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What to Feed Deer Instead of Corn: 10+ Beneficial Alternatives to Corn for Deer Feed

If you’re a hunter, you know that deer are a favored target. And if you’re looking to bag yourself a buck this season, you may be wondering what to feed deer instead of corn. While corn is an effective way to bait deer, there are other foods that can bring them in just as easily and without the mess! Keep reading for tips on what to feed deer to bring them close to your hunting spot.

Why hunters feed deer with corn?

Some hunters feed deer with corn because it is an effective way to bait deer, and it is a cheap and easy food source to provide. Corn is also readily available at most stores, so many hunters choose to use it as their main bait.

Additionally, when deer are fed corn regularly, they can become conditioned to expect it at certain times of the year, which makes them more likely to visit the hunting spot where they’ve been fed in the past.

While there are many benefits to feeding deer corn, there are also some drawbacks.

One of the biggest problems with feeding deer corn is that it can attract other animals as well. Raccoons, bears, and even birds can all be attracted to areas where deer are being fed, which can lead to conflict and property damage. Additionally, corn can attract deer to areas where they may not be welcome, such as residential neighborhoods.

Another downside to feeding deer corn is that it is not a natural food source for them. In the wild, deer eat mostly plants and grasses, with the occasional insect or small mammal. While corn can provide them with the calories they need to survive, it does not contain all of the nutrients that a wild diet would. This can lead to health problems for deer that are fed a diet of corn instead of their natural diet.

Why not to feed deer corn

While feeding deer corn may be an effective way to bait them, there are some drawbacks that you should be aware of.

First, corn is not a natural food source for deer, and can actually cause health problems if they eat too much of it.

Second, corn can attract other animals to your hunting spot, which can lead to conflict and property damage.

Finally, corn is a high-calorie food source, which means that deer who eat it may put on weight quickly. If you’re looking to keep the deer healthy and avoid attracting other animals, consider these alternatives to corn.

What to feed deer instead of corn

There are plenty of other foods that you can feed deer instead of corn. Here are a few ideas:

Consider a Food Plot

One alternative to feeding deer corn is to consider planting a food plot. A food plot is a section of land that is planted with crops specifically for deer. This can include anything from alfalfa and clover to soybeans and corn.

Planting a food plot is a great way to attract deer to your hunting spot without having to worry about attracting other animals as well. Additionally, it provides them with a natural source of food that contains all the nutrients they need.

Fruits and vegetables

Deer love fruits and vegetables, so try putting out a variety of these as bait. Apples, pears, carrots, cabbage, and broccoli are all good options.

Bread

You can use stale bread to bait deer. Just make sure to tear it into small pieces so the deer can easily eat it.

Oats

Oats are a healthy option for baiting deer. You can either leave them out dry or mix them with water to create a paste.

Peanuts

Peanuts are high in protein and fat, which makes them an ideal food for baiting deer. You can either leave them out whole or crush them into a powder.

Woody Browse

Woody browse is the term for the twigs, leaves, and bark of woody plants. This is a natural food source for deer, so they will be attracted to it.

Formulated Deer Feed Mixes

You can also find formulated deer feed mixes at most hunting and fishing stores. These mixes contain all the nutrients that deer need, so they make a great alternative to corn.

Rice Bran

Rice bran is the outer layer of the rice grain that is removed during processing. It is high in fat and fiber, which makes it an ideal food for baiting deer.

Molasses

Molasses is a thick, sticky syrup that is made from sugarcane or sugar beets. It is high in calories, so it can help deer put on weight quickly.

Pumpkins

Pumpkins are a great source of food for deer. You can either leave them out whole or carve them into bowls and fill them with other foods like oats or corn.

Alfalfa pellets

Alfalfa pellets are a type of compressed hay that is made from alfalfa leaves. They are high in protein and fiber, which makes them an ideal food for baiting deer.

Beet pulp

Beet pulp is the byproduct of sugar beet processing. It is high in fiber and low in sugar, which makes it a healthy option for baiting deer.

Soybeans

Soybeans are a type of legume that is high in protein and fiber. They make a great alternative to corn for baiting deer.

Creep Feed

Creep feed is a type of animal feed that is designed to be fed to young animals. It is high in protein and nutrients, which makes it an ideal food for baiting deer.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat is a type of grain that is high in protein and fiber. It makes a great alternative to corn for baiting deer.

Deer Mineral Packs

Deer mineral packs are a type of supplement that is designed to provide deer with all the nutrients they need. They make a great alternative to corn for baiting deer.

While there are many different options for what to feed deer instead of corn, these are just a few of the most popular choices. Ultimately, the best food to bait deer with is something that is high in calories and nutrients, and that will attract them to your hunting spot. Experiment with different foods to see what works best in your area.

The benefits of feeding deer other foods

There are several benefits to feeding deer other foods instead of corn.

For one, it’s important to know what to feed deer instead of corn so you can keep them healthy and provide them with the nutrients they need.

