A deer feeder is one of the best ways to attract deer to their feed; they are great investments. According to the Chiang Rai Times, Deer feeders are the key to deer herd management and come in various sizes, shapes, and styles. There are many options, and deciding on a suitable feeder can be confusing. However, this blog post focuses on the steps to maximize deer feeder usage. So, regardless of the size and style, as long as you have a deer feeder, this post is for you.
The 5 Steps to Maximizing Deer Feeder Usage
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Choose an Ideal Feeder Size
One might think that the size of deer feeders would not matter, but it does. The size of deer feeders can count for a few reasons. First, if the feeder is too small, the deer may not be able to get their entire head inside to eat. They may also end up wasting some of the food.
If the feeder is too large, the deer will overeat and become obese, and obesity could impact their health negatively. So, the ideal size of a deer feeder is just large enough for the deer to eat what they need.
However, the ultimate decision of what size feeder to use will depend on the specific needs of the deer in the area.
2. Choose a Suitable Location
It’s essential to choose an excellent location to maximize the usage of your deer feeder. You want to choose a spot away from thick bushes and trees to give the deer a clear view of the feeder. Also, ensure that the location is accessible to you so you can refill the feeder when needed. However, it should also be where deer are likely to congregate.
An excellent place to look for deer is near water sources, as deer often visit these areas to drink. This is ideal if you can find a spot near a relatively open water source, as deers will feel more comfortable feeding in an open space. Once you have found a good location, place the feeder in an area free of debris and vegetation. This way, the deer can easily access the food.
By following this location tip, you will maximize the usage of your deer feeder and attract more deer.
3. Maintain Your Deer Feeder
If you want to make the most of your deer feeder, it’s essential to keep it in good condition. That includes regularly cleaning it out and refilling it with fresh feed. It’s also crucial to position your deer feeder in an area where the deer will feel comfortable coming to it. A well-maintained feeder will last longer and be more effective at attracting deer. So, here are some tips for maintaining your deer feeder:
- Clean the feeder regularly. A dirty feeder will quickly become clogged and ineffective.
- Inspect the feeder for damage. Ensure the feeder is in good condition and there are no holes or leaks.
- Keep the feeder full. An empty feeder will not be very attractive to deer.
- Be consistent with your feedings. Deer are creatures of habit and will be more likely to visit your feeder if they know when they can expect a meal.
Once you’ve done all that, you can sit back and watch the deer come to your feeder all season long!
4. Know When to Feed Your Deer
Knowing when your deer are most active is essential to getting the most out of your deer feeder. This will vary depending on the time of year and the local conditions. But deer generally are most active in the early morning and late evening.
If you see that they are feeding during the day, you know that you need to fill the feeder during the day. However, if they are feeding at night, you need to fill the feeder at night.
The weather can also play a role, as deer are more likely to be active when it is cool and dry outside. Additionally, the food you offer can affect when deer most likely visit your feeder. For instance, deer are more attracted to corn in the fall, while they prefer pellets and other high-protein foods in the spring and summer.
Considering these factors, you can maximize your chances of attracting deer to your feeder.
5. Use Feeder Funnel
One way to maximize deer feeder usage is to use a feeder funnel. This device attaches to the deer feeder and allows the deer to eat from the feeder without tipping it over. The funnel stays over the feeder opening, and the deer eat from it, funneling the feed into their mouths. So, it prevents the deer from tipping the feeder over and wasting the feed.
By funneling the feed into the feeder center, the deer can eat around the feeder edges, reducing wastage. Additionally, a feeder funnel can help keep the feed fresh and dry. It can also keep it off the ground, where it can attract unwanted pests.
Conclusion
Deer feeders can be a great way to provide supplemental food to your deer herd. They are also a great way to attract deer to your property. However, not everyone knows how to maximize deer feeder usage. We hope you found our blog post on maximizing deer feeder usage helpful. Have we missed out on anything? Let us know in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!
