What is the Best Thing to Put in a Deer Feeder?

Whatever your motivation, it's essential to plan ahead, meet the nutritional needs of the deer, and follow all relevant legislation and guidelines surrounding feeding. 

So, what's the best thing to put in a deer feeder? Let's look at a few types of feed, feeder types, strategies, and the legal implications of deer feeding to ensure you're feeding ethically and legally. 

What are the Most Common Types of Feed for Deer Feeders?

Corn is the most common option for deer feed, providing a high-energy food resource for hungry deer. However, too much can cause digestive issues and be harmful to their health, so it's best to check with local wildlife authorities to learn what's best for local herds.

Feed can also be mixed with other attractants, protein pellets, or grain to create a more bioavailable feed option or as a base attractant.

Protein is necessary for body maintenance and growth, especially during the antler growth period. This means deer require a diet rich in protein (around 12-16%) to reach their genetic potential. You'll find a range of protein pellets on the market, as these products are great for herd health and antler growth and are a popular option that can be used throughout the year. 

For a more rounded nutritional option, there are deer-specific mixes that blend grains, minerals, and flavor attractants. 

Mineral blocks or powders provide additional nutrients, often in the form of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and electrolytes. While they don't go into the feeder, they can be placed alongside your feeder. Check out some of the best mineral blocks and more from our partners at Buck Bourbon (plus save money when using your HuntWise Pro or Elite subscriber discount)!

Finally, natural additions such as apples, acorns, or sweet potatoes can be added to boost attraction or palatability. Just make sure you check the legality regarding the use of these additions. 

What Are the Types of Deer Feeders?

With numerous deer feeders on the market, it's worth taking a moment to shop around and consider your feeding needs, environment, and ease of use to choose the best option for your specific requirements. 

Gravity Feeders 

Gravity feeders, as you may have guessed from the name, use gravity to dispense the feed to attract the deer.

As deer consume the feed, more feed will fill the feeding bowl beneath, making it an ideal all-year-round feed dispensing option. With no batteries, timers, or complex components, it's an excellent economical set-and-forget option. 

Spin or Broadcast Feeders 

Spin and broadcast feeders utilize a timer and dispensing mechanism to spread feed, such as corn or pellets, in a circular pattern, typically over a distance of a few feet. This is an elite option for controlling the quantity of feed and developing the feeding patterns of incoming deer. 

Trough Feeders 

These agricultural-style feeders function as open-style feeders, allowing multiple deer to feed simultaneously. This is a no-frills option that's simple to maintain and only requires incremental refilling. 

Automatic Protein Feeders

Automatic protein feeders provide deer with the nutrients and protein they need to grow. The devices automatically dispense protein pellets at preset times to help manage waste and also develop feeding schedules. 

This feeder is commonly used in managed hunting lands and leases. 

Is It Legal to Use Deer Feeders?

Using deer feeders in restricted areas or seasons can result in fines, license suspensions, or loss of hunting privileges. So, we recommend routinely checking the rules in your areas to make sure you always comply.

Check State and Local Laws First

The legality surrounding the use of deer feeders will shift depending on your intended state and hunting zone. Additionally, some states allow feeding year-round, while others permit feeding only during the off-season or with restrictions.

It's always best to check state and local laws first, as they can be complicated. For example, feeding and baiting in Michigan are split by the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. 

Baiting vs. Feeding: Know the Difference

Baiting is typically banned, especially during hunting season, and can result in severe legal penalties if undertaken.

Feeding often refers to off-season nutritional support, whereas baiting normally involves using feed to attract deer during hunting season, specifically targeting deer. This generally contradicts the fair chase principle of hunting. 

Even where feeding is legal, hunting over or near a feeder may be considered baiting, which is why it's essential to read the regulations thoroughly and contact the department for any further clarification. 

Some States Allow It (With Restrictions)

Some states may allow feeding under strict regulations, such as removing the feeder before a set date, the placement of feeders, and the requirement for permits. They may also permit baiting for certain game animals or with specific types of weapons, such as a bow and arrow. 

