How to Attract Deer to a Feeder

Whether you’re a hunter or a wildlife enthusiast who enjoys watching these magnificent animals, a deer feeder can be a powerful tool. But it’s not as simple as just setting one up and hoping for the best. To draw deer to your feeder, you need a strategy. Learn about what attracts deer with these tips and tricks to get you started.

Understanding Deer Behavior: The Key to Effective Feeder Placement

The first step to a successful feeding strategy is understanding the animal you’re trying to attract. Deer are creatures of habit with specific needs that change with the seasons.

• Deer diet and nutritional needs: In the spring and summer, they crave protein to support antler growth and fawn rearing. Come fall and winter, their focus shifts to carbohydrates and fats to build up reserves for the cold months. Knowing this helps you provide the right feed at the right time.
• Deer movement patterns: They move along established travel corridors, often connecting their secure bedding areas to their preferred feeding spots. Before you even place a feeder, scout your property to identify signs of deer activity.
• Identifying high-traffic areas: Well-worn trails, rubs on trees where bucks have marked their territory and scrapes on the ground are good starting points. These high-traffic areas are ideal for an effective feeding program.

Best Way to Attract Deer With Strategic Feeder Placement

A deer will not visit a feeder if it doesn’t feel safe. Therefore, it is important to create a natural, relaxed feeding environment that will keep deer coming back.

• Proximity to cover: Place your feeders near natural cover, like the edge of a wooded area or a thicket. This gives them a secure path to and from the feed, encouraging them to visit during daylight hours.
• Accessibility to water: If you have a creek, pond, or other water source, placing a feeder nearby makes it a good spot for deer. 
• Sunlight and drainage: Choose a spot with good drainage to prevent your feed from getting moldy after a rain. A little sunlight can also help keep the area dry.
• Avoid human disturbance: Set up your feeders in locations with minimal human traffic and scent. The less you disturb the area, the more comfortable the deer will be. 
• Multiple feeders: For larger properties, spreading the deer out reduces competition and gives you more options for hunting or observation. 

Choosing the Right Feed and Feeder

Always opt for a high-quality feed specifically designed for deer to ensure they get the proper nutrition. When it comes to the feeder itself, you have options. Simple gravity feeders work, but for ultimate control and efficiency, nothing beats an automatic spin feeder. These allow you to set precise feeding times and amounts, conditioning deer to visit on a schedule. Automatic feeders conserve feed and help you pattern the deer for more predictable viewing or hunting opportunities. It’s about working smarter, not harder.

Maximize Your Deer Attractant Strategy With Sweeney Feeders

Attracting more deer involves understanding their needs and choosing the right locations. When you’re ready to make that investment, trust the original. At Sweeney Feeders, our deer feeders are built to last and backed by the best warranty in the business. For over 50 years, we’ve been the go-to choice for serious hunters and land managers. You can depend on your Sweeney Feeder to Feed On-Time, Every Time, for a Long Time!