Additionally, by providing alternative foods for deer, you can attract a wider variety of deer to your hunting grounds.

Finally, by not using corn as bait, you can avoid attracting other animals, like bears and raccoons, which you may not want near your hunting spot.

Why Feed Deer?

Deer are notoriously difficult to track and hunt. They have keen senses of smell and hearing, and they’re constantly on the move in search of food. This makes it hard for hunters to get close enough for a shot. One way to increase your chances of success is to bait deer with food that will attract them to a specific location. That way, you can set up your hunting blind or stand in an area where you know deer will be passing through.

There are a few reasons why you might want to consider baiting deer:

To bring deer into range: If you’re having trouble getting close enough to deer for a shot, baiting them with food can help. By luring them closer with a tasty treat, you’ll be able to take your shot without spooking them.

To get a bigger deer: Bigger deer are often more difficult to track and hunt than smaller ones. Baiting can help you attract a larger deer to your hunting area.

To train deer: Some hunters use baiting as a way to train deer. By luring them in with food, you can teach deer to associate humans with something positive (i.e., food). This can make them less likely to bolt when they see you, making it easier to take your shot.

What NOT to Feed Deer

Before we go any further, it’s important to note that there are certain things you should NOT feed deer. These include:

Moldy or spoiled food: Never feed deer moldy or spoiled food. This can make them sick and could even kill them.

Canned goods: Canned goods, like fruits and vegetables, can contain high levels of sodium that can be harmful to deer.

Junk food: Junk food, like chips and candy, is high in calories but low in nutrients. It can also lead to obesity in deer.

Corn: Corn is often used as bait for deer, but it’s not the best option. Corn is high in carbohydrates and can actually attract other animals, like bears and raccoons.

Now that you know what NOT to feed deer, let’s take a look at some of the best foods to use as bait.

Risks Associated with Feeding Deer

There are a few risks associated with feeding deer, but they can be mitigated by following some simple guidelines.

The first and most important rule is to only feed deer food that is safe for them to eat. Moldy or spoiled food, as well as canned goods and junk food, can all make deer sick. Be sure to check the expiration date on any food you’re planning to use as bait, and only use fresh, unspoiled items.

Another risk to consider is attracting other animals to your hunting area. Corn is often used as bait for deer, but it’s also a favorite food of bears and raccoons. If you’re using corn as bait, be sure to remove any leftover kernels so you don’t attract these unwanted guests.

Finally, be sure to clean up any leftover food after you’re done hunting. Leaving food out can attract animals and pests, and it can also spread disease.

Tips for creating a feeding station for deer

If you’re planning on baiting deer, there are a few things you’ll need to do to set up a successful feeding station.

First, you’ll need to choose a location. Look for an area where deer are already congregating. This could be near a water source, in a thicket of trees, or in a field. Once you’ve found a likely spot, clear away any leaves or debris so the bait is visible.

Next, you’ll need to decide what kind of bait to use. As we mentioned earlier, corn is often used as bait for deer. But there are other options as well, like apples, carrots, and hay. Be sure to choose a food that is safe for deer to eat and that will attract them to the area.

Once you’ve chosen your bait, it’s time to set up your feeding station. You’ll need a bucket or container to hold the bait, as well as a platform or table to put it on. The platform should be high enough off the ground that deer can reach the bait, but low enough that you can shoot over it.

You may also want to consider using a feeder to dispense the bait. This can help you control how much food is available, and it can keep other animals from raiding your supply.

Conclusion

Deer are browsers, not grazers. This means that they prefer to feed on leaves and twigs from trees and shrubs rather than on grasses. Providing a well-balanced diet for deer will help them stay healthy and minimize the amount of damage they do to your landscaping.

There are many different types of food you can provide for deer, but we recommend starting with a basic mix of hay, corn, and carrots. You can also add apples or other fruit as a treat. Be sure to avoid moldy or spoiled food, as well as canned goods and junk food, which can make deer sick.

If you want to try something other, be sure to research what type of food is best suited for your area. By providing deer with an alternative to corn, you can help keep them healthy while minimizing damage to your property. What to feed deer instead of corn? Have you tried feeding deer other foods besides corn?

FAQ

Why is corn bad for deer?

Corn is high in carbohydrates and can actually attract other animals, like bears and raccoons. It’s also not the best option for deer because it’s not a natural part of their diet. If you’re going to use corn as bait, be sure to remove any leftover kernels so you don’t attract unwanted guests.

What are some good alternatives to corn?

Some good alternatives to corn include hay, carrots, apples, and other fruit. Be sure to choose a food that is safe for deer to eat and that will attract them to the area. You may also want to consider using a feeder to dispense the bait so you can control how much food is available.

What should I do if I see a deer in my yard?

If you see a deer in your yard, the best thing to do is to let it be. Deer are wild animals and should not be fed by humans. If you’re concerned about the deer damaging your property, you can try fencing in the area or using other deterrents. However, it’s important to remember that deer are capable of jumping high fences, so you may need to take additional measures to keep them out.

