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Q:
On our property we do large food plots, gravity protein feeders, and corn feeders. I read an article that claimed protein and corn feeders as "baiting." If so, do you think that this form of deer feeding alongside large food-plots has a positive or negative impact on deer health and growth?
Question by GrantHarland. Uploaded on February 21, 2012
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Answers (9)
Depends on where you are from. Here in central Ohio deer food plots are pretty much un-necessary, corn and beans available most of the time. But I do put out food plots for upland game birds. Unless its necessary for their survival you might be waisting time and seed! But, in texas those deer love to see those corn feeders!
I believe it is a positive impact. We feed feeders and food plots in Texas where they would normally not have the amount of food as say Iowa or some of the northeren states. It not only feeds deer but racoons, hogs porcupines and a wide aray of other animals. So it is giving back to nature
Sure corn feeders are Baiting. If baiting is legal where you hunt then you have no problem.
In Texas where I live feeders are legal and I think they help the environment emensely
I'm in Oklahoma, feeders are legal. I guess my point is that feeders have the potential to raise disease in deer (because they all group together to eat, and often times are eating right next to another deers feces). We do not have much farmland around, and our general plan is to supplement the deer w/ feeders alongside a few 2 acre food plots (spread across 500 acres). If anyone has suggestions, they are appreciated.
I think that all of the items together make for a good project. I think that it will be a plus for your deer herd.
Grant, sounds like a pretty good situation. Given a piece like that i'd personally focus more on plots than feeders if possible but i'd likely have both too. Also i'd plant fruit trees. The idea of my kids and grandkids killing deer under the apple or persimmon tree i planted is a pretty cool legacy to leave on a piece of ground, in my opinion. Best of Luck
I think that food plots have a positive impact on deer populations and other species as well. It attracts other populations and provides a good source of protein, vitamins, etc. to deer populations which create healthier populations. It is also a good investment, you plant once and it will come back year after year depending on what vegetation you plant. Corn feeders and 'bait' stations on the other hand can have a negative affect on populations. Feeders concentrate animals into a small patch of land and can spread disease. The animals will be eating in the same spot where other animals have pooped which spread disease and is very detrimental to the deer populations health.
My friends at the Georgia DNR have told me that deer feeders spread disease very quickly among deer herds and that is why they resist them. They pick up grain at a well worn spot on the ground or touch feeders with their mouth, passing disease readily.
Of course putting bait out for animals is baiting... if baiting is legal where you live, you can do it if you desire.
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Depends on where you are from. Here in central Ohio deer food plots are pretty much un-necessary, corn and beans available most of the time. But I do put out food plots for upland game birds. Unless its necessary for their survival you might be waisting time and seed! But, in texas those deer love to see those corn feeders!
I believe it is a positive impact. We feed feeders and food plots in Texas where they would normally not have the amount of food as say Iowa or some of the northeren states. It not only feeds deer but racoons, hogs porcupines and a wide aray of other animals. So it is giving back to nature
Sure corn feeders are Baiting. If baiting is legal where you hunt then you have no problem.
I think that all of the items together make for a good project. I think that it will be a plus for your deer herd.
Grant, sounds like a pretty good situation. Given a piece like that i'd personally focus more on plots than feeders if possible but i'd likely have both too. Also i'd plant fruit trees. The idea of my kids and grandkids killing deer under the apple or persimmon tree i planted is a pretty cool legacy to leave on a piece of ground, in my opinion. Best of Luck
In Texas where I live feeders are legal and I think they help the environment emensely
I'm in Oklahoma, feeders are legal. I guess my point is that feeders have the potential to raise disease in deer (because they all group together to eat, and often times are eating right next to another deers feces). We do not have much farmland around, and our general plan is to supplement the deer w/ feeders alongside a few 2 acre food plots (spread across 500 acres). If anyone has suggestions, they are appreciated.
I think that food plots have a positive impact on deer populations and other species as well. It attracts other populations and provides a good source of protein, vitamins, etc. to deer populations which create healthier populations. It is also a good investment, you plant once and it will come back year after year depending on what vegetation you plant. Corn feeders and 'bait' stations on the other hand can have a negative affect on populations. Feeders concentrate animals into a small patch of land and can spread disease. The animals will be eating in the same spot where other animals have pooped which spread disease and is very detrimental to the deer populations health.
My friends at the Georgia DNR have told me that deer feeders spread disease very quickly among deer herds and that is why they resist them. They pick up grain at a well worn spot on the ground or touch feeders with their mouth, passing disease readily.
Of course putting bait out for animals is baiting... if baiting is legal where you live, you can do it if you desire.
Post an Answer