How To Put Out Deer Corn?: A Comprehensive Guide
Deer corn should be put out in a way that attracts deer, doesn’t harm them, and is legal in your area. The best methods involve scattering it loosely in strategic locations where deer frequent, typically under cover or near trails, and in amounts that won’t lead to overfeeding or spoilage.
Understanding Deer Corn and its Role in Deer Management
Deer corn has been a popular supplemental feed for deer for decades. However, its use isn’t without controversy. Before simply dumping a bag of corn in the woods, it’s crucial to understand what deer corn is, why people use it, and the potential impacts – both positive and negative – it can have on deer populations and the environment.
Deer corn is typically cracked or whole kernel corn. It’s readily available, relatively inexpensive, and highly palatable to deer. This makes it an attractive option for hunters aiming to attract deer to specific locations, wildlife enthusiasts wanting to observe deer more closely, and even those seeking to provide supplemental nutrition during harsh winter months.
However, deer are ruminants, meaning they have a four-chambered stomach designed to digest fibrous plant matter. Corn, being a carbohydrate-rich food, is not their natural diet. Over-reliance on corn can lead to digestive problems, nutritional deficiencies, and even death. Furthermore, concentrating deer in one location can increase the risk of disease transmission and habitat degradation.
Benefits of Feeding Deer Corn
While concerns exist, there can be legitimate reasons to use deer corn responsibly:
- Attraction for Hunting: The most common reason is to attract deer to a specific location, increasing the likelihood of a successful hunt.
- Observation and Photography: Deer corn can provide opportunities to observe and photograph deer at close range.
- Supplemental Nutrition (Limited): In extreme conditions (e.g., severe winter with deep snow), limited corn can provide a temporary energy boost. However, it’s not a substitute for a healthy, balanced diet.
How to Distribute Deer Corn Effectively
The key to putting out deer corn safely and effectively lies in careful planning and execution:
- Check Local Regulations: Always start by checking the hunting regulations in your area. Many states have strict rules about baiting deer, including when it’s allowed, what types of feed are permitted, and where it’s legal to bait.
- Choose the Right Location: Select areas where deer naturally travel, such as near trails, bedding areas, or water sources. Look for signs of deer activity like tracks, droppings, and rubs. Ideal locations offer some cover, allowing deer to approach the corn with a sense of security.
- Scatter the Corn: Never dump large piles of corn. Instead, scatter it loosely over a wide area. This encourages deer to browse naturally and reduces competition. A good rule of thumb is to spread a few handfuls over a 10-20 foot area.
- Start Small: Begin with small amounts of corn and gradually increase it as needed. Monitor deer activity to gauge how much they’re consuming.
- Consider a Corn Feeder: If legally allowed, a timed corn feeder can dispense small amounts of corn at regular intervals. This helps to control the amount of corn available and prevents spoilage. Ensure the feeder is deer-resistant and placed securely.
- Maintain Hygiene: Remove any uneaten corn that becomes moldy or spoiled. This will help to prevent the spread of disease.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Putting out deer corn improperly can be detrimental to deer and the environment:
- Ignoring Regulations: Violating local baiting laws can result in fines or other penalties.
- Overfeeding: Providing too much corn can lead to health problems and habituation.
- Creating a Dependency: Deer may become reliant on corn, neglecting their natural food sources.
- Attracting Non-Target Animals: Corn can attract other animals, such as raccoons, squirrels, and bears.
- Spreading Disease: Concentrating deer in one area can increase the risk of disease transmission.
- Using Moldy Corn: Never use corn that is moldy, as it can be toxic to deer. Aflatoxin poisoning can be fatal.
Alternatives to Deer Corn
Consider these alternatives to deer corn:
- Food Plots: Planting food plots with deer-friendly crops like clover, brassicas, and alfalfa provides a more natural and nutritious food source.
- Mineral Licks: Providing mineral licks can help supplement deer’s diets with essential minerals.
- Natural Browse Enhancement: Improving habitat by thinning trees and encouraging the growth of native plants can increase the availability of natural forage.
| Feeding Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Scattered Corn | Simple, inexpensive, attracts deer quickly. | Can lead to overfeeding, spoilage, and attracts non-target animals. |
| Corn Feeder | Controls portion sizes, reduces spoilage. | More expensive, requires maintenance, potential for mechanical failures. |
| Food Plots | Provides a natural and nutritious food source, improves habitat. | Requires significant investment of time and resources. |
| Mineral Licks | Supplements essential minerals, easy to maintain. | Only addresses mineral deficiencies, doesn’t provide significant calories. |
| Browse Enhancement | Improves overall habitat, benefits a wider range of wildlife. | Takes time to implement, results may not be immediately visible. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can deer get sick from eating too much corn?
Yes, deer can absolutely get sick from eating too much corn. The high carbohydrate content can disrupt the balance of bacteria in their rumen, leading to a condition called acidosis, which can be fatal.
Is it legal to put out deer corn in my state?
It varies greatly from state to state. Some states ban baiting altogether, while others allow it during certain seasons or with specific restrictions. Always consult your state’s wildlife agency for the most up-to-date regulations.
What is the best time of year to put out deer corn?
If legal in your area and used responsibly, the late fall and winter months, when natural food sources are scarce, are generally the best time. However, avoid creating a dependency that prevents deer from browsing natural forage when available.
How much deer corn should I put out at a time?
Start with small amounts – a few handfuls scattered over a wide area. Monitor deer activity to gauge how much they’re consuming and adjust accordingly. The goal is to supplement, not replace, their natural diet.
How long does it take for deer to find deer corn?
It depends on factors like deer density, existing food sources, and the deer’s familiarity with the area. Deer often discover corn within a few days, but it can take longer.
What is the difference between deer corn and regular corn?
Technically, there is no difference in the corn itself. Deer corn is simply corn that is sold specifically for feeding deer. It’s often cracked or whole kernel corn readily available at feed stores.
Can I mix other things with deer corn to make it more attractive?
While some hunters add attractants, sticking to pure corn is generally best to minimize potential harm to deer. Avoid adding sugars or artificial sweeteners, as these can exacerbate digestive problems.
How do I keep other animals from eating the deer corn?
It’s difficult to prevent non-target animals from accessing deer corn. Using a deer-resistant feeder can help, but complete exclusion is unlikely. Consider the impact on other wildlife before putting out corn.
Will deer corn attract predators?
Yes, by attracting deer, you may indirectly attract predators like coyotes and bobcats. This is a natural part of the ecosystem, but be aware of the potential implications for deer populations.
Can I use deer corn to help deer survive the winter?
While a small amount of corn can provide a temporary energy boost during harsh winters, it’s not a substitute for a balanced diet. Prioritize habitat management to ensure deer have access to natural food sources.
Is it ethical to put out deer corn?
The ethics of using deer corn are debated. Some argue it’s unethical to manipulate deer behavior for hunting purposes or to create a dependency on artificial food sources. Others believe it can be ethical if done responsibly and sustainably, but local regulations must be followed.
What should I do if I find moldy deer corn?
Immediately remove and dispose of any moldy deer corn. Aflatoxin poisoning can be fatal to deer and other wildlife. Clean the area thoroughly to prevent further contamination.