Most deer hunters and land managers hope to attract more deer with deer feeders. Buying a deer feeder, or making a DIY deer feeder, is an important task. Whitetail feeders can be excellent management and hunting tools. In short, done correctly, deer feeders come with many benefits. That said, ensure you follow all prerequisites for the feeding of deer (before buying gear or otherwise starting the process).
First, before embarking down the road of feeding deer, know state and local regulations on baiting and feeding. Don’t feed in states, counties, or other areas that don’t permit it. (For example, CWD zones and surveillance areas tend to prohibit the feeding of deer and other wildlife.) So, only use feeders where allowed.
Next, understand whitetail digestion. For example, in winter, suddenly introducing corn to deer that aren’t used to eating it can actually be harmful, and cause further bodily harm, even with bellies full of corn. As ruminants, deer have very specific gut microbiomes. Because corn is largely carbohydrates, this is starkly different from their mostly woody browse wintertime diet, which is high in fiber.
Finally, choose spots with access via ATV, UTV, or truck. No one wants to pack sacks of feed up and over a ridge. Instead, establish feeders in spots accessible with an ATV, UTV, or truck.
Then, start using the following deer feeder hacks and tactics.
1. Buy Big Feeders
It sounds remedial, and maybe even a bit like overkill. However, it’s simple, really — bigger feeders hold more feed and require less frequent trips to refill them. Fewer trips reduce human intrusion. And for those who live hours from their hunting properties, it’s not feasible to make frequent treks to fill feeders. Therefore, larger feeders are superior.
Those interested in options that check the necessary boxes should consider the FeedBank line of feeders by Banks Outdoors. These feeders are excellent selections that hold (and keep fresh) a lot of feed.
Those wanting a traditional standing feeder should look to the FeedBank 300 and 600 Gravity Deer Feeders. The former has a 300-pound capacity and the latter holds 600 pounds. The 300 mounts on an 8-ft 4x4 post which sets 3 feet in the ground. The 600 mounts on a 6x6 post.
The FeedBank Timber 500 is excellent for those who want more of a low-key selection. Per the design, it looks like a stump. And, hence the name, it offers a 500-pound capacity.
2. Use Silent Deer Feeders
In addition to selecting a bigger feeder, it’s important to pick a quieter one, too. Feeders with moving parts produce noise, increasing the risk of inadvertently spooking deer.
Of course, spin-cast feeders have their place, but until deer grow accustomed, the clink-clink-clink can spook even the bravest of bucks. Perhaps it isn’t worth the risk, and there are better options available.
Because the Banks FeedBank series operates as gravity feeders, there are no moving parts. This means silent operation, and no noise to put deer on edge. Instead, deer feed in a free-choice manner with no moving feeder parts to create movement or noise.
3. Deploy Feeders Early
Deer that aren’t used to feeders can take time to adjust. The same is true for whitetails around feeders that are moved to new spots. Either way, new deployments can produce initial doubt in a deer’s mind. In some instances, it might produce a dead period where, over the course of a few days or weeks, deer slowly work up the nerve to approach this new element of their environment.
To mitigate this, deploy feeders early. Place these in the field as early as hunting regulations allow. Operating this way, rather than placing feeders just prior to a hunt or season, provides deer with more time to grow accustomed to the addition(s).
4. Keep the Critters Out
Opossums, raccoons, and other varmints can drain feeders. Certain feeder designs limit the ability of such animals to access the feed. Choosing a quality product that assists with this is a great way to maximize feed longevity. Furthermore, some add-on products, or even DIY home-built additions, can ensure the critters don’t get your corn (and other feed).
5. Place Deer Feeders Along Known Travel Routes
Deer feeders are excellent for “pulling” whitetails into new areas. These work well for small hunting properties, or those attempting to attract deer from a neighboring tract to an oddball spot on your side of the fence. Because of this, establishing a feeder as a destination food source can work. But it takes time to establish a new line of movement within the deer herd.
