Disclaimer: Before using game feeders, be sure to check your state’s laws regarding hunting over them. Also, this article is primarily about bowhunting near feeder setups, though it also applies to gun hunting.
Hunting around deer feeders are a huge part of the hunting tradition and culture in many parts of the country. They’re also a polarizing topic amongst many deer hunters. With that, I’ll start with a couple of preliminary points;
First, you know all those debates over whether it’s okay to hunt over them? Let me be clear, this isn’t one of them – perhaps that will be covered in another article.
Secondly, deer feeders don’t represent any kind of slam dunk – especially if it’s big mature bucks you seek. Still, people in many deer hunting circles these days puff out their chests and declare it’s easy, if not cheating. They couldn’t be more wrong in my humbled and experienced opinion – particularly in free-range hunting conditions. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
Okay, now on to the real topic. After all, this is an article on effective ways to use deer feeders as part of your whitetail arsenal.
The use of automatic game feeders is currently legal in over 20 states (and growing). And it’s a viable way to draw and hunt whitetails regardless of weapon. There are ways to set them up for maximum success. If you are in the process of either buying or building one, you may already have a location or two picked out for them on your hunting property. If you have, this isn’t a time to be arbitrary and it’s important to choose wisely.
So, what denotes a “good spot” for a deer feeder?
The Basics
Deer feeders are meant to attract deer but shouldn’t be viewed as a “build it and they will come” situation. Therefore, when it’s time to hit the farm, hunting club, or lease with feeders in tow, choose your spots wisely. Don’t treat your feeders as solely the main attraction. For best results, place them thoughtfully around advantageous locations and land features.
Where the Deer Are; Pick areas around known trails, bedding areas, and other existing food and water sources (such as creeks and crops). Why not leverage your scouting and take advantage of a head start?
Don’t Wear Out Your Welcome; For a feeder to be of maximum benefit, you don’t want to over hunt it. In fact, if you can stand it, don’t hunt over it within a few weeks of setting it up. I know this one is tough. Nonetheless, giving deer time to get
High-capacity Texas Hunter brand deer feeder
comfortable feeding around it (and the area in general) is essential – especially for bowhunting. Once does and fawns feel secure in the area during the daytime, your chances of taking a mature buck greatly increases.
Low-Pressure and Feeder Capacity; Consider feeders with larger capacity, hence reducing your frequency in the field to fill them. Likewise, be intentional about changing out batteries (or even use solar panels). Less field trips means less pressure from human traffic and scent.
Don’t Smell Up the Joint; Whatever you do, manage your scent by taking into account wind direction. When possible, go into the wind when approaching the feeder. Either way, it’s always a great idea to use a good cover scent as well. I can promise you that this makes a difference – specifically with wise old bucks.
Have you ever considered placing a feeder in a place that’s protected by timber or brush? What about a spot that’s so protected you can’t even see well enough to shoot into it?
The following approaches may be unpopular with some crowds but are worth consideration. I’ve found them to be of huge importance.
Feeder placed within both timber and brush can add security for whitetails.
Avoiding Large Expanses; Avoid setting up feeders out in the open. I can’t count the number of deer feeders I see smack dab in the middle of fields. Heck, I lose count just driving the two hours to my main hunting property. This method may seem logical but, is flawed from the get-go if you consider a deer’s perspective.
Feeders in open areas provide no comfort to deer regarding ingress and egress. Keeping the feeder in or very near cover reduces anxiety on the deer’s part; especially for vigilant mature bucks. Even placing it just inside a tree line beats the inherent vulnerability of open spaces. In my mind, the main objective isn’t to shoot deer under the feeder in the first place – rather to catch them in transit in an around the area. For me, perhaps the biggest benefit of game feeders is the opportunity for scouting and herd management they present – both with trail cameras and from the stand.
Another critical consideration concerning placing feeders in expansive areas is human pressure. Feeders placed in crop fields and other open stretches are more apt to be seen from vehicles and by competing hunting neighbors – increasing deer unrest and even potential poaching. Sacrificing a little eyesight and convenience can go a long way toward big buck success when employing deer feeders.
If you insist on shooting deer directly around feeding stations, remember that every time you do, you may be training them to avoid them. This really rings true with bucks. The rut and pre-rut are great examples as feeding stations often draw does. And when they do, a well placed stand placed near their path can mean putting your arrow in a trailing amorous buck. The best approach is to use feeders as scouting tools – even semi-sanctuaries. When you do, you may just find yourself taking the buck of a lifetime.
The Culinary Social Hub
Enhance feeder locations as social hubs by adding mineral stations and mock scrapes to the area.
Deer feeders are important deer destinations that should be viewed as much more than an ambush location. If placed wisely, deer will get very comfortable visiting them. Super-charge the social aspect of your feeder site by adding other features geared toward socialization such as mock scrapes and mineral licks. This can pay huge dividends on a few fronts. For one, it’s a great way to further your deer inventory efforts and even discover exceptional bucks. Also, if corn is replaced or supplemented with protein feed, deer nutrition can be improved. Finally, it’s a great way to witness and learn deer behavior – I don’t know many die-hard whitetailers that don’t cherish this aspect.
Which all brings me to the question, “why would you want to do anything that overly disturbs these hotbeds?
As already stated, deer feeders don’t magically equate to harvesting monster bucks (contrary to popular belief). Far from it. Still, they are a great tool. They’re even better ones when they’re surroundings offer some peace of mind to our antlered quarry.
Are you willing to sacrifice a little sight? If you do, your feeder and the immediate area around it can become a veritable epicenter for deer observation and hunting for years to come.