I suppose if the deer have eaten up alot of the other foods,and the snow gets real deep so they have a hard time finding food on the ground.They should move on,to where there is more food.Instead,some feeders fill them up with corn,till they decide its too cold out,or there is too much snow.Then the deer are stuck.I also think the corn isnt what kills them,but a lack of water to help them digest it.Eating snow takes more energy than its worth.(ever tried it?)I think a corn feeder could be good for them if its kept full all winter and a source of open water is available nearby.Otherwise,there gut is going to be full of dried grain.Try eating beer nuts without anything to drink for just one 24 hr period and see how it feels the next time you make a grunt sculpture!