Just curious how many of you leave out corn at designated feeding locations that follow the game laws. If you did last year, did you see any difference in the number of deer sightings or deer killed as a result of having out corn throughout the season. We had 6 feeders set up over 1200 acres at one of my hunting locations and we actually killed fewer bucks and our number of sightings were down significantly last year. Based on our camera data, it would appear that several of our deer became nocturnal quicker, despite having the feeders set to go off at daybreak and again two hours before dusk. The cost to operate 6 feeders throughout the season was just under $1000.00. Is it worth it or not in your opinion? I think not.

If you feed them in the woods why should they come out in the food plots during the daylight? Our plot sightings were down because of feeding in the woods.

We've kept our money in our wallets for the last 8-10 years, and haven't put out any corn on our club property, and haven't noticed any difference, but think of the money we've saved over that period of time.

I keep one filled up most of the time except turkey season. It's mainly for pics that I enjoy looking at, I never hunt close to it. Nothing gets them in better than a big ol cornfield though

We didnt hardly put any corn out prior to last season. After turkey season we started putting alot more out and the numbers are alot better since we have been feeding almost year round. We have seen alot more deer because of it but it is expensive.

We have been talking about feeding corn during this season. Need to rethink this Now.

We have 3 stations (did last yr also) on 700 and didn't notice any change in sightings. If anything, they went up. I think it's good to hold does, and don't know if I buy into the nocturnal thing like some. But like I said, that hasn't been the situation for us. I guess it could be different in different areas and situations.
We put ours right on our "main" roads, so we don't have to go driving or walking into areas we don't normally go. Maybe that makes a difference?? Maybe not??

have 2 set up on a 150 acre parcel near the center of it in thickets about 1/4 mile apart.
Put them up Sept with game cams on them and will leave till seasons end. Set to go off at 8am. Right now set to only throw a small amount. Just enough to keep em coming by it. Will put out little more as season progresses.
We dont hunt those thickets so the does arent pressured and will come to them in daytime and hopefully pulling a buck with them.

I may leave 1 or 2 out that the deer seem to like it's off a main road.. but its away from everything so it should be ok.My fields are not looking to promising without the rain..and I don't have to many acorns either

Waste of money.

Never understood why folks felt the need to feed deer during the season in Alabama. Blows my mind.

Nope. Wasting money and time.

Want to see more deer, stop feeding and start improving habitat and limiting pressure.

We use a gravity feeders. Our deer numbers increased. I got more daylight buck pictures with the feeder going than without it. Totally worth it for us.

We kept about a dozen feeders going all year last year. Had our worst year since I've been in the club (12th year), both in buck sightings and buck kills. Total waste of A LOT of money.

Bingo

Why did the presence of supplemental feed make your deer go nocturnal? I bet it was the feeds fault.

I agree with both of you, so let me go buy enough property to do this on.....oh wait, don't have the money for that. Well, let me go cut some pine trees down on my timber company lease and light the place on fire...... Well can't do that either. Hmmmm
Obviously it's worth a shot for some. May be a waste for some also, but I don't think 1 year can determine your decision, whether it's good or bad for you in that year.

Not basing my decision on 1 year. How about a lot of years of experience. You can improve habitat anywhere. No acreage minimum. Don't even have to own the land. I know as a fact working with clubs and landowners, and from personal experience that folks who don't feed are far more satisfied hunters, and generally more successful.

I know you've got more than a year Matt, I wasn't referring to you when I said that. I also respect your opinion on the matter, seeing that you deal with this sort of stuff for a living. What I have always looked for is a way to create better habitat on a timber co. lease. Would you mind maybe sharing those ideas in another thread, because I'm at a loss as far as that goes. Thanks.