There are certain steps to follow if you want to join a small-scale preserve or feed deer that frequent your property.Before feeding the deer in your area, do your research and take precautions.
Step 1: Slowly introduce the deer to a new diet.
It takes two to four weeks for deer to adjust to a new diet.Slowly introducing new types of food to a deer's diet will help their digestion.Feeding deer foods that are high in fat and sugar can be very harmful.Combine supplemental foods with deer's natural diet to introduce new foods.Slowly incorporate more and more of the new food, and eventually replace their natural diet.It is recommended to begin this transition before winter hits because their natural food supply will decrease significantly.
Step 2: Purchase formulated deer food.
Feed mills and pet supply stores have these mixes.Several vitamins and minerals are included in deer feed mixes.It is ideal for supplemental feeding because it is easy for deer to digest.
Step 3: If you can't find formulated deer mixture, feed deer the right foods.
deer have a sensitive digestive system, so be careful when feeding them supplemental foods.Oats are the best supplemental food for deer.Oats provide deer with a balanced diet that doesn't disrupt their digestion.A wide variety of fruits and vegetables are eaten by deer.It's safe to feed deer these fruits.Another safe food source is apples.
Step 4: Deer should not be fed a corn diet.
Corn is one of the worst types of food that a deer can eat.Many deer end up sick or dead because animal lovers believe that corn is good for deer.When deer are offered a sudden supply of corn, they don't have time to adjust and end up dying.
Step 5: If you want to feed deer, cut down the tree branches.
deer eat twigs and other forest vegetationTo give them more of a natural food source, cut down branches that are out of their reach.It is one of the safest ways to keep deer fed.
Step 6: Feed deer during winter.
It becomes harder for deer to find food during the winter because their natural food source is made up of trees.Many people choose to feed deer.If you decide to feed deer during the winter months, be careful to give them the right types of food and slowly introduce it into their diet.If you begin introducing food slowly, it will not harm the deer.Combine supplemental food with their natural diet.A smooth transition will be provided by the combination of new food and their natural diet.You can put up feeders or troughs in your yard.As far away from your home as possible, set the feeders or troughs up.You can keep your feeders or troughs full if you have the means.You should stick to a set feeding time if you don't.Feeding on a regular basis will help the deer get used to eating your food.Good times for feeding are early morning or sunset.
Step 7: Supplemental food can be offered to deer.
The winter months are when deer's natural food sources are the most scarce, so many people supply deer with food only during this time.If you have the money, you can provide supplemental food to your deer.deer will be able to adapt to the supplemental food so that it doesn't shock their systemThey will learn to combine their supplemental and natural food sources.
Step 8: Don't stop feeding deer suddenly.
deer can become dependent on humans if they are fed.If you suddenly stop feeding the deer, they may go hungry or start bothering you for more food.Slowly wean deer off of supplemental food so that they can start eating on their own again.Don't take all the food at once.
Step 9: You should make sure that feeding wild animals in your jurisdiction is legal.
Local laws and wildlife commission laws vary from state to state.Some states allow feeding between certain dates, while prohibiting it between other dates.You can find your local laws online.Laws in some states dictate how much you can feed deer.
Step 10: There is a location where deer will come for feeding.
Feeding sites are public places where deer come to feed.You don't have to feed deer in your backyard if you bring food to these sites.These organizations know when to feed deer and how much food to put out at a time.
Step 11: Feed deer on your land.
If you plan to feed deer on your property, make sure you feed them the right amount of food and not give them too much.Make sure the deer don't come near your house by setting up feeders or troughs as far away as possible.The deer should only eat 3-4 pounds of food per day.If you want the deer to be less fearful of humans, try not to interact with them.
Step 12: There are trees that can be planted to feed deer.
This is a more natural way to feed deer and will reduce the amount of daily maintenance your feeding project will require.You will be helping the environment.Apple, maple, and aspen trees are great for deer and should be planted on your property.
Step 13: You can get involved with your local agency.
You can help deer and other local wildlife by getting involved with your local agency.Dealing with professionals is a great way to help animals.
Step 14: Allow hunters to hunt on the land.
Allow hunters to use your land during hunting season if you live on hunt-able land.Many rural areas face food shortages because they are overpopulated with deer.Hunting keeps deer populations in balance with their available habitat and reduces the negative impacts on deer habitat, farmers, residents, and motorists.