Deer stands - how close to feeder

[Stephen Cue]

IMO, "hunting a feeder" is an oxymoron. Anything within a moderately capable rifle shot/bow range is too close and is basically baiting.

That being said, using one to keep deer in the vicinity and to research habits is to me a nice tool

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

Not close - at least 50 yards, and preferably 75 yards or so... You want them to *always* feel safe when actually at the feeder, so they'll come back to it. If they get spooked at your stand in spot A leading up to it, because they see you or smell you, and thus avoid it, then they take a different route in to the feeder. Fine, move your stand to spot B, to cover the new route in. If they feel spooked AT the feeder, they just won't come back to the feeder at all (except at night).

 

[30BulletHoles]

OMG Its the yearly corn feeder debate.

 

[338Shooter]

I'd shoot a deer off of a feeder. Doesn't bother me at all. I never have. Only deer hunting I've done really is all spot and stalk in the TX panhandle.

 

[ignerntbend]

While I'm sure you have checked the wildlife regs, it should be noted that some states have strict rules about hunting over bait and the distance your stand is away from the feeder may affect the game ranger's discretion on whether a citation is imminent. It is never a bad idea to read carefully and make appropriate inquiries to ensure compliance with game laws.

The state of Oklahoma allows people to hunt deer over a feeder at what ever distance they choose.
I don't use feeders myself but a legal means of taking is a legal means of taking.

 

[RWS]

How close to you put your stand to a feeder?

within sight and shooting distance.

sorry, someone had to say it.

 

[Oklahomabassin]

1) Small property. Need a way to draw them in and keep them in the area.
2) You go out stalking the place I have to hunt it will be void of deer very fast.
3) Its a blast to set up a camera and see what's coming in. My family loves looking at the pics and seeing what's out there.
4) Taking a kid out to see what goes on around the feeder is a blast.
5) Because it's legal and I can.

I love to stalk deer with a bow as much as anyone, but there are places and times for that. Many people have the misconception that feeders cause the deer to come in and do a conga line around the place and that monster bucks just sit there and say SHOOT ME SHOOT ME. Not the case.

To each his own now back to the topic!

I can't really add much.

 

[dennishoddy]

Don't get it, never have and never will why guys use a feeder.

If you're subsistence hunting then IMO anything goes otherwise...

Get out there and stalk the thing. Actually hunt for it and take it down.

Where's the thrill with a feeder? Where's the sense of accomplishment that comes with outwitting the hunted?

Nope just don't get it.

Whats the difference in a feeder, and sitting over an oak tree, or grain field edge, or any other deer food source for that matter?
Is the hunter handicapped?
Totally legal in Ok and that makes it ethical.

 

[ignerntbend]

Whats the difference in a feeder, and sitting over an oak tree, or grain field edge, or any other deer food source for that matter?
Is the hunter handicapped?
Totally legal in Ok and that makes it ethical.

I also think it's good for a guy who has only a small place to hunt. I have a little land and good neighbors who let me hunt, so I'm able to get out there and just creep around.
If a guy can only hunt 40 acres, his opportunities and tactics have to be more limited.
He deserves a deer as much as I do,and feeding can help him get it.

 

[dennishoddy]

I also think it's good for a guy who has only a small place to hunt. I have a little land and good neighbors who let me hunt, so I'm able to get out there and just creep around.
If a guy can only hunt 40 acres, his opportunities and tactics have to be more limited.
He deserves a deer as much as do,and feeding can help him get.

Exactly!