If you’re a hunter or wildlife enthusiast, finding the best deer feed is essential. The right deer feed attracts deer consistently, keeps them healthy, and makes hunting season more successful. In this guide, you’ll learn which feeds work best and why.
Why Choosing the Right Deer Feed Matters
Choosing quality deer feed helps attract deer consistently, improving their nutrition and keeping them in your area. Good deer feed helps:
- Attract and hold deer in your hunting area.
- Improve deer health and antler growth.
- Increase hunting success.
- Support deer through harsh winters.
Top 5 Best Deer Feeds for Attracting and Nourishing Deer
Here are five highly recommended deer feed products hunters and wildlife experts swear by.
1. Purina AntlerMax Deer Feed
Purina AntlerMax is a protein-rich feed specifically designed for maximizing deer growth and antler development. It contains vitamins and minerals necessary for overall deer health.
- Protein Content: 20%
- Key Benefits: Enhances antler growth, improves body condition.
- Best Season to Use: Spring and summer.
2. Wildgame Innovations Apple Crush
This attractant combines the natural sweetness of apples with nutritious grains. Apple Crush is highly effective for drawing deer to feeding areas and increasing their appetite.
- Main Ingredients: Crushed apples, grains, minerals.
- Key Benefits: Highly attractive aroma, encourages feeding.
- Best Season to Use: Year-round, especially fall.
3. Record Rack Sportsman’s Choice Golden Deer Nuggets
Golden Deer Nuggets offer balanced nutrition and irresistible flavor. It provides essential vitamins, minerals, and protein for better deer growth and antler development.
- Protein Content: 13%
- Key Benefits: Easy to feed, great taste that attracts deer consistently.
- Best Season to Use: Year-round, ideal for supplemental feeding.
4. Manna Pro Deer Corn
Manna Pro’s Deer Corn is a classic, affordable option for attracting deer quickly. Corn is highly palatable, attracting deer easily, especially in colder months when high-energy feed is crucial.
- Main Ingredient: Whole corn
- Key Benefits: Affordable, highly attractive, great energy source.
- Best Season to Use: Late fall and winter months.
5. Big & J BB2 Granular Deer Attractant
Big & J BB2 is packed with protein, grains, and a powerful aroma to attract deer from long distances. It provides important nutrition and maintains deer activity at feeding sites.
- Main Ingredients: Protein-rich grains and minerals.
- Key Benefits: Strong aroma attracts deer quickly, supports nutrition and health.
- Best Season to Use: Year-round, especially effective during hunting seasons.
What Makes a Deer Feed Effective?
When selecting deer feed, consider these important factors:
Protein and Nutrition Content
High-protein feed supports antler growth and overall health. Feeds with 16% to 20% protein are ideal for optimal growth and nutrition.
Palatability and Aroma
The smell and taste significantly impact deer attraction. Feeds with natural fruit scents or sweetened grains attract deer more quickly.
Seasonal Suitability
Select feeds that match seasonal needs. High-protein feeds are best in spring and summer, while high-energy feeds like corn are crucial in winter.
Affordability and Availability
Choose deer feeds readily available in your area and within your budget. Consistent feeding yields better results than occasional use of expensive feed.
Expert Tips for Using Deer Feed Effectively
Here are practical tips to boost the effectiveness of your deer feed:
- Feed consistently: Regular feeding keeps deer coming back and conditions them to visit your hunting area.
- Use feeders or troughs: Keep feed off the ground to prevent waste and contamination.
- Place feed strategically: Position feed in secluded, secure areas away from disturbances to encourage consistent deer visits.
- Combine feed types: Mix corn or attractants with protein pellets for optimal nutritional balance and increased attraction.
Common Deer Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes hunters make when feeding deer:
- Feeding irregularly: Sporadic feeding leads deer to lose interest and move elsewhere.
- Overfeeding corn: Excessive corn can cause digestive issues, especially in summer. Balance it with protein-rich feeds.
- Ignoring feed freshness: Deer avoid stale or moldy feed. Store feed properly and replace regularly.
How to Keep Deer Feed Fresh
Proper storage extends the shelf life of your deer feed and maintains its attractiveness:
- Use airtight containers: Prevent moisture and pests by storing feed in sealed bins.
- Store in cool, dry places: Avoid damp environments to prevent mold growth.
- Rotate stock regularly: Use older feed first to ensure freshness.
When to Start Feeding Deer
The best time to start feeding deer depends on your goal:
- Antler growth: Start protein feeding in early spring when antlers begin developing.
- Winter survival: Start providing high-energy feed like corn or grain in late fall to support deer during harsh winter months.
- Hunting season: Start supplemental feeding several weeks before hunting season to establish regular deer movement patterns.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Deer Feed for Success
Selecting the best deer feed is essential to attracting more deer, improving their health, and boosting your hunting success. Products like Purina AntlerMax, Apple Crush, and Big & J BB2 Granular are highly effective options that hunters trust.
Feed deer consistently, choose products wisely based on the season, and ensure proper storage for optimal results.
Ready to enhance your hunting and wildlife management success? Pick your deer feed today and enjoy seeing healthier deer and better hunting results!