How To Attract Deer To Feeder
Deer Feed
Are you looking to attract deer to your feeder? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Feeders are an effective way of luring deer into your yard and providing them with a source of food. However, there’s more to it than just putting out some feed.
With the right setup and maintenance, you can ensure that your feeder is appealing enough for deer to come back time and again. In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to do just that!
You’ll learn how to choose the right type of feeder, what food works best for attracting deer, where it should be placed, and other helpful tips as well.
So read on if you want your backyard buddies coming back for more!
Key Takeaways
– Choosing the right feeder: The feeder should be large, sturdy, and placed in an open area to attract deer.
– Providing the right feed: Using pelletized deer feed, whole corn and oats, as well as other treats like berries and fruits, can attract deer with their nutrition and natural scents.
– Using mineral licks and salt blocks: These are essential for a deer’s diet and can also attract other animals to the feeder.
– Proper feeder placement and maintenance: The feeder should be sheltered but accessible to deer, camouflaged with evergreens for cover, and kept clean and full to consistently attract deer.
Choose the Right Feeder

Choosing the right feeder is key to attracting deer, so let’s make sure you get the perfect one for your needs! Feeders come in many shapes and sizes, but it’s important to pick one that will hold a molasses based feed or mineral blocks.
These feeds are essential for keeping deer healthy and happy. When selecting a feeder, look for something large enough to accommodate the amount of food you need to put out. It should also be sturdy enough to withstand rain, wind, and other elements outside without tipping over easily.
When it comes to materials, metal is often preferred because it won’t rot or break down as quickly as wood or plastic. Also, consider the placement of your feeder – if you want to attract more deer, then place it in an open area where they can easily find it and not in a heavily covered area with lots of foliage. If you plan on placing multiple feeders around your property, then try different types like hanging ones or ground-level ones; this way, you can increase chances of catching their attention.
To ensure that your feeder remains attractive and appealing to deer throughout the year, clean it regularly. Remove any moldy or stale food from within the tray and always keep an eye out for signs of damage such as rusting screws or holes in the walls which might have been caused by animals chewing on them.
With regular maintenance, your feeder will be ready for when those hungry deer come searching for their next meal! Moving forward, let’s discuss using the right type of food…
Use the Right Type of Food

Using the right type of food for deer is essential if you want to attract them to your feeder. Pelletized deer feed, whole corn or oats, and other treats like apples can all be used at different times of year.
Be sure to check the ingredients in your pelletized deer feed to determine if it has the necessary minerals and vitamins that’ll benefit the local deer population.
Pelletized Deer Feed
You’ll love how easy it is to attract deer to your feeder with pelletized deer feed! Pelletized deer feed is a great option for attracting deer and deterring pests. It’s an affordable, easily digestible type of food that can be served in any kind of weather or time of day. Plus, the pellets don’t spoil as quickly as other types of feed, so they can be left at the feeding site without fear of wasting them.
When setting up your pelletized deer feed station, make sure you choose a spot away from human activity and traffic, and schedule feeding times so that your animals are getting enough food without overfeeding. This will not only keep your herd healthy by providing balanced nutrition but also help keep other pests out of the area. With pelletized deer feed, you can rest assured that your animals are receiving the nourishment they need while staying safe from predators and scavengers.
The next step in planning an effective wildlife feeding program is deciding whether to use whole corn or oats instead of pellets. Both offer different benefits depending on what type of wildlife you’re trying to attract and nourish. For a smooth transition into this discussion, consider starting off by exploring the advantages each one brings to the table.
Whole Corn or Oats
If you’re looking to give your wildlife a special treat, then whole corn and oats are the way to go – ’cause ain’t nothing better than a freshly-picked ear of corn!
Not only are they a great source of nutrition for deer, but they also provide extra protein sources and natural scents that can help attract them.
Whole grains like corn and oats provide fiber, carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids that help support their overall health. They also have an irresistible aroma that helps draw in deer from long distances.
Plus, it’s easy to spread around the area or put in feeders so deer can enjoy them when they visit.
Corn and oats are some of the best things you can offer to wild animals if you want to invite more deer to your backyard.
With their high nutritional value as well as natural scents that appeal to the animal’s senses, these treats are sure to be a hit with any visiting deer.
So why not set out some corn or oats next time you want to attract more wildlife? And don’t forget about other treats such as berries, nuts, and fruits too!
Other Treats
Try out other treats like berries, nuts, and fruits to really tantalize the wildlife in your backyard!
And don’t forget about mineral licks and salt blocks – these are an essential part of the diet for deer.
Mineral licks will not only attract deer but also a variety of other animals that may be living nearby.
You can purchase mineral licks or make your own by mixing together equal parts of rock salt and baking soda.
Placing these at the base of trees or around the area where you have set up your feeder will help draw in more deer to the location.
To ensure lasting success, it’s important to regularly replace them as they get used up or washed away over time.
With a bit of creativity and some tasty treats, you’ll be well on your way to attracting deer for years to come!
Ensure Proper Placement

Position the deer feeder in an area that’s sheltered from wind and rain, but still open enough for deer to approach. To create a cover, try camouflaging the feeder or adding evergreens such as shrubs and trees nearby.
Saltlicks are also helpful to draw in deer; these can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. Additionally, it may be beneficial to change the location of the feeder every now and then or use decoys like stuffed animals.
It is important to remember that deer do not like sudden movements so make sure that the area is secure and away from human traffic. Make sure there is no direct sunlight shining on the feeder; otherwise, it will cause food spoilage quickly which could lead to predators coming around more often than desired.
Avoid putting up signs or flags near your feeding spot as they may scare off any potential guests of your feeder!
Finally, a well-placed deer feeder can be quite attractive for local deer populations when done properly. Ensure proper placement with adequate cover and protection from predators and humans alike while providing saltlicks or decoys if desired.
When following these tips, you should have success in attracting deer to your feeding spot!
Keep the Feeder Clean and Full

