe, if the other properties are similar in size. By "feed", I assume you mean corn. I turn mine down to 2 seconds during the off season, just to keep them accustomed to a "treat". Protein is a whole 'nother subject.


...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
Re: Feed year round? [Re: Creekrunner] #8260027 05/08/21 02:49 AM
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shark 25-06 Offline OP
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Neighbors on 2 sides do not hunt, the one behind is blocked by a river, and the one in front is a high fence exotic ranch. All the properties are roughly the same size. I figure somewhere between 200-500 acres and I am the only hunter. I saw new deer every time I sat, and only went once without seeing any deer at all last season. I have corn throwing for 3 seconds twice a day right now. Just kinda wondering if it will actually matter


Originally Posted by East...
I will get off in a little bit
Re: Feed year round? [Re: Creekrunner] #8260035 05/08/21 03:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Creekrunner
No neighbors hunting I find hard to believe, if the other properties are similar in size. By "feed", I assume you mean corn. I turn mine down to 2 seconds during the off season, just to keep them accustomed to a "treat". Protein is a whole 'nother subject.


Exact same for me

Re: Feed year round? [Re: shark 25-06] #8260039 05/08/21 03:08 AM
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I think it will make a difference, over time, like a few years, as far as travel patterns are concerned. I don't know what river it is, but I wouldn't assume it stops the deer from moving back and forth, especially if you're talking about down here.


...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
Re: Feed year round? [Re: shark 25-06] #8260040 05/08/21 03:12 AM
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And, if it is as low pressure as you say it is, do NOT tell anyone, not even a hint, as to where it is. I might even check for a tail when you're driving out there. grin


...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
Re: Feed year round? [Re: shark 25-06] #8260115 05/08/21 11:55 AM
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In this situation yes I would feed corn year round. I’d throw a lot of corn. It will make no impact nutrition wise but will keep the deer coming. I’d pen my feeder as well if hogs present.

Re: Feed year round? [Re: shark 25-06] #8260149 05/08/21 12:56 PM
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Wow. 9 deer off 100 acres.

You didn’t mention even what part of the country your in.

Year round protein should be fed. Corn during season.

Re: Feed year round? [Re: shark 25-06] #8260442 05/08/21 08:37 PM
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shark 25-06 Offline OP
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9 deer off the place. 8 does and one 8 point. I watched more deer than I could count. No hogs yet. Hill country near bandera. The river is backed up by a good cliff so I doubt the deer move from that side very often. Maybe come around on the sides tho. I saw a new buck almost every time I sat. Lots of young deer. Covered up with does, spikes and 4-6 points.


Originally Posted by East...
I will get off in a little bit
Re: Feed year round? [Re: shark 25-06] #8260556 05/08/21 11:15 PM
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Deer, like every wild animal, are creatures of opportunity. You can give them a reason to stay or a reason to look elsewhere. Even a stray cat will hang around if they have adequate cover, water and food. 100 acres is small and you likely won't have many residents that make that home 24/7, regardless of what you do. If it is an optimal travel route between other properties, you may not need to do anything at all, just understand the travel routes. Corn is good plan to give them a reason to visit / stop during travel. Feeding protein can have no negative impact other than the deer you pour your money into feeding it are not going to be exclusively yours to harvest, given the property size.

Re: Feed year round? [Re: shark 25-06] #8260862 05/09/21 01:28 PM
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I feed corn & protein year round.

Re: Feed year round? [Re: shark 25-06] #8262502 05/11/21 12:19 PM
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I always feed all year long, both protein and corn.


High fence, low fence, no fence, it really doesn't matter as long as you're hunting!
Re: Feed year round? [Re: maximus_flavius] #8262582 05/11/21 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by maximus_flavius
Wow. 9 deer off 100 acres.

You didn’t mention even what part of the country your in.

Year round protein should be fed. Corn during season.



Unhunted hill country land can easily support that for a few years until you get doe numbers in check


And yes, I feed year round.


For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: Feed year round? [Re: shark 25-06] #8262651 05/11/21 02:35 PM
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You have an opportunity that most hunters don't have...deer and no computation ....I would feed heavy year around..corn..and it is nutrition..I would start out with three lb.s corn on two feeders twice per day.Then as the number of deer at the feeder increases... I would increase the output at the feeders...do this process until you get a level amount of deer. This will give ya your best chance for a trophy. With this situation now is the time to take advantage by building the number of deer..don't be tight with feed...the more the merrier. Feeding only a small amount will draw only a few deer usually. Their are trophies to be had with your situation. You will be glad ya did. This is what I would do..I have done this and it pays off and I have computation. The amount of corn is key..not protein. I could write a page on using protein and how much. Their are tricks to drawing in big deer .........this is one of them. This is the time of year to feed heavy not light.
Good Luck to ya!

Re: Feed year round? [Re: shark 25-06] #8262713 05/11/21 03:27 PM
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Fishbait brings up an interesting opinion - like others, I turn the feeders way back during the off season, just a second or two twice per day on each of my 3 feeders to keep the deer patterned. Fishbait, why do you believe now is the time to feed heavy, not light. Not an argument, just trying to learn different tactics. With all of the green in our area, heavy feed seems wasted, and/or serves as a heavy attactant to hogs. Appreciate your follow up on this...


