- Mar 16, 2017
Where To Place Protein Feeders; To Attract The Most Deer
Protein feeder placement plays an important role in antler development because bucks tend to dominate feeders with protein-rich feeds. Whitetail bucks frequent protein feeders daily, especially during times of low natural forage and feeding protein is beneficial for the entire deer community, including pregnant, nursing does and fawns.
When establishing a supplemental feeding program for your deer herd, protein feeder placement is important so that deer are able to find the protein feeder(s) and benefit from accessing the feed daily. The goal of a successful protein feeding strategy is to spread the protein feeders around the wildlife area in a pattern so that the entire deer population benefits from the additional supplements.
Research has shown that whitetail deer have home ranges anywhere from 400 to 700 acres during the non-breeding season, so keep this in mind when placing and distributing your protein feeders. A combination of feeders working together will create a whitetail deer community, and the deer that live within that community are much more likely to remain in the area and on your property. Protein feeders and a readily available supplemental food source that’s high in protein become an important part of the deer’s daily routine and their home range.
To help map-out the best locations to set-up your protein feeder(s) and get an overview of the size and layout of the property, print the satellite map of the area on Google® Maps 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 distance 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, existing travel corridors and easy access for filling. Positioning 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 or pasture. The bottom line: place protein feeders close to water and cover where the deer will feel protected and have the ability to leave the area quickly and undetected.
Texas Hunter Products engineered and patented the most innovative protein feeders ever designed including a durable, roto-molded construction that keeps feed dry, fresh, cool - and these protein feeders will never rust. Choose from models that range in capacities from 300 to 2,000 pounds that are easy to set-up, fill and move. All products are in stock and ready for same-day shipping direct to you. Learn more at https://www.texashunterproducts.com/protein-feeders or call 800.969.333 to get your protein feeding program started today.