That said, the best place for a deer feeder is somewhere that a deer already travels. Positioning these along known lines of movement ensures that deer find feeders quickly. This elevates the odds of feeder adoption and overall success of a feeding program.
6. Locate Deer Feeders in Key Staging Areas
Drilling down on more specific locations, deer feeders are usually well-suited in staging areas. These are somewhat-secluded spots where deer feel safe traversing during daylight, especially dawn and dusk. This location is great for intercepting natural deer movements between bedding areas and destination food sources.
7. Position Deer Feeders Within Secluded Food Plots and Field Corners
Those who choose not to place feeders in staging areas might back them further away from bedding areas. Instead, they might put these in secluded food plots and field corners. These are further from bedding cover, which is less intrusive, yet still exist along common bed-to-feed lines of movement.
8. Deploy Feeders Adjacent to Water Sources
Obviously, deer need water to survive, and they won't be far from it. If water is condensed into fewer sources, such as ponds, water holes, etc., deploying feeders adjacent to water sources is a great play. Even where water is abundant (thus reducing the drawing power of any one water source), it’s a good practice.
9. Avoid Wet and Muddy Areas
Putting a feeder in a spot that’s commonly wet and muddy isn’t advised. Avoid these areas, and instead, use deer feeders in dryer locations. Reason being, if corn or other feed falls onto damp or wet ground, it’ll mold quickly, which isn’t healthy for deer.
10. Use the Appropriate Feed
Choose the right feed. Of course, the most common feed is corn. This is used by most land managers. It’s relatively high in carbohydrates, which help provide energy for deer during colder months. Furthermore, it attracts deer, pairs well with most feeders, and is among the most cost-effective options for feeding deer.
That said, those who feed alfalfa pellets can expect about 16-18% protein. Others might feed protein, especially during key times of year when deer need all the protein they can get.
11. Wear Rubber Gloves and Boots Around Feeders
Deer have some of the best noses around. Thus, hunters should always be careful when handling feeders. Furthermore, they should be cautious when walking around feeder locations. Be mindful to not apply scent to objects or the ground. Reduce scent applied by wearing rubber gloves and boots around feeders.
12. Maintain a Steady Feeding Program
Before filling feeders, develop a game plan. Then, stick to it. Maintain a steady feeding program deer can learn to rely on. Hunting regulations permitting, it should become a reliable supplementary food source on the landscape. Done right and at the correct scale, it might even become a staple for the local deer herd, effectively elevating it to new heights.
13. Keep the Feed Flowing
Once the feeding begins, keep the feed flowing. Don’t jerk the metaphorical rug out from under the local deer herd. Instead, keep feeders filled and accessible. Don’t allow feeders to dry up, or deer will likely find alternative options on neighboring tracts. Of course, that’s not a desirable outcome. Keep deer closer to home with full feeders.
14. Run Cell Cams with External Battery Sources
Purchasing deer feeders requires budget allotment for the feeders and the feed. Therefore, at least run trail cameras to take inventory of the herd. Or, better yet, deploy cellular trail cameras for near-real-time intel. Of course, cameras overlooking feeders see higher photo counts. Therefore, pair cell cameras (and SD trail cameras) with external power sources, such as battery boxes, solar panels, or a combination of the two.
15. Hunt Those Feeders Sparingly
Over time, feeders become hubs of activity. So, hunting over deer feeders can quickly and greatly diminish deer use. (Or, at least, increase nighttime usage of it.) Instead of frequently hunting feeder locations, hunt over feeders sparingly. Better yet, hunt transition routes leading to and from feeders, rather than the feeder’s location. If you do hunt over a feeder, ensure it’s a high-odds day with a good chance of filling your tag. In contrast, conduct repeated hunts, and over time, fewer deer will pass through the area.
Sync Feeder Deployments with Management and Hunting Efforts
Regardless of the tips, tactics, and efforts used, sync feeder deployments with management and hunting efforts. Study selected feeder locations. Analyze feeder objectives, deer use frequency, and more. Ensure every element surrounding feeders supports deer management goals and deer hunting efforts.
