Would it be cheaper to feed deer with a large feeder that is 2000lbs than to grow crops. Because on our CA property we do not have farming equipment on it, and the 2000lb feeder is only like 1,500 dollars compared to like over 10,000 for food plot equipment. But will mule deer eat out of a feeder?

Statistically feeding deer from a feeder (year round) decreases harvest opportunities and success rates. It can also lead to a deer herd that is very susceptible to disease.

This is true. If you have a sick deer eating from a feeder their saliva can spread the sickness or disease to other animals. Some believe feeding deer in this manner helps to spread CWD. Having this type of feeder maygiveyou a bad image tosome of the localswho are also concerned about maintaining a healthy herd population. You don't have to buy the farming equipment. Check with local farmers to see what they would charge to work and plant your plot.

Ok, i guess I will ask some farmers around here

well I think you cant use feeders in CAL. is your land in the valley?

Nah, it is up in the mountains.

I woulddo both. I have a food plot and I have a large protein feeder at the edge of the plot. If feeders were so good at spreading disease, Texas would have the worst deer herd in the country (which they don't!). I'm not 100% sure about muleys, but I would give it a shot. You'll be very impressed with the results in antler growth. I gurantee you that it won't decrease your success rate. Supplemental feeding is very good for deer. There's no reason not to. Good luck!

Well thank you for good info. I guess I will have to try both.

Mule Deer will eat from a feeder. Also a feeder is not bothered by lack of rain fall. Use protien feeds that are digestable to mule deer set up some game cameras and see what shows up.