Feed Station Ideas

[pd]

I know that it is a bit early to be thinking about this, but as I prepare for setting up a feed station in my favorite forest spot, I would like to ask you all about materiel (that is, what to use for feed stock).  Specifically, this is for deer, maybe elk.

I don't have my own apple orchard, where I could harvest and keep droppers from the previous season.  So, for the Spring and Summer months, what can I do?  Ideally, I guess that apples would be a nice supplement to the local diet, but where can I get apples at that time of year?  For example, do any of you have ideas on buying boxes of "off-grade" apples from your local supermarket--maybe a crazy idea?  Or, I could just as easily truck in a bale of alfalfa from the local Cenex.

(The nice thing about alfalfa is that coyotes/wolves would not partake...)

So, my question is, what do you guys do?  How/where do you get your "deer treats?"

[lokidog]

Have you searched on here for feeding or supplements for deer?  There have been a lot of threads regarding this topic.  I like to feed Allstock from Del's or some other relatively high protein pellet. They are generally not too expensive and provide good nutrition for the deer rather than just empty calories.

[pd]

Thanks, LokiDog. 

Yes, I have searched this forum, and have learned a lot from previous posts over the years.  I notice that alfalfa is highly unpopular (strongly discouraged).  I also know that "deer corn" (feed corn at Cenex) can rot easily.  Both of these are out of bounds for me.  What I would really like to do is secure a steady supply of apples, and this is why I posted.

If I am on the right track here, I would like some ideas on how to get apples, on a constant basis, Spring through Summer.  On the other hand, if I am on the wrong track, I would like to hear that as well.

[lokidog]

Thanks, LokiDog. 

Yes, I have searched this forum, and have learned a lot from previous posts over the years.  I notice that alfalfa is highly unpopular (strongly discouraged).  I also know that "deer corn" (feed corn at Cenex) can rot easily.  Both of these are out of bounds for me.  What I would really like to do is secure a steady supply of apples, and this is why I posted.

If I am on the right track here, I would like some ideas on how to get apples, on a constant basis, Spring through Summer.  On the other hand, if I am on the wrong track, I would like to hear that as well.

The problem with apples all winter and spring is one, they provide very little nutrition for the deer.  If your sole purpose is to attract them, that'll work I guess.  We like to give some nutrition back, especially when they really need it in winter and early spring.  The second problem is storage, unless you round up a lot of old refrigerators and have a lot of space to keep them.  Dehydrated whole apples might work as far as preservation, but then there is the energy/space required to dry them.  If you are set on apples, figure out which will keep the best for the cost and maybe contact some growers/distributors in Wenatchee or somewhere around there.

[buck man]

Well if It is indeed a feed station then you will be going regularly. Yes there are those that don't like feeding alfalfa. They say the deer can't digest it. That is true of starving deer or deer that have never seen it, but other than that deer can digest it just fine. I feed 10 ton a year and my deer winter just fine. In addition to alfalfa I feed 2 ton of corn and 4 ton of beans. I also feed about 2.5 ton of apples.

Along with the protein in the alfalfa and beans , the deer need a starch and that is where corn comes in. Apples are just an attractant. Deer love them but don't get much out of them.

I look  provide a complete digestible meal for the deer. If you are serious about feeding in the winter. Don't start and then stop!Deer require about 5 lbs of digestible food in the winter. It can get real expensive. Deer become dependent on it. Good or bad they do. Stopping is not good for them and they may starve. I quit feeding when the deer leave on there own.  Usually first of April.

In my area deer do fine all spring, summer, and fall. Just supplement salt and minerals. This is my opinion. I know a lot don't agree, but it has worked for 10 years for me.

[Critter Ritter]

 

[Birdguy]

I too agree with Buck man. One other thing to think about is if you plan to have food there spring and summer you will likely (almost guarantee) end up with bear(s) and they can eat a lot ! I prefer the minerals and salt until after the bears are gone for the winter, then feed the best stuff you can afford to feed ALL WINTER. Apples work good to attract deer but also bears, coyotes, birds of all types, porcupines, skunks, raccoon, etc. Good luck enjoy whatever you decide and be sure to have a cam or ten set up near it.

[pd]

Thanks to you all for the information and advice.  This is perfect.

Buck Man, one question for you.  How frequently do you provide feed?  Once a week, or what?  Also, tell me about the beans (what kind, where do you get them, what are the best choices).  Thanks again.

PD

[RifleRidge]

I know that it is a bit early to be thinking about this

 , Never to early to think about Feed Stations.....

[buck man]

Thanks to you all for the information and advice.  This is perfect.

Buck Man, one question for you.  How frequently do you provide feed?  Once a week, or what?  Also, tell me about the beans (what kind, where do you get them, what are the best choices).  Thanks again.

PD

The beans I use are pinto bean screenings. They have about the same protein content as soy beans and I get them cheap. You could do a little research and find a bean grower in central wa. I utilize about all my grower can provide.
 I have tried  black beans but the deer and elk prefer pinto. You will find they will almost not touch them untill it's cold and snowy. Then they pound them.

I am fortunate. My feed station is my pasture. I feed every day. 2 bales 2nd cutting. 120 lbs beans, 50 pounds of corn. I have a lot of critters that come every day tough.

You could prob. Get away with feeding weekly. If you are going to do it on public land though, please don't leave a mess.

[crazysccrmd]

I'm thinking about setting up a feed spot/game camera on a deepwoods game trail that seems promising. It's a couple miles walk to it so weight will obviously be a concern. What should I concentrate on packing in, both to attract deer/elk to see what's in the area and to try and keep them in the area (if I like what I see)? Due to deployment this wouldn't happen until late July/August time frame if that makes a difference.

[buck man]

I'm thinking about setting up a feed spot/game camera on a deepwoods game trail that seems promising. It's a couple miles walk to it so weight will obviously be a concern. What should I concentrate on packing in, both to attract deer/elk to see what's in the area and to try and keep them in the area (if I like what I see)? Due to deployment this wouldn't happen until late July/August time frame if that makes a difference.

 If you can con someone in to put out some trace mineral supplements early....say end of April , that's what I old do. Otherwise corn or, and, apples work but will bring in bears.