What is the cheapest thing to feed deer?

The cheapest thing to feed deer is hay. Hay is a good source of nutrition for deer and is relatively inexpensive. You can also add other foods to the hay, like carrots or apples, to provide a more complete diet.

What should I not feed deer?

You should not feed deer moldy or spoiled food, as well as canned goods and junk food. These items can make deer sick and should be avoided. You should also avoid giving deer too much corn, as it’s not a natural part of their diet and can actually attract other animals.

What is the best thing to feed deer?

The best thing to feed deer is a well-balanced diet that includes hay, corn, and carrots. You can also add apples or other fruit as a treat. Be sure to avoid moldy or spoiled food, as well as canned goods and junk food. If you’re concerned about the deer damaging your property, you can try fencing in the area or using other deterrents.

When should I stop feeding deer?

You should stop feeding deer when winter starts to set in and natural food sources become scarce. Stopping the feedings will help the deer become less dependent on humans and more likely to survive on their own. It will also help reduce the amount of damage they do to your property.

How often should I feed deer?

You should only feed deer as often as necessary to maintain their health. Overfeeding can actually be harmful to deer, so be sure to follow the recommended feeding guidelines. If you’re not sure how much to feed, you can consult with a local wildlife expert or veterinarian.

How much should I feed deer?

You should only feed deer as much as they need to maintain their health. Overfeeding can actually be harmful to deer, so be sure to follow the recommended feeding guidelines. If you’re not sure how much to feed, you can consult with a local wildlife expert or veterinarian.

What time of day do deer eat the most?

Deer tend to eat the most during dawn and dusk. This is when they are the most active and when they are looking for food. If you’re trying to attract deer to your property, you should put out food during these times.

Where do I buy hay for deer?

You can buy hay for deer at most feed stores or online. Be sure to get a good quality hay that is free of mold and other contaminants. You can also add other foods to the hay, like carrots or apples, to provide a more complete diet.

How much does deer food cost?

The cost of deer food varies depending on the type and amount you purchase. Hay is a good source of nutrition for deer and is relatively inexpensive. You can also add other foods to the hay, like carrots or apples, to provide a more complete diet. If you’re concerned about the deer damaging your property, you can try fencing in the area or using other deterrents.

When do deer mate?

Deer mate during the fall months, typically October and November. This is when the bucks are in their rut, or mating season. The does will usually only mate with one buck during this time. If you’re seeing a lot of deer activity on your property, it’s likely because they are looking for mates.

What is the life cycle of a deer?

The life cycle of a deer begins with birth and ends with death. In between, deer go through a series of stages that include growth, reproduction, and winter dormancy. The average lifespan of a deer is about 10 years, but some can live up to 20 years in captivity.

Do Deers eat carrots?

Yes, deer will eat carrots. Carrots are a good source of nutrition for deer and can be fed as a treat. Be sure to avoid moldy or spoiled food, as well as canned goods and junk food. If you’re concerned about the deer damaging your property, you can try fencing in the area or using other deterrents.

What is the natural diet of a deer?

The natural diet of a deer includes grasses, herbs, twigs, leaves, and bark. Deer will also eat fruits and vegetables if they are available. In areas where there is no natural food source, deer will often eat corn or other grains. Be sure to provide a variety of foods to ensure a well-balanced diet.

What is the best way to attract deer?

The best way to attract deer is by providing a food source. This can be in the form of hay, corn, or other grain. You should also put out the food during dawn and dusk, when deer are most active. If you’re concerned about the deer damaging your property, you can try fencing in the area or using other deterrents.

When do baby deer start eating solid food?

Baby deer, or fawns, start eating solid food at around 6 weeks old. They will nurse from their mothers until they are able to digest solid food. Fawns will typically stay with their mothers for the first year of their life. After that, they will disperse and live on their own.

How often do deer need to drink water?

Deer need to drink water every day, but how much they drink depends on the temperature and the availability of water. In warm weather, deer will drink more water to stay hydrated. If there is a shortage of water, deer will not drink as much to conserve what they have.

When do deer shed their antlers?

Deer shed their antlers once a year, typically in the late winter or early spring. The antlers will grow back within a few months. Once the antlers are fully grown, the deer will rub them against trees or other objects to shed the velvet that covers them.

What do deer use their antlers for?

Deer use their antlers for protection, as well as for mate selection. The size and shape of the antlers can indicate the health of the deer and its ability to survive and reproduce. Bucks will also use their antlers to compete with other bucks for mating rights.

Should you feed wild deer?

It is generally not recommended to feed wild deer, as it can lead to them becoming dependent on humans and losing their natural fear of people. This can ultimately result in the deer being put down if they become a nuisance. If you do choose to feed wild deer, be sure to stop doing so gradually to wean them off the food source.

What is the best way to deter deer?

The best way to deter deer is by using physical barriers, such as fencing. You can also try using visual deterrents, such as motion-activated lights or flags. Chemical repellents are also available, but these should be used with caution as they can be harmful to both deer and people.