Home >> Science & Nature >> Animals & Science

How to Get Deer to Come to Your Feeder

People who enjoy watching deer often place feeders in their backyards to attract the animals. Simply having a feeder doesn't mean deer will visit, however; you may need to boost its appeal. Remember that deer, despite their beauty, are wild animals, so you shouldn't interfere with their natural eating habits to such an extent that they become dependent on you, forget to forage for their food and become susceptible to predators.

Instructions

- 1
  Stock your feeder with food that deer like to eat. Deer enjoy corn and will visit often if the supply is constant. You can mix the corn with supplemental grains and deer pellets to provide the animals with other nutrients.
- 2
  Supply water for the deer to drink. Animals have difficulty finding water sources in periods of drought. If you provide water, deer will come to your yard and will also notice the food in the feeder. A small pool set into the ground is ideal but a water trough is adequate.
- 3
  Make a food plot containing the plants that are attractive to deer. These include alfalfa, red clover, turnips and rye. Note, however, that plots are only effective in areas where the natural food supply is low. Ensure that you plant a variety of warm- and cold-season grains and vegetables to maintain a constant supply of food. Between the feeder and the plot, the deer will have access to a variety of nutritious food in periods of natural food scarcity.
- 4
  Provide a cover for the deer. Animals need a place to rest where they can feel safe from predators and the weather. Deer like areas with a lot of shrubbery.

Animals & Science