Finally got permission from land owner we lease on to run feeders year round. Previously we could leave them set up but couldn’t access the property after January. After 3 years on the property he is giving us permission to access year round. I am going to start feeding protein this year to help the deer heard and I’m trying to convince the others on the property to do the same. They keep asking if I think it will increase deer sightings during season. Although not my reason for starting the feed program I am curious. Do those of you who feed protein year round feel it has helped you to see more deer during the season?

Side note we are in Coleman county south of Santa Anna on the Colorado river… anyone else in this area feed protein with decent results?

Yes. I have pictures of deer at the protein that never go to corn. It’s not a cheap game though! Good luck

You will definitely have a much healthier deer population. We are in our 3rd year and its really paying off even with the drought we are seeing some pretty good deer. I wouldn't say it leads to increased sightings just cause you put out a protein feeder but with herd health you will definitely increase the population and survival rate with protein based on our experience.

What I have seen is that the bucks come to the protein before the rut and right after the rut. Once the bucks start to search for does and are then chasing, I would strictly stay with corn to keep the does around. Again, when the rut is over and the bucks are runned down, then start putting out the protein. I really only see the younger bucks eating the protein during the rut. The more mature bucks stop eating and are focused on that one thing.

My overall goal is the healthier herd the more sightings would just be a bonus. In my opinion we have decent genetics for the area already just trying to help the health of the heard.

If you mean more buck sightings during the rut. You need to thin the doe population, if the bucks don't have to move to solve their urge, you are not gonna see them.

I have a place between Santa Anna and rockwood, we feed protein all year, it really made a difference this year, they are hitting feeders hard and seeing more deer.
We have all mesquites, no acorns.