Now that you have ensured the proper placement of your deer feeder, it’s time to keep it clean and full. This will help draw more deer to the area. After all, who doesn’t like a tidy and well-stocked place?
Benefits | Considerations |
---|---|
:— | :— |
Mineral Licks: Mineral licks are an effective way to attract deer. Use them as part of your feeding program to supplement nutrition for the animals. | Time Commitment: Keeping the feeder full requires regular attention, which can be challenging with other commitments in life. |
Supplemental Nutrition: Adding supplemental nutrition to the food mix can give deer a nutritious boost during winter months when natural food sources are scarce. | Costly Ingredients: Buying ingredients for supplementation can become costly over time and may not fit into everyone’s budget. |
The best approach is to find a balance between providing enough food for deer while also being mindful of cost and time constraints. With consistent maintenance, you’ll be sure to see plenty of friendly faces around your feeder! As long as you stay proactive about cleaning and refilling, you should have no trouble keeping local wildlife fed through winter months – and beyond! Time spent now will pay off in spades when you get to watch wildlife thrive in their natural environment.
Other Tips to Attract Deer

If you want to attract deer to your property, there are several things you can do.
Scent attractants such as cover scents and food scents can draw deer in from a distance, while hunting blinds can help conceal human scent and movement when trying to observe the deer.
Planting deer-friendly plants like clover, alfalfa, and brassicas will also provide additional nutrition for them.
Scent Attractants
Scenting the area around your feeder with deer attractants can draw in curious bucks, luring them closer to their delicious dinner destination. Deer attractants come in many forms, including mineral licks and cover scents, and offer an effective way to bring deer into the vicinity of your feeder.
Mineral licks are a type of salt block that is high in minerals and trace elements that deer crave. Cover scents mask human odors which may alert wary animals of danger or disruption, giving you an advantage when hunting. Additionally, some scent attractants contain natural ingredients like apples that can be used as a food source for the deer.
By creating a scent trail leading up to your feeder you will increase the chances of attracting more deer to the area. To maximize success, combine multiple types of attractants together for maximum effectiveness. With this strategy, you’ll be able to create a feeding paradise that will draw in big bucks from miles away!
Now let’s move on to discuss how hunting blinds can also help encourage deer activity around feeders.
Hunting Blinds
Using hunting blinds helps to create a comfortable environment for deer around your feeder, allowing them to feel safe and secure. A hunting blind is an enclosed or partially enclosed structure that provides cover for the hunter. Hunting blinds can be made of natural materials like leaves and branches, or more permanent materials like wood, metal, or canvas. The main purpose of a hunting blind is to help break up the hunter’s silhouette so they blend in with their surroundings.
Another great way to attract deer using a hunting blind is by incorporating scent attractants and trail cameras into the setup. Cover scents are essential when it comes to keeping deer from being spooked and fleeing the area near your feeder. Trail cameras allow you to monitor deer activity without ever leaving your home, making it easy for you to make adjustments as needed. Transitioning into the subsequent section about planting deer-friendly plants will add an extra layer of attractiveness for deer in the area surrounding your feeder.
Planting Deer-Friendly Plants
Adding deer-friendly plants to your hunting area helps create a cozy environment that will draw wildlife closer. Deer are attracted to areas where they can find food and shelter, so by planting vegetation that is specifically attractive to deer, you can give them the incentive they need to come closer.
A few of the many plants that are loved by deer include clover, grasses, legumes, and shrubs like honeysuckle and dogwood. Additionally, incorporating deterring predators into your landscape design, such as deer proof fencing, can help keep unwanted animals away from your feeder.
Planting these types of vegetation also provides an extra layer of protection for the deer, in addition to giving them a safe place for food and shelter. By creating an inviting habitat with diverse plantings around your feeder, it’s possible to attract more deer than ever before!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to feed deer?
To attract deer, the best time to feed them is early morning or around dusk. Deer are most active during these times and it is when they are more likely to come out to feed. Being aware of deer behavior will help you better understand how to attract wildlife and provide the perfect atmosphere for them.
How long should I keep the feeder filled?
“Keep the feeder filled as long as you can to attract deer! Use a variety of food choices that are attractive to them, like apples and corn. Old-fashioned charm will draw them in, making sure they feel safe. Be sure to be consistent with refills for maximum effect!”
Should I hang the feeder in a high or low area?
Hang the feeder in a low area, such as near natural cover like trees or shrubs. This helps deer feel safe while they feed, and increases the chances of them returning often. Offer a variety of food to keep them coming back for more!
Is it safe to feed deer during hunting season?
It is generally considered safe to feed deer during hunting season, however their feeding habits may change due to increased human activity. Deer behavior can vary depending on the environment and level of disturbance, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings.
What other animals may be attracted to the feeder?
Create a lush environment with tall grasses and shrubs that provide cover for other animals, like rabbits and squirrels. Offer various types of food, such as berries, nuts, grains, and greens to appeal to multiple species. Your feeder will become an attractive destination for all sorts of wildlife!
Conclusion
To ensure that your feeder is attractive to deer, it’s important to choose the right feeder and type of food. Also, keep it clean and full. Additionally, proper placement is key. With these tips in mind, there will be no shortage of deer at your feeder.
One last tip: don’t forget about patience! It may take time for the deer to find you, but if you stick with it, they’ll eventually come around. Just remember – Rome wasn’t built in a day!