By planting food that will entice deer and support antler growth, you can literally grow big bucks
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What do deer need to grow good antlers?
Will Great Nutrition Guarantee Trophy Bucks?
- Factors in deer antler growth. General health greatly influences a variety of factors that affect deer antler growth, such as feed intake and hormone production.
- Deer habitat and antler growth. Environmental conditions are also a factor. ...
- Hydration maximizes feed intake in deer. ...
- The genetic footprint. ...
- Population density relative to antler growth. ...
What is the best whitetail deer food?
Picking the Best Food Plot for Deer in Fall and Winter
- Planning Food Plots. Research indicates that 1/2 acre is the average size of a whitetail food plot. ...
- Types of Forage. The main categories of plants that most whitetail hunters plant are cereal grains, brassicas and legumes.
- Choosing the Right Seeds. ...
- Foliar Fertilizing. ...
- Fall Plots. ...
- Winter Plots. ...
- Contact Information
What is the best food plot for deer?
Whitetail Institute Fusion Deer Food Plot Seed for Spring or Fall Planting
- Includes the newest proprietary clovers scientifically designed by the Whitetail Institute specifically for food plots for deer.
- Includes WINA perennial forage chicory for maximum attraction, high protein levels, longevity, and variety.
- Provides up to 44% antler-building protein
- Coated with RainBondTM for enhanced seedling survivability
What is the best acorns for deer?
Red Oak Group: Acorn Profile
- Northern Red Oak. This oak species produces one of the largest acorns but — like all acorns in the red oak group — it’s high in tannic acid.
- Water Oak. These acorns are approximately a ½” in length with alternating bands of brown and black. ...
- Pin Oak
- Black Oak. ...
What to feed deer to grow antlers?
What supplements are good for antlers?
What is the cutting edge line of deer feed?
How to help bucks produce racks?
Why is it important to feed bucks during the off season?
Do deer block feeds wear down?
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How do I make my deer grow bigger antlers?
Providing bucks with high levels of calcium and phosphorous can jumpstart antler growth. These minerals are beneficial for pregnant does, and aid in milk production, metabolism and bone growth. They're also key to fawn and yearling skeletal development.
What is the best thing to feed deer for antler growth?
Calcium and phosphorous are the two most common minerals found in hardened antlers, and so it makes sense that they are the best deer minerals for antler growth.
What foods grow big antlers whitetails?
By planting any of the three mentioned – clover, alfalfa, chicory – deer on your hunting property will have another food source option in addition to native sources. Spring food plots are a good way to get bucks on the pathway to growing bigger antlers for fall.
What protein make a deer get bigger horns?
Antler King's® Hi Protein Big Buck Block is an 18% protein block, and through research, it is known that a buck needs a 16% protein diet as early as February 1st in order to obtain maximum antler growth.
Does salt help deer antlers grow?
While the salt alone isn't going to grow bigger antlers, it is the attractant that draws deer in while you mix other minerals in that they need.
Does corn help antler growth?
With only six- to eight- percent protein (the “building block” of antlers), corn can barely support daily bodily activities for an adult deer, which does not provide antler growth. So corn does play a factor, but not much.
Do soybeans help antler growth?
Bucks bank nutrients and pull them out in summer to develop antlers up until mid to late September. Even in a top soybean state, you can't depend on grain soybeans," Doyle says. "They're cut in September or October, and once harvested, the premium protein source for antler growth is gone."
Do minerals help deer antlers grow?
Clearly minerals are important in antler development. Because of the large quantities of minerals required for antler growth, whitetails have developed the ability to “bank” calcium and phosphorus in their skeletons and then transfer these minerals during antler growth.
What is the best protein for deer?
The Top 5 Proteins Proven To Grow Big Bucks In The Off SeasonTecomate. ... Double Down Deer Feed. ... Lyssy & Eckel Feeds. ... Sportsman's Choice and Record Rack. ... Purina AntlerMax Deer 20.
Is Double Down Deer Feed worth it?
Absolutely the best pellet protein that deer just love. The deer consumption is amazing on wild low fence deer. I've been feeding deer and can see amazing results on the body and antler growth of my deer. The results are amazing.
Is oatmeal good for deer?
As previously mentioned, oats are highly favored by deer and they consistently rank among the top species consumed by deer in forage preference trials. Oats are highly nutritious as well. In well-managed food plots with a neutral soil pH and good fertility, oats can contain more than 25% crude protein.
How do I make my deer bigger?
For variety and winter cover, you can mix in a few pines or cedars.Provide minerals. Maybe you're fortunate enough to have a natural mineral site on your property. ... Add water. ... Create or enhance staging areas. ... Add shrubs and vines. ... Build big buck bedding cover. ... Create a thermal refuge. ... Plant oaks. ... Give them fruit.More items...•
What are the activities that gamekeepers use to improve the diet of deer?
Maintaining appropriate deer densities, habitat management, and supplemental food plantings are all management activities routinely practiced by gamekeepers to improve diet quality for deer. However, what if we told you that not only is a deer a product of what it eats, but also what its mother and grandmother ate!?
What is the second generation of deer?
