3 Ways to Make Homemade Deer Food
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Creating homemade deer food is an excellent way to supplement the natural diet of deer in your area and attract them to your property for hunting or wildlife watching purposes. Deer are ruminant animals that thrive on high-energy foods filled with vitamins and minerals, so it’s essential to provide nutritious and attractive options. In this article, we will discuss three different methods for making homemade deer food that will help you support a healthy deer population while also giving you the opportunity to spend some quality time in the great outdoors. Let’s take a look at these three options:
1. Plant Nutritious Plots
One of the best ways to create homemade deer food is by planting nutritious food plots throughout your property. This can be done with a variety of plants, including clover, soybeans, turnips, radishes, and many more. When selecting which species to plant, be sure to research which plants are native or adapted to your specific area and will provide the most significant benefits for your local deer population.
Planting should be done in small, strategically placed plots throughout your property to maximize accessibility and give you multiple viewing or hunting opportunities. Remember that deer need an array of nutrients acquired from diverse plant sources. Maintaining a mix of perennial and annual plantings in your food plots will provide deer with the right combination needed for optimal health.
2. Create Homemade Deer Protein Pellets
Protein-rich deer pellets can be an excellent supplement to a whitetail’s diet, especially during winter months when high-quality natural browse is limited. Making homemade protein pellets can be both cost-effective and tailored specifically for local deer nutritional needs.
To make your own protein pellets, combine cracked corn, soybean meal, rice bran, and cottonseed meal in a large container at a ratio of 4:2:1:1 parts respectively. Mix well and add salt or mineral supplements designed for deer; these can typically be found at a feed store. The pellets can be formed by blending the mixture with molasses (around 10% of the total weight) until reaching a suitable consistency. Spread the pellet mix onto trays and let it dry for 1-2 days before breaking it into smaller pieces.
3. Crafting Fruit and Nut Attractants
Fruit and nut attractants can entice deer to visit your land while providing them with essential nutrients to grow and reproduce healthily. One simple way to incorporate fruits and nuts is by hanging them from trees within deer-accessible height (around 5-6 feet).
Start by selecting fruits such as apples, pears, or persimmons, which are high in natural sugars. Use a sturdy cord or wire to hang the fruit from tree branches, ensuring they are secure enough not to fall easily. You can also create nut attractants by placing whole wildlife-friendly nuts such as acorns, chestnuts, or hickory nuts in a dedicated feeder within your property.
In conclusion, creating homemade deer food can be a rewarding pursuit that not only benefits your local wildlife but also increases your chances of attracting deer to your property. By planting food plots, crafting protein pellets, and utilizing fruit and nut attractants, you will cater to the dietary needs of the deer while encouraging them to call your area home. With time and effort, you’ll soon enjoy unforgettable encounters with these majestic creatures.