Deer hunting is both a skill and a challenge. Success comes from understanding the behavior of deer, including their feeding habits. What makes them tick?
What do they seek out for nourishment? Knowing the answers to these questions gives you a major advantage. Food sources play a key role in attracting deer, whether through natural foraging, food plots, or baiting.
By understanding what deer crave the most, you can effectively draw them in and increase your chances of harvesting a trophy buck.
Corn: The Classic Deer Food
Corn has long been a staple choice for deer hunters. It is widely available, easy to use, and highly attractive to deer. However, while corn is effective, it has its pros and cons.
Nutritional Value of Corn for Deer
Corn is an excellent source of carbohydrates, which provide deer with much-needed energy. This is especially critical during the colder months when deer burn more calories to stay warm.
However, corn lacks essential proteins, fats, and minerals needed for overall health. While it serves as a great supplemental food source, it should not be relied upon exclusively.
Best Ways to Use Corn for Deer Hunting
There are several effective ways to use corn to attract deer:
- Scattering: Spreading corn across the ground encourages deer to forage naturally, keeping them in the area longer.
- Feeders: Automatic or gravity feeders dispense corn at scheduled intervals, creating a consistent feeding pattern.
- Corn Piles: Simple yet effective, placing piles of corn in strategic locations can quickly draw in deer.
Before using corn as bait, always check your local hunting regulations to ensure compliance.
Acorns: Nature’s Deer Magnet
Acorns are a primary deer food , especially during the fall when they drop from oak trees. They are high in fats, proteins, and essential nutrients, making them an ideal natural attractant.
Types of Acorns and Deer Preference
Not all acorns are equal in a deer’s eyes. There are two main types:
- White Oak Acorns: These have lower tannin levels, making them sweeter and more palatable. Deer prefer these whenever available.
- Red Oak Acorns: Higher in tannins and slightly bitter, these acorns are still eaten by deer, especially when white oak acorns become scarce.
Finding Acorn Hotspots
To locate prime acorn feeding areas, scout for oak trees in the following spots:
- Near well-traveled deer trails
- In wooded clearings
- Along ridges and creek bottoms
If you find a tree dropping fresh acorns, you’ve likely found a prime hunting location.
Food Plots: Cultivating Deer Habitat
Food plots are an excellent long-term investment for deer management. These planted areas provide a steady deer food source throughout the year, ensuring that deer remain in the area and have access to proper nutrition.
Top Food Plot Seed Mixes
Choosing the right seeds for your food plot is crucial. Some of the best options include:
- Clover: High in protein and grows well in various soil types.
- Brassicas: Deer love turnips, radishes, and kale, especially in late fall and winter.
- Alfalfa: Provides excellent nutrition and is ideal for warm-weather growth.
Planting and Maintaining Food Plots
To ensure a successful food plot:
- Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient levels.
- Fertilize as needed to optimize growth.
- Control weeds to prevent competition for nutrients.
- Rotate crops to maintain soil health and keep deer interested.
A well-maintained food plot can provide deer with nutritious forage year-round.
Apples: A Sweet Treat for Deer
Apples are a highly attractive food source for deer, particularly in late autumn and winter when other food is scarce. Their sweet aroma and taste make them irresistible.
Variety Matters: Best Apples for Deer
Some apple varieties are more appealing to deer than others:
- Crabapples: Small but packed with flavor, these are a top choice.
- Sweeter Apple Varieties: Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Gala apples tend to attract deer more than tart varieties like Granny Smith.
Utilizing Apples Strategically
To maximize the effectiveness of apples:
- Scatter them near trails and bedding areas.
- Set up hunting stands near apple trees.
- Use apple piles to concentrate deer movement.
If you have the space, planting apple trees on your property can provide a renewable attractant for years to come.
Mineral Licks: Supplementing Deer Nutrition
Mineral licks are an excellent way to provide essential nutrients that deer need for overall health, antler growth, and reproductive success.
Key Minerals for Deer
Deer require a variety of minerals, including:
- Calcium & Phosphorus: Crucial for strong bone and antler development.
- Salt: Helps regulate bodily functions and increases water consumption.
- Magnesium & Zinc: Support overall health and immune function.
Creating and Maintaining Mineral Licks
To establish a successful mineral lick:
- Choose a shaded, well-used area near a water source.
- Mix commercial mineral supplements into the soil.
- Refresh the site periodically to ensure continued use.
Deer will return to a well-maintained mineral lick regularly, providing you with an excellent hunting opportunity.
Conclusion
Understanding what deer eat and how to use these deer food sources strategically can dramatically improve your hunting success. Whether using corn, acorns, food plots, apples, or mineral licks, the key is to provide a reliable, legal, and ethical attractant that benefits both the deer and the hunter. Always follow local regulations, and remember that sustainable deer management leads to better hunting experiences for years to come. Happy hunting!