The second generation is composed of deer that were born to mothers that were raised in our research pens on the optimal, high-quality diet. That is, they are offspring of the first generation deer (remember, the first generation deer were all raised on the same high-quality diet, but their mothers were from the wild).
Why are deer so similar to humans?
The latest research at the MSU Deer Lab has revealed that deer are very similar to humans because they are affected by a phenomenon called “epigenetics.”. In this article we are going to review a 10-year research project where we examined the relative influence of genetics and nutrition on deer body and antler size.
Why are buck results empowering?
These results are empowering because they show a clear link between buck quality and nutrition, which is something you can improve on your property. Habitat management and supplemental nutrition will yield results. Big changes will take time. Remember that significant changes will occur on a generational timescale.
Do whitetail deer eat antlers?
So it’s no surprise that deer are what they eat too.
Can genetics control antler growth?
Stop worrying about genetics! Although genetics do control body and antler growth of individuals, they cannot be managed at the population scale (we will save this topic for another Gamekeeper’s article).
Did the 1960s have deer?
Prior to the 1960s, much of the southeastern US was devoid of deer. It’s hard to imagine nowadays, but state wildlife agencies spent decades stocking deer throughout their respective states. For example, in Mississippi, MDWFP released over 3,000 deer in hopes of reestablishing populations – and it worked!
How to increase antler size on buck?
Antler size can be improved on bucks through adding points, increasing the lengths of points or by increasing the circumference of existing antler material, thus increasing mass. A lot of hunters look for a buck with a wide-spreading rack, but I’ll take the heavy-horned freak nasty every time.
What factors affect antler size in deer?
An often overlooked factor that can seriously impact antler size in bucks is the buck to doe ratio of the deer herd. I mentioned at the top of the article that this was a timely question because bucks are currently still recovering from the rut. If bucks are physically run-down following the rut and do not fully recover, then they will remain so and will start the upcoming antler growing season at a huge disadvantage.
What is the most heritable trait of a deer?
Antler mass, as it turns out, is one of the most heritable traits in deer antlers. Of all the traits that a buck may get from his father for antler growth, mass is most likely to stick. So, the WYSIWYG principle applies here. Thin-horned bucks sire more thin-horned bucks.
What are buck antlers made of?
A buck’s hardened antlers are made up of approximately one-half protein and one-half minerals. If bucks are reaching maturity and still have weak mass measurements, then the deer management strategieson your property should focus on increasing the availability of these potentially limiting factors. The objectives should be to provide more protein, minerals (phosphorus and calcium) and trace minerals for all deer. Here are few ways to get the job done:
Why is it important to manage whitetail deer?
There are numerous other positives that result from managed whitetail populations, the most important of which are healthier, more diverse plant communities for all wildlife species.
How often should I feed corn to deer?
I feed 100 pounds of shelled corn and 100 pounds of roasted soybeans every 2 weeks on my farm in upstate Pennsylvania. Definitely see increased antler mass and improved body size in the harvested bucks. Fields of corn and alfalfa do not hurt. Plant several strips of buckwheat and turnips and sugar beets. The deer and turkeys love the buckwheat.
When should I shoot bigger bucks?
Ideally, hunters will shoot bigger bucks if they simply provide the genetically-best bucks on their property with optimal nutrition until they reach 5-8 years of age. As I mentioned, this would be ideal. The reality in this case is a 90 acre property that currently has bucks that are lacking antler mass.
What are some good food sources for deer?
A diversity of forbs, shrubs, browse and some grasses provide a great food source for your deer. Certain regions can even yield impressive percentages in mineral and crude proteins.
What are the two minerals that are needed for bone and antler development?
Some of the required quantities are so small, they don’t require special attention. Nevertheless, when it comes to the most evidential sources, Calcium and Phosphorus are the most important; these two minerals are the main constituent for bone and antler development.
Why is rain important for deer?
Rain, or the lack there of, is a major contributor to the availability of natural resources. A quality habitat provides a nutritional foundation for deer that ensures reproductive success, herd health, support of healthy population numbers, and antler growth.
When should I start deer hunting?
When: This varies from state to state, so make sure to check your local game laws. I prefer starting at the end of winter (post-rut) through August . Starting early helps provide a jump on putting body fat back on the bucks Most importantly, does are pregnant and in major need of quality nutrients for not just themselves, but the development of the fetus, which is the future of your deer herd!
Is salt good for deer?
Sodium (salt): While there is no doubt salt is crucial for deer at certain times, it is highly overused. First, if it says “Salt Mineral” or “Salt Mineral Lick” anywhere, walk away! If the percentage is greater than 35%, walk away! Anytime the sodium (salt) is 35% or greater it takes away nutritional value of everything else, including Calcium and Phosphorus.
What minerals are used to grow deer antlers?
So what minerals are actually used by bucks when growing their antlers? Minerals are categorized as macro- (minerals found in larger quantities in a deer’s body) or micro- (minerals found in lesser quantities in a deer’s body). Unfortunately, deer research describing which macro and microminerals are most used by bucks during antler growth is ...
Why do deer need supplemental minerals?
