Deer Feeders and More
Preserving Nature with Your Own Deer feeder
Using a deer feeder is a great way to enjoy nature, without even needing to leave your home. Deer feeders work best in rural areas, with close access to a wooded area. If you and your family are interested in this unique hobby, then these tips will help get started.
The Basics
The first thing that you need is a deer feeder. You may be tempted to simply use a barrel or other container, but this method will allow other animals’ access to the food you have for the deer. Instead, choose a feeder that hangs from a tree, and that is made especially for deer. This will help preserve the food for the deer. Also, you may want to choose a feeder that feeds on demand rather than one that distributes food on a schedule to ensure the deer get their fill when visiting your feeder.
The second thing to consider is which food you would like to use. In general, you will want to stick to all natural foods such as whole dried corn rather than processed deer pellets. Not only are all natural foods healthier, they are also more cost effective and won’t spoil as quickly as prepared deer foods.
Caring for Wildlife
Even though the deer that visit your deer feeder seem like harmless animals, there are cases where deer have become aggressive when faced with humans. For best results, you will want to keep the feeder about a hundred feet away from your home and walkways. Remind children and guests not to interfere with the feeding area, as well.
Maintaining your distance as much as possible will also ensure the deer keep visiting your deer feeder, as well. You will need to watch the feeder carefully for the first few weeks to estimate the amount of feed that you need, so that you can make a schedule for refills. Typically, corn and other whole foods, such as soybeans, only need to be replaced after all the food is gone, usually once a week if you have one or two deer visiting.
Other Aspects of Feeding Deer
Using your deer feeder to preserve nature is a great idea, but hunters should be aware of local and state laws concerning feeders. In most states, it is illegal to bait deer using a deer feeder, although the feeders may be used prior to hunting. For example, some states require the feeder be removed two weeks before hunting deer in the area where the feeder is located. If you are a hunter, make sure you check your local laws before using a deer feeder.
You may also consider using a salt lick along with your deer feeder. A salt lick will help balance the deer’s diet, and will keep them coming back even if you accidently run out of food. You can find a salt lick, which is simply a large block of salt, at your local farm supply or feed store very inexpensively. You can also purchase soybeans and corn here, along with your deer feeder.
The Basics
The first thing that you need is a deer feeder. You may be tempted to simply use a barrel or other container, but this method will allow other animals’ access to the food you have for the deer. Instead, choose a feeder that hangs from a tree, and that is made especially for deer. This will help preserve the food for the deer. Also, you may want to choose a feeder that feeds on demand rather than one that distributes food on a schedule to ensure the deer get their fill when visiting your feeder.
The second thing to consider is which food you would like to use. In general, you will want to stick to all natural foods such as whole dried corn rather than processed deer pellets. Not only are all natural foods healthier, they are also more cost effective and won’t spoil as quickly as prepared deer foods.
Caring for Wildlife
Even though the deer that visit your deer feeder seem like harmless animals, there are cases where deer have become aggressive when faced with humans. For best results, you will want to keep the feeder about a hundred feet away from your home and walkways. Remind children and guests not to interfere with the feeding area, as well.
Maintaining your distance as much as possible will also ensure the deer keep visiting your deer feeder, as well. You will need to watch the feeder carefully for the first few weeks to estimate the amount of feed that you need, so that you can make a schedule for refills. Typically, corn and other whole foods, such as soybeans, only need to be replaced after all the food is gone, usually once a week if you have one or two deer visiting.
Other Aspects of Feeding Deer
Using your deer feeder to preserve nature is a great idea, but hunters should be aware of local and state laws concerning feeders. In most states, it is illegal to bait deer using a deer feeder, although the feeders may be used prior to hunting. For example, some states require the feeder be removed two weeks before hunting deer in the area where the feeder is located. If you are a hunter, make sure you check your local laws before using a deer feeder.
You may also consider using a salt lick along with your deer feeder. A salt lick will help balance the deer’s diet, and will keep them coming back even if you accidently run out of food. You can find a salt lick, which is simply a large block of salt, at your local farm supply or feed store very inexpensively. You can also purchase soybeans and corn here, along with your deer feeder.
