Deer Feeder

[DouglasSpear]

Since purchasing a small 8.5 acre block of woods out in the country, I've started to think about deer management. There are surrounding woods and fields and I have deer crossing the back ridge of my property all fall and winter. I'm not worried about having deer, but I now want to make sure I have healthy deer. I was thinking about putting out a small food plot but decided not to because I like the fact that deer cross my property in route to and from their bedding. I don't want to have a food plot on my property or I may end up spooking the deer going to and from the stand if they stay on my property to feed. I already plan on putting out some salt and mineral blocks in the spring and I was thinking about putting an automatic corn feeder out during the spring and summer to provide a staple healthy food grain for the deer. My problem is, that my land is about 35-40 miles from my house and other neighbors often ride 4 wheelers on my land. Although I'd prefer not to allow them, putting up signs or gates would probably do more harm than good. They haven't destroyed anything or taken our stands (if they have even noticed them) but I still worry about putting out a bunch of expensive stands, feeders, and cameras. I might resort to building a small roofed trough to put corn in but I wouldn't feel comfortable with how obvious it would stick out. Does anyone know of an automatic feeders that can by chained or mounted to a tree instead of a tripod feeder or one of those buckets that just hangs on a branch? Any thoughts or comments are welcome.

[DouglasSpear]

Not a single view on my post...what a sad forum this has become...where the hell is everyone??

[DocHolladay]

I wouldn't consider grain corn/cracked a "healthy food grain". It has a few benefits, but there are better alternatives. The alternatives tend to cost more, but the deer will be better off. I would also recommend to not hunt over or near the feeder. The deer will start avoiding it and possibly going around your land or the stand close to the feeder. I would suggest putting a mineral lick out and fertilize the native vegetation. Find an oak tree that the deer tend to frequent and fertilize it come spring green up and also honeysuckle, if you have any.

[DouglasSpear]

I planned on a few different mineral licks on the ridge they frequent, and I am tending to agree on the feeder after thinking about it more. I like the idea of fertilizer on the natural vegetation, I didn't think of that. I will have to see what I have to work with this Spring. Thanks.

[DocHolladay]

Most mineral companies recommend 1 lick for every 75-100 acres(so do we) I would suggest deer caine since you don't live close to me. You can make them as large as you want, 2-4ft in circumference is sufficient. I think there is a recipe here somewhere.