Using Feeders on Private vs. Public Land

Feeders are most commonly used in private land hunts, as public hunting lands almost always prohibit the use of feeders or bait. 

If you hunt private land that you don't own, check with the landowner before placing or feeding deer on their property.

When to Feed Deer

Supplemental feeding with protein-rich foods and other feed types must reflect the changes in season and nutritional requirements of deer at that time.

• During the spring and summer, especially when the weather is extreme and there is a deficiency in the protein content of foods, it is beneficial to focus on protein-rich feed to support growth and development. Minerals are also essential during this period. Fresh vegetables will help does produce rich milk for their young. 
• During the Fall and Winter periods, deer's dietary requirements shift toward calorically dense foods to maintain body weight and survive the cooler months. At this time of year, it's essential to provide as many nutrients as possible through naturally foraged food, which is predominantly woody browse, including leaves, twigs, bark, and shrubs.

In addition, carbohydrate-rich foods such as acorns, apples, nuts, grains, and seeds will be a welcome treat for hungry deer. 

Again, it's essential to check the supplemental feeding status and legality in your state, including any restrictions on seasons or periods. 

How Feeders Help Hunters 

Game feeders can be a powerful tool in attracting deer through consistent feeding at predictable times. Setting and stocking feeders can help you determine movement patterns and inform trail camera placement, serving as an easy introduction to the world of hunting for beginner hunters. 

Additionally, well-managed and carefully planned feeders can contribute to the health of deer herds, maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Healthy deer means better antlers and stronger genetics by mitigating the effects of food shortage during tougher periods of challenging weather or availability.

Feeders can also be placed to encourage habitat diversity and controlled to manage the type and quantity of food administered. 

Good Feed Boosts Hunting Success

Finally, one of the primary benefits of using a deer feeder is the increased opportunity for hunting success.

Legally placed feeders can draw deer into shooting lanes or hunting zones. By establishing your blind or tree stand near a feeder, you will have a strategic advantage in taking a well-conditioned deer.

Mark Feeder Locations With HuntWise

The best way to keep track of your feeders is to mark them in the HuntWise app!

When considering where to place feeders, consider deer movement and how the environment will impact their feeding patterns. Placing a feeder too close to areas with high rates of human presence, such as roads, popular parks, and walking trails, will guarantee infrequent visits. 

To pinpoint the ultimate feeder placement, use the HuntWise app to target and mark critical locations, such as forested edges that meet agricultural fields and natural passageways that link to water access or bedding areas. Once you've determined potential placement areas, mark them in the app. 

Maximize Deer Feeder and Hunting Success With HuntWise 

Where legal, feeders play a crucial role in maintaining and sustaining a healthy deer herd and a balanced ecosystem. If you can use a deer feeder and believe it's possible to integrate it into your hunting strategy, go for it and use the tips we provided today!

Don't forget: you can save money on feed, attractants, and mineral blocks when you shop with our partners at Buck Bourbon and use your HuntWise Pro or Elite subscriber discount.

For the best deer hunting tips, mapping insights to help you determine the best feeder location, weather projections to help you plan your hunt, and much more, grab the HuntWise app. 
Download it and enjoy your first week of HuntWise — free!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to your questions about deer feed and feeders!

1. What is the best type of feed to put in a deer feeder?

Deer typically prefer whole corn, protein pellets, and specially formulated deer feed mixes tailored to what's best for local herds.

2. Can I use regular livestock feed for deer?

Most hunters, deer experts, and wildlife agencies don't recommend using livestock feed for deer. Instead, deer need balanced nutrition. Use feed designed specifically for them.

3. Will deer eat fruits and vegetables from feeders?

Yes! Deer eat carrots, apples, and other produce. However, consider offering these options in moderation.

4. Should I switch feed types during the year?

Yes! In the spring and summer, protein-rich feed is best. High-energy feeds (like corn) are best in fall and winter.