If you build it, they will come. We feed pretty much year round and have noticed a huge increase in the amount of deer traffic and antler size. Yes, they have other food sources, but they prefer corn.
The only exception we have found is when the acorns drop. However, after a month or so they will come back to the corn heavy. All of this means they will be coming to your area more and more.
Yes, you will see more deer, but corn is only like 12% protein or something like that. Its a good food for them, but not condusive to antler growth that happens in the spring and early summer.
They need food with protein and minerals. Ag crops don't produce enough of these to make trophy antlers. They do make dandy, fat, tasty, does though.
Exception being in some of our SE counties where more B&C trophy's have been taken.
Minerals are the answer as there is minimul ag in the area.
NW Ok has the heaviest deer because of the amount of ag food. Antler growth needs both.
I hunt in a heavily forested area in the S.E. part of the state. I can honestly tell you deer eat acorns, corn and some plants. There have been some real monsters taken by our land. I've heard the argument that corn doesn't have enough protein to build big racks. However, I just don't buy it. I've seen too many guys who exclusively use corn and have giants. Trust me, these guys aren't hunting prime agricultural land. Big racks are also a product of genetics. Just like how tall people aren't just tall based on nutrition alone.
Either way, I highly suggest running corn for most of the year. If deer know they can get a resource like corn on a consistent basis they will come back for more. It's one piece of the puzzle, but it's an important piece. Just my .02 cents.
i'm tall because of genetics,i'm fat because of braumsJust like how tall people aren't just tall based on nutrition alone.
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