baiting question for deer

[fair-chase]

Hopefully didn't steer you too far off course. It's not you land so it would be understandable if you don't want to go through the labor of a habitat project. Or if the owner would even go for such an idea. Please contact a local bio though. Maybe the Deer in the area are lacking a certain nutrient or specific food source this year. That would help you target them while in turn possibly benefiting them at the same time. Let us know how it goes. Good luck.

[DBHAWTHORNE]

Polarbear, I don't think that the majority of the people who bait don't care about the health of the herd. The problem is that most are grossly misinformed. As stated earlier most people think that any food is good for the animal. Most of the marketed foods are no more than an attractant as they have virtually no benefit to the herd. This is because most are marketed across the nation with a one size fits all recipe. People need to do their research on the herd. Talking to the local biologist would be a good start and planting a NATURAL food source is almost always better than a feeder.

To the original poster. If this is for next years hunt you should have plenty of time to do some habitat improvements. Talk to the landowner and see if he is open to the idea. It's also cheaper in the long run than constantly replacing bait.

I think that I should add that short term baiting as in a week or two and then quitting does little to harm the critters other than mess with their routine.  It is when folks start putting out hard to digest (corn, soy beans etc) out months ahead of time that can effect the herd.  Sure it will fatten up the deer and help them grow bigger racks but after the season is over and that food source dries up (the "hunter" is done or loses interest) the deer are out of their natural feeding routine and are more vulnerable to predation as well.  Food plots, mast and farmed crops give them time and are usually easier to digest than milled or dried grain.  I remeber a doe on my Uncle's farm in Alabama that got into his grain corn that he had for his cattle.  We found her by the pond dead, bloated and with her guts pushing out of her behind.  She had only been there for a few hours. My Uncle cut her open and she was so full of fermenting corn that she was ready to explode. I know that is not typical, but it can happen.

I have seen similar stuff happen.... If I bait heavily in an area (If it's a long drive from home I usually do) I always ensure I wean them off of it slowly.

[elkbuster]

I was wondering if many of you use this tactic, such as hay, corn etc.  I have permission to hunt some private land in the mica peak area for late season and was wondering what type of feed you use under your stand. I am hunting an area that doesn't have a major food source such as an alfalfa field.
Thanks

Alfalfa hay and wet cob work great.  As stated previously, using it for a week or two will not harm the herd or animals.  Good luck.  What I've noticed is that usually in late season also, the elk or deer are very nocturnal when it comes to feeding on your bait site.  Have fun!