Originally Posted by CNC
Originally Posted by FreeStateHunter

Ok so this sounds very similar to my thinking on year round feeding. It sounds as if you’re implying that there won’t be much difference in antler growth or body weight due to the protein. I agree. I do however believe that the deer need protein more in the summer and carbs more in the winter which is why I do protein and corn (mineral licks) on top of my plots in hopes of holding doe groups on my property, maybe even a buck or two. Is that an achievable goal for running feed?


If you are wanting to hold and maximize the doe groups on your property then run a lot of feeders that throw out a little bit of feed spread out across the property.....You've got to look at "social carrying capacity" …..Doe groups do not like to pile in on top of one another and they'll compete for a limited resource....You can put out all the feed in the world but if you're only doing it in one spot then you're going to be limited on the doe groups using it.....They compete for bedding and feeding.....What you are trying accomplish by putting out more feeders throwing a little bit feed....is you're creating as many spots for another subordinate doe group to fit in or a place for them to go if they are pressured off of another area....They're gonna need bedding and water close by as well.....Ideally you'll like to have something like every 20-30 acres holding its own doe group.....Don't focus too much on the spefic numbers or any of that though....just think about the overall concept I'm explaining.


This is great information and I’ve been doing this unintentionally. I have automatic feeders that spit out a little food just after daylight and just before dusk on various areas of my property. I do 60 acre blocks though mainly just to manage the cost and work.