How far apart should deer feeders be?

Author: Jacob Smith
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We all know that feeling when we are wondering what and how should we feed the deer. Today we are going to talk about how far apart should deer feeders be.

Place the feeders carefully, ideally no more than a mile apart, depending on the size of the land, in places where the deer may safely migrate from one feeder to the next.

Let’s get into full details on deer feeders placement and how much feed you should use to attract deer.

How far apart should deer feeders be?

On a property, running multiple feeders is simple. You’ll be able to hold more deer on the farm and boost hunting prospects by placing a feeder every 50 to 100 acres.

Feeder placement is crucial when setting up a supplement feeding program for your deer herd so that the animals can locate them and take advantage of daily access to the meal. A smart feeding strategy will distribute the feeders in a way around the wildlife area so that the entire deer population benefits from the extra food sources.

Feeders don’t need to be tucked away in the darkest corner of the forest. The proximity to cover, the position of the current feeding locations, the existing travel lanes, and the ease of filling are just a few of the variables that need to be taken into account.

Another essential element of success is placing feeders within a quarter-mile of a water supply. Out in the center of a big open field or pasture is the one place you don’t want to pick.

Creating a comfortable habitat for deer is one approach to improve the appeal of your site. If these timid animals are to move, they must feel safe doing so. Because they are aware that they can flee into the woods in case something goes wrong, placing your feeder close to a place of shelter is beneficial.

You should set up at a field’s edge or in a small gap. Deer are likely to feel too vulnerable if you put your feeder in the midst of a field, and they might not come out until after dusk to eat.

A feeder positioned in full view of a road, property line, or other area where people congregate may also be inviting trouble from poachers.

Can you have too many deer feeders?

There is no such thing as having too many feeders, which means that you can’t be wrong about it. Only what the deer want or need will be consumed by them so don’t worry too much about this.

How many deer feeders should I put out?

Place your feeders near runways or paths that are often used, and make sure there are enough of them there that deer do not have to travel more than a mile to get to one. One feeder every 300–400 acres is a fair general rule of thumb. Never go hunting near a grazing area.

Where should I place a deer feeder?

You might wish to put it close to trees big enough for a tree stand or in a location with artificial or natural-looking ground blinds. Regardless of the weapon you choose, make sure to set up your stand away from feeders and the deer’s main routes of travel.

How far does a deer feeder have to be from a house?

Feed must be located more than 100 yards from a home on property that person owns or occupies. Feed needs to be dispersed across the ground. Any method may be used to scatter it, including mechanical spin-cast feeders, as long as the latter do not distribute more than the maximum volume permitted.

How high should a deer feeder be off the ground?

To prevent any bucks in velvet from banging their antlers, the sides of the roof need to be 72 inches or higher off the ground. To enable fawns to access the feeder, the edges of the trough should be about 24 inches off the ground.

Do deer feeders scare big bucks?

You might be concerned that the mere presence of spin feeders will scare off deer because not all of them blend in with the surrounding environment. These feeders actually draw deer instead than frightening them, despite their appearance.

How long does it take for deer to get used to a feeder?

Deer typically need three weeks to become accustomed to a feeder. You should refrain from performing any feeder maintenance during this adjustment period in order to give the herd time to become used to their new food source.

How do I get deer to come to my feeder during the day?

Deer are drawn to foods like corn, peas, nuts like acorns and pecans, and tiny fruits. To make it look natural, add shrubs and other common plants. They’ll be drawn to this more as a result. The least noisy region of your land should be where you plant your food patch.

Why would deer stop coming to feeder?

Deer will reduce their intake of food when substantial mast crops like acorns, wild berries, fruit, or mesquite beans become available. Deer’s frequency of feeder visits can also be reduced by hunting pressure or the presence of a local predator like a bobcat, mountain lion, or bear.

How high should a fence be around a deer feeder?

28 or 34-inch-tall fences will prevent hogs from getting to your corn if they are an issue around your feeders. Feral hogs will be kept out by these two fence heights, but adult deer can still enter and forage inside. Fencing that is 34 inches high, however, can be too high for fawns.

An expert in deer hunting with 10 years of experience in the field and woods. Certified as a hunter by the State of California. I created Deer Hunting Life as my personal blog to share my experience and tips on deer hunting.