Creating Deer Communities with Protein Feeders

Protein feeder placement plays an important role in antler development because bucks tend to dominate protein-rich feeds. The bucks will feed at the protein feeders daily, especially during times of low natural forage like in the summer months. Feeding protein is beneficial for the entire deer community, including pregnant, nursing does and fawns.

When setting-up a supplemental feeding program for your deer herd, feeder placement strategies are important so that deer are able to find the feeder(s) and benefit from accessing the feed regularly. The goal is to spread the protein feeders around the area in a pattern, so that the entire deer population benefits from the additional supplements.

Research shows that whitetail deer have home ranges from 400 to 700 acres during the non-breeding season. A combination of feeders working together creates a community, and the deer within that community are more likely to remain on your property. The protein feeders and available supplemental feed become an important part of their home range.

To get an overview of the size and layout of the property, print the satellite map of the area and mark deer trails, water sources, roads, etc... Depending on the size of the property, strategically place the feeders in areas where the deer can safely move from one feeder to the other, with a maximum of 1 mile apart. Triangle patterns work well, starting near the core of the property.

Protein feeders don’t have to be hidden in the deepest part of the woods. Several factors should be considered including the proximity to cover, the location of current feeding areas including food plots and existing travel corridors. Placing protein feeders within a quarter of a mile of a water source is also a key to success. The one location you don’t want to choose is out in the middle of a wide-open field. The deer want to be close to water and cover where they feel protected and have the ability to leave the area quickly and undetected.

Once you have your protein feeder locations selected, it’s important to choose a product that’s durable, and will keep your protein feed investment dry and fresh. With Texas Hunter Products, creating a deer community by starting a supplemental feeding program has never been easier. Texas Hunter Products offers a full-line of protein feeders. All feeders are in-stock and ready to ship nationwide. Click Here to see the full-line of Protein Feeders by Texas Hunter Products.