Dalroo
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How about that Brandon!
Re: Feed year round? [Re: shark 25-06] #8263079 05/11/21 09:22 PM
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Thanks Dalroo for the question and interest. This year and this time of year we are transitioning into some hot weather. This winter was very hard, the animals has lost a lot of weight, the does are dropping fawns right now. The deer need the help. By putting out say corn...this gives them the carbohydrates that gives them energy to get natural protein they need. The does needs minerals like calcium and phosphorous to help with fawning. So, by doing some of this work you begin to bring in the deer near your feeders as usual but it takes it to another level of feed and nourishment. Deer getting the scent of all this food brings in those further out. You don't have to break the bank but put out enough to matter. Two pounds won't bring in the big guys without luck. I don't know a lot about deer but I know a lot of hunters do shut down their feeders ..this gives me a chance to bring in more for me. I have pens where I feed that allows everything I feed goes to deer only. Where as if I don't have a pen I bring in hogs and more hogs. I bring in deer ..I don't go around finding tracks going to some other feeders. They come to me and where I want them. I usually have a choice of which big buck I want. You get what you put out! When it gets dry I make sure the deer have plenty of water and feed. Water is the biggest calling card I know. I am an old fellow and have learned a few tricks through the years. Some work ..some don't.lol I hope I have helped a little in explaining my practices.

Re: Feed year round? [Re: fishbait] #8263092 05/11/21 09:33 PM
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Originally Posted by fishbait
You get what you put out!


This applies to so many things in life! laugh

I do believe this seasoned citizen is worth listening to. Although, I did groan and gritch this afternoon when I checked one protein feeder and realized it was time for more. bang


...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
Re: Feed year round? [Re: fishbait] #8263846 05/12/21 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by fishbait
Thanks Dalroo for the question and interest. This year and this time of year we are transitioning into some hot weather. This winter was very hard, the animals has lost a lot of weight, the does are dropping fawns right now. The deer need the help. By putting out say corn...this gives them the carbohydrates that gives them energy to get natural protein they need. The does needs minerals like calcium and phosphorous to help with fawning. So, by doing some of this work you begin to bring in the deer near your feeders as usual but it takes it to another level of feed and nourishment. Deer getting the scent of all this food brings in those further out. You don't have to break the bank but put out enough to matter. Two pounds won't bring in the big guys without luck. I don't know a lot about deer but I know a lot of hunters do shut down their feeders ..this gives me a chance to bring in more for me. I have pens where I feed that allows everything I feed goes to deer only. Where as if I don't have a pen I bring in hogs and more hogs. I bring in deer ..I don't go around finding tracks going to some other feeders. They come to me and where I want them. I usually have a choice of which big buck I want. You get what you put out! When it gets dry I make sure the deer have plenty of water and feed. Water is the biggest calling card I know. I am an old fellow and have learned a few tricks through the years. Some work ..some don't.lol I hope I have helped a little in explaining my practices.


That makes a lot of sense - thanks for the explanation of your program.


Dalroo
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How about that Brandon!
Re: Feed year round? [Re: shark 25-06] #8263911 05/12/21 02:54 PM
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My property is small-30 acres in Harrison County. I have 2 feeders running with corn/soybean mix. Sometimes just plain ol corn. I just can't see spending a lot of money on protein for a small property. I am surrounded by a lot of hunting pressure.

Any advice?

Re: Feed year round? [Re: shark 25-06] #8263955 05/12/21 03:18 PM
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Corn from Sept. through Feb. protein then to Sept.


"You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas".
Re: Feed year round? [Re: snake oil] #8264068 05/12/21 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by snake oil
Corn from Sept. through Feb. protein then to Sept.


Same

Re: Feed year round? [Re: LanceH] #8264088 05/12/21 05:45 PM
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Originally Posted by LanceH
My property is small-30 acres in Harrison County. I have 2 feeders running with corn/soybean mix. Sometimes just plain ol corn. I just can't see spending a lot of money on protein for a small property. I am surrounded by a lot of hunting pressure.

Any advice?


A simple trace mineral block is cheap, lasts a long time, and may be something the neighbors don't offer. I've found on my place that if you can get them up off the ground, out of the pigs' reach, the deer use them a whole lot more.


...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
Re: Feed year round? [Re: Txhunter65] #8264530 05/13/21 02:06 AM
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Agree 100%. We have a nice spot we have been on for over ten years without alot of hunting pressure from neighbors and we still manage to bring in some nice traffic year round. We don't always get trophies, but we see alot of new deer and traffic.

Re: Feed year round? [Re: Gurka] #8264536 05/13/21 02:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Gurka
Agree 100%. We have a nice spot we have been on for over ten years without alot of hunting pressure from neighbors and we still manage to bring in some nice traffic year round. We don't always get trophies, but we see alot of new deer and traffic.


welcome


...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
Re: Feed year round? [Re: shark 25-06] #8264551 05/13/21 02:39 AM
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We feed year round on the property I’m on, 2 corn and a protein, currently timers set to 2 sec twice a day for corn and the protein The deer and trash pandas have eaten 125lbs in the last 45 days or so.

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