Feeding deer corn?
#1
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 202
Feeding deer corn?
I have a friend that hunts in Northern Wisconsin and with all the snow they have had, he asked me if he thought it was a good idea to start feeding them corn. I told him I wouldn't put a huge amount out, but maybe like an ice cream pail or 2 full out a week until the snow melts. Is that a bad idea or what does everyone think?
#2
Spike
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 41
Here is a couple links I found on this. Not sure if I agree with them, but I'm no expert. I only put out corn for bait in the late season.
http://www.farmanddairy.com/columns/...-do/14293.html
http://www.farmanddairy.com/columns/...nce/14324.html
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10353/1111563-358.stm
http://www.farmanddairy.com/columns/...-do/14293.html
http://www.farmanddairy.com/columns/...nce/14324.html
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10353/1111563-358.stm
Last edited by marshyhope; 12-19-2010 at 12:09 PM.
#3
I don't know what it is like where you live but here in NH we have a set time we can use feed or bait, from Sept 1 to Dec 31. Reason being is the deer become too dependent on the feed and become too concentrated in one area. We also need to have written landowners permission along with a permit issued by the F&G dept. To me it makes perfect sense because when they do become dependant, they stop utilizing their own natural food source and they don't end up getting all the vitamins and minerals they require for a healthy diet which makes it tougher on them during the winter months. That's how it was explained to me by a CO I spoke with this year.
You should check with the F&G to find out what, if any, are the laws just to be on the safe side. I would think if the snow is really deep they would make exceptions to the rules if there are any.
Good luck
You should check with the F&G to find out what, if any, are the laws just to be on the safe side. I would think if the snow is really deep they would make exceptions to the rules if there are any.
Good luck
#5
Typical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Indiana
Posts: 585
I have seen research showing deer that have starved to death in the winter with a stomach full of corn. While it is a part of their normal diet sometimes in the winter they will eat only corn if it is readily available. The corn alone doesn't have the nutrients that the deer need to keep them alive. They can fill up on corn and not eat anything else and end up dieing.
#6
Fork Horn
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: MN
Posts: 342
Corn alone leads to a condition called "acidosis." Deer make too much acid in their rumen, and die. This only occurs if deer eat nothing but corn after they have switched over to browse for the winter. It is better to feed them oats, or a feed for ruminant animals. Fleet farm or a local feed mill would be able to supply it. Corn can be mixed into the oats or ruminant feed in moderation.
#9
Fork Horn
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: MN
Posts: 342
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7...6508--,00.html
Corn toxicity is a general term related to two diseases which can affect white-tailed deer throughout Michigan and elk in the northeastern portion of the state. Both diseases occur acutely and result in the rapid death of animals in good physical condition. These diseases are acidosis (grain overload) and enterotoxemia (overeating disease).
Corn toxicity is a general term related to two diseases which can affect white-tailed deer throughout Michigan and elk in the northeastern portion of the state. Both diseases occur acutely and result in the rapid death of animals in good physical condition. These diseases are acidosis (grain overload) and enterotoxemia (overeating disease).