Feeding Apples

[mattcrystal1]

I'd like some peoples opinions on a method I thought of for feeding deer apples. I've been having a lot of problems with coons and porcupines eating my apples before the deer get to them. I've fed a truckload of apples and most were taking by 5 coons and 1 porcupine. I had a huge 10 point and 9 point coming into my apples but if there isn't always apples for them they stay away for a few days until I get more out but the the coons eat them before the deer get any. The method I thought of was hanging a hockey net about 4' off the ground and filling it with the apples. I know a lady that feeds her horses this way and they seem to have no problems eating through the holes. I would really appreciate any thoughts on this idea because I'm tired of feeding the coons. Thanks for everybody's time in advance. Matt

[Nick Roehl]

I think that a good idea and you should give it a try. I would set up a trail cam to see what goes down. You never know with coons they are smart little buggers. Let me know how it turns out, post up the pics here, they would be cool to see.

[mattcrystal1]

ya they are smart little buggers for sure but the only way I can think of them getting it is if they get on each others backs lol. I've got my trail cam set up there and that's how I know its coons. I'll give it a try and keep you posted for sure.

[Canadian Black Bears]

I had the same problem with a porcupine last year so I shot it, took it back to camp, skinned it, and cooked it in the oven. I had always heard it was great meat. Let me tell ya brother, don't ever eat porcupine, it was absolutely gross. I will never do that again. I always hang a bag of apples in an onion bag and squish the apples till they are like a mush as the juice from the apples drip from the bag leaving lots of apple scent in the air. Deer will eventually eat a hole in the bag just big enough that the apple sack will last for 2-3 weeks.

[mattcrystal1]

well the only problem with that is the onion bag wouldn't hold many apples. I live about 45 minutes from my stand. that's why I was thinking hockey net because if I didn't get there for a couple weeks it wouldn't be a big deal. as for eating porcupine id never waste my time on that lol. same as the coons people say they're good eating but I know coyotes and fishers won't eat them so they can't be good. thanks for the tips though. I had back problems this year and never got around to putting the net with apples up so I'll be right on top of it next season.

[Canadian Black Bears]

well the only problem with that is the onion bag wouldn't hold many apples. I live about 45 minutes from my stand. that's why I was thinking hockey net because if I didn't get there for a couple weeks it wouldn't be a big deal. as for eating porcupine id never waste my time on that lol. same as the coons people say they're good eating but I know coyotes and fishers won't eat them so they can't be good. thanks for the tips though. I had back problems this year and never got around to putting the net with apples up so I'll be right on top of it next season.

Sorry to hear about your back. Good luck with the net, I'm sure it will work as well, if not better than the onion bag.

[mattcrystal1]

thanks it makes it sound more promising coming from a canadian outfitter. happy hunting