Supplemental Winter Feeding

Late January to late February are months when temperatures/wind-chills are often low, when there may be deep snow in some areas, when natural food sources begin to get scarce, and when deer begin to tap in to their fat reserves. They have to begin using their fat so they can maintain body heat and have enough energy to move through heavy snow or travel long distances to locate food. It is also a time when fetuses are growing in the does, and when bucks are beginning to grow new antlers. If you have ever thought about supplemental feeding January through March are a good time.

One of the goals of supplemental feeding during the winter should be to keep the deer from using so much fat that they begin to deplete muscle tissue in order to survive.

What the deer need during the winter is carbohydrate rich foods like corn or other grains. From late December to early January the protein content of the food should total about 12 %. With corn this can be achieved by adding 1 part 30% protein pellets to 3-4 parts of corn. From Late January through February the protein content of the fee should be increased to 15%-16%, by mixing 1 part 30% protein pellets to 1-2 parts corn. From March till greenup the protein content should be 20%-30%. This is achieved by mixing 1 part 30% protein to 1 part corn. Along with the feed you should also supply minerals which will help the does and their growing fetuses, and the antler regeneration of the bucks. Don’t use mineral blocks, deer can’t chew on blocks, use granular mineral on the ground where it is protected from overhead precipitation and runoff, or place it in a covered feeder. Make sure the mineral is high in phosphorus and Calcium , and Vitamins A and D. Salt is used basically as an attractant and should not exceed 35% of the mineral.

I know it’s easy to have just one food pile when you are feeding in the winter, but studies in northern Minnesota show that when deer congregate around a supplemental food source, they tend to remain near the food source, and eat nearby natural foods. This leads to destruction of the habitat, and in cases where there are numerous deer it can lead to social stress, and the spread of disease. When you feed deer in the winter try to spread the food sources out so that you have 2-3 feeding sites per 40 acres. This will keep the deer from overcrowding one area. You should also place the food sites in areas where the deer don’t have to expose themselves to precipitation or cold winds for very long. Keep the food sources in or near sheltered areas, preferably on the down wind side of a hill or in a low-lying area. Don’t make the deer travel to far to get the food, and don’t make them expose themselves.