Although most hunters probably use supplemental minerals for several reasons, one of the main reasons is promoting increased herd health, and specifically, to increase antler size. So what minerals are actually used by bucks when growing their antlers?
How to feed deer GYT90?
The first and most beneficial is to pour the GYT90 crude soybean oil and mineral mixture over supplemental feed. This can help attract deer to feed stations during these stressful periods. This can be beneficial for several reasons. First, deer have to learn to like new foods that they haven’t been exposed to before. If you live in an area where there is little to no agriculture or in an area that doesn’t have apple trees, how are deer supposed to know that they like those foods? It’s no different than when people try a new food for the first time or the common problem food plotters experience when offering deer brassicas. Pouring GYT90 over these supplemental feed stations can help draw deer to them faster than usual due to the soybean oil, distinct scent, and salt content. Once deer start to visit these stations, they will also benefit from the essential minerals and nutritional requirements found in GYT90.
What are the two macrominerals found in deer bones?
Calcium (Ca) and Phosphorous (P) are two macrominerals that are major components in a deer’s skeletal system. For example, 98% of Ca and 80% of P are found within a deer’s bones. Although this is an overwhelming majority, there is still enough Ca and P found in antlers to lead Scientists to do research on whether Ca and P are limiting antler growth.
Do deer need micro minerals?
Unlike macrominerals, there are no established requirements of microminerals for white-tailed deer, though there are some that appear to be important. Most estimates of microminerals comes from what we know about requirements needed by livestock, but using those requirements for deer can be dangerous because livestock haven’t been bred for efficient mineral use as humans provide them with whatever minerals they need. This may lead to overestimates of microminerals for deer. Regardless, one study conducted on red deer (think of the European version of the North American Elk), showed that copper supplementation helped to increase antler mass for adults. Although other studies have failed to show that relationship between copper and antler mass, they have reported that both copper and zinc can improve a deer’s immune system. Offering minerals with trace amounts of these micronutrients will most likely lead to better overall herd health.
Do deer have periods?
Deer go through several stressful periods throughout the year. With obvious periods being the rut and winter for both bucks and does, antler growing season for bucks, and lactation for does. Providing deer with both the minerals and the nutrition they need at these crucial periods can help you reach your management goals. So how can using a supplement like GYT90 help you?
When do deer need more water?
Deer tend to have increased Na requirements during spring and summer when the water content in plants is greatest. This increased water content makes it difficult for a deer to maintain a balance between Na and water within its body.
What to feed deer in spring?
First thing in the spring have high protein, high energy and highly digestible perennial clovers. Sure a deer could eat winter rye, winter wheat or other browse but the protein levels are 10% higher on perennial clover, alfalfa, chicory and plantain. The mineral content is also as high as 300% higher in perennials vs spring grains. What it takes to grow large antler is a lot of protein and higher amounts of calcium and phosphorous. Antlers are made up of 45% crude protein, 22% calcium and 11% phosphorous. Grandpa Ray Outdoors perennial mixes are biodiverse and have the “groceries” to make this happen.
What is the mineral content of antlers?
The mineral content is also as high as 300% higher in perennials vs spring grains. What it takes to grow large antler is a lot of protein and higher amounts of calcium and phosphorous. Antlers are made up of 45% crude protein, 22% calcium and 11% phosphorous.
How many days a year do deer need to eat?
Deer need 365 days a year of nutrition. When a deer goes into the winter in good condition and doesn’t lose much weight during the winter, they don’t go through a period of compensatory gain. What that means is they immediately start using their nutrient intakes for body weight and horn growth.
Can worms cause lung problems in deer?
Most don’t know this but in areas of high deer densities there can be major lung worm issues. Lung worms some miss interpret as a deer coughing and possibly a respiratory issue, when in fact it can be an internal parasite issue. Deer with a high worm load will not put on the pounds nor will produce as many inches of antler.
What to feed deer to grow antlers?
Supplement a deer's diet with protein and minerals this spring and summer for maximum antler growth.
What supplements are good for antlers?
Benefits of Supplements. While antlers are growing, they’re comprised mainly of calcium and phosphorous. There are lesser quantities present of potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Providing bucks with high levels of calcium and phosphorous can jumpstart antler growth.
What is the cutting edge line of deer feed?
The Cutting Edge line of supplements from Whitetail Institute is great for using with a gravity-fed deer feeder. The three blends – Initiate, Optimize and Sustain – deliver the exact vitamins, minerals and protein the deer need during each phase of the antler growing season. Combine this with ease of maintaining deer feed sites when using a Banks Outdoors Feedbank, and implementing a mineral supplement program into your overall deer management plan is simple.
How to help bucks produce racks?
To help bucks produce bigger racks this summer, provide them with protein and minerals in large quantities. This not only helps with antler growth during the spring and summer, but it also helps does that are raising fawns and the overall health of the deer herd.
Why is it important to feed bucks during the off season?
Providing bucks with nutrition during the off season is vital to antler growth.
Do deer block feeds wear down?
Blocks are longer lasting, though will start to wear down as they are exposed to rainfall. Granular supplements can be loaded into feeders, as well as mixed with corn. At the Banks family farm, we use granular mineral and protein blends of feed in our deer feeders during the offseason.
