When do you start feeding Whitetail??

[wyohome]

It's not ideal, but better than pizza & a movie.

I agree, it is just too bad that so many of the hunting shows use this method of harvesting game as the norm when it is the exception. I know it is easier to film the taking of game from a blind near a feeder, but the anti-hunters use this as a tool to berate all hunters.

 

[UpTheIrons]

You shoulda done started!

We've got a lease NW of Fredericksburg, and we feed year round. We set the timers for just 2-3 seconds from the end of the season in January through July. Then, we bump it up to 4-5 seconds until Archery season starts, then really put the corn to 'em until Rifle season is over.

We also put out molasses tubs in the late spring, and they are usually gone by the end of July, which is when Texas Whitetail stop going to the protein sources anyway (when their antlers are just about finished growing). It's worked for us fairly well over the last 4 or 5 years.

Of course, it's not real cheap, but the benefits outweigh the cost, both when the season opens, and in the off-season, especially with this drought, in that all the deer we've seen lately look really good.

Solar chargers keep the batteries good for the year, and it only takes visits every other month to check on the status of the corn and refill the feeders. It gives you an excuse to get away for a day or two, too.

 

[DRYHUMOR]

I guess feeding works in some areas. Depending on pressure and local browse.

I've found that corn piles promote nocturnal deer (here in SC). I actually stopped feeding 5 or 6 years ago, and see more deer through the day.

 

[Art Eatman]

This thread is about when to feed, not how to hunt. Don't tempt me.

 

[41 Mag]

wyohome,

In Wyoming, only legally blind persons or people confined to a wheelchair can hunt over bait or use feed to attract deer. The rest of us have to 'hunt'.

I agree, it is just too bad that so many of the hunting shows use this method of harvesting game as the norm when it is the exception. I know it is easier to film the taking of game from a blind near a feeder, but the anti-hunters use this as a tool to berate all hunters.

Have I hunted over a feeder you bet'ya I have, it's legal here and till it isn't I have no issues with anyone else doing it either. If they ask for help in any hunting related issue I think I can help with I will add a comment if I feel it is useful. If not I keep quiet and move on.

As to the above comment, I will tell you the same thing I tell all that have had issues with me for doing it. I spend several thousand dollars a year minimum, plus time fuel and labor, adding additional protein and minerals to the diets of some of the deer in my farm area, that they would not be getting due to the conditions around there. I do this year round, not because I have to, and not because I am looking to kill anything, heck I have only shot 3 deer since '01 and none were anywhere remotely close to a feeder or mineral station, and yes I hunted for them also. Just because I put out the added goodies doesn't mean that every single deer utilizes it, nor does it mean that the ones that do are addicted to it, and loose all desire to eat anything else. They use it when it suits them, and don't when they don't need it.

So when you or any of the rest of the high horsed, moral and ethic policing, out of this state living folks, who really have no idea what all really goes into putting out feeders or mineral stations or food plot, can show me how much you spend a year to add to the health and well being of the native wildlife in your areas, or you can show me undisputed scientific proof that what I am doing is illegal, or is actually harming the animals in MY area, (not some Michigan study,) which are MUCH healthier now than before, then you can pitch a fit, until then if you ain't got anything constructive to add to the OP's question then go add your comments somewhere where they are actually constructive.

 

[MCgunner]

Ever noticed how many ethics nazis come from the NW? Well, I know you have umpteen gazillion acres there to hunt for free, but hey, different regions are different. Texas, I have a small plot of land next to a big ranch and the deer hang around there because I feed them. They bed there anyway, but that's beside the point. There are lots of deer and hogs there, but that ranch has lots more land than I do. This is why feeders are a way of life in Texas. Not too many people here have 20,000 acre leases. If they do, they're rich enough to BUY 30 or forty places like mine. All I can do to pay the damned taxes on the place and just to hunt deer and hogs.

Hey, and PETA is based in the NW. You have a lot of kooks out there which probably makes you more sensitive to criticism. PETA don't DARE set a foot on MY place. We have a brand new county jail for 'em and I carry a cell phone. They'd probably get 20 years in Huntsville for harassing a hunter here. That's not looked well upon.

Just an observation, the guys from Washington and Oregon really seem to have this "my way or the highway" attitude that just POs me.

 

[JWF III]

I didn't know you were suppose to stop feeding them?

Seriously, we feed year round. Unless one is to close to a stand and would be considered baiting. Learned that lesson a couple years ago. A buddy got a ticket for hunting over bait on a feeder he couldn't even see. Game Warden used a GPS to show he was 10 yards too close to it. 10 yards cost him $250.

Wyman

 

[MCgunner]

My feeder is about 60 yards from my stand and I can see it and all major trails leading to it from my tripod.

 

[deerhunter61]

Wyohome...

I think the poster was asking a question aimed at those of us who hunt and use feeders. So why do you feel the need to start taking potshots at those of us who hunt in Texas where it is a tried to true method to harvesting game? I do not think he was looking for your opinion. So are you someone who likes to start disagreements just because you can? You are certainly welcome to your opinion. If you are this strongly opposed to it rather than getting this thread off track why not start your own thread and address it there? Would not this be a better way?

One last thing...as long as hunters have hunted they have looked for ways to slant the odds in their favor. If you are such a traditionalist why not use spears rather than a firearm or a bow and arrow or anything else that would give you an advantage. People have hunted game animals over food sources and water supplies for ever and the idea that you do not take advantage of these seems a little far fetched so for you to judge others on the topic is a little much.

I am sorry...I get tired of sactimonious people trying to pass judgement on others when they do the same just in another form.

Back to the topic...I started feeding two months ago and am going back in a few weeks to increase the amount of feed.