Understanding Deer: A Basic Needs Assessment
The allure of witnessing a majestic buck or a graceful doe grazing in your backyard, or the satisfaction of managing a healthy deer population on your property, is a powerful draw for many. For hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and landowners alike, understanding how to bring deer into your area can be a rewarding pursuit. But it’s not as simple as putting out a pile of corn. Successfully attracting deer involves a multifaceted approach that addresses their fundamental needs and incorporates ethical practices. This guide will delve into the best things to attract deer, providing you with the knowledge and strategies you need to increase your chances of enjoying these captivating creatures.
Deer, like all animals, have basic requirements for survival and thriving. To effectively attract them, you must first understand these needs. These can be distilled into a few crucial elements: food, water, cover, and space. These needs fluctuate throughout the year, driven by seasonal changes. A buck in rut has vastly different requirements than a doe during the winter, or a fawn navigating its first summer.
Throughout the year, deer need food sources to sustain their energy. Water is essential for hydration and maintaining body functions. Protective cover provides a sense of security from predators and harsh weather, offering places to bed, rest, and find shelter. Finally, a sufficient amount of space is necessary for their movements and access to the resources needed.
Before you start any attractant strategy, take the time to study the deer population already residing in your area. What’s their current food supply like? What type of vegetation is available? Where are they currently spending their time? Learning about their routine and existing resources is key to determining the best methods to enhance their habitat and draw them to your property.
Food: The Cornerstone of Deer Attraction
Providing a reliable food source is perhaps the single best thing to attract deer. Deer are constantly seeking nourishment, and the availability of high-quality, palatable food will significantly increase their presence in your area.
Natural Foraging: Supporting Indigenous Flora
Deer are naturally adapted to a diet consisting mainly of plant material. Focusing on enhancing natural food sources is a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach. Many plants are highly attractive to deer, including various grasses, forbs (broadleaf flowering plants), shrubs, and trees. Identify the native plants in your area that deer favor, and prioritize their growth and development. Consider actively managing your habitat:
- Thinning Trees: Removing less desirable trees allows more sunlight to reach the forest floor, encouraging the growth of understory vegetation that deer love.
- Prescribed Burns (Where legal and safe): Fire can rejuvenate the land, promoting the growth of new, tender shoots and grasses that deer find irresistible.
- Native Plantings: If possible, incorporate native plants in your area that are known for their appeal to deer.
Food Plots and Supplemental Feeding: A Balancing Act
While enhancing natural forage is critical, many people choose to supplement their food supply. This can be done by creating food plots or through strategic supplemental feeding.
Food Plots: These are areas specifically planted with crops that deer find delicious and nutritious.
- Winter Food Plots: Designed to provide sustenance during the colder months. Common choices include clover, winter rye, oats, and brassicas (like turnips and kale).
- Summer Food Plots: Aim to provide high-energy food during the growing season. Popular options are soybeans, corn, and sunflowers.
Supplemental Feeding: Pros, Cons, and Considerations
- The Pros: When done responsibly, supplemental feeding can lead to larger deer, increased antler size, and an overall improvement in the herd’s health. It can also make deer more visible on your property.
- The Cons: Supplemental feeding can make deer dependent on the food source. Poorly managed feeding practices can increase disease transmission, and regulations can be strict. Moreover, supplemental feeding alone is often insufficient if the habitat lacks cover or water.
Types of Feed: The ideal feed mix will vary depending on location and deer’s specific needs. Options may include:
- Corn: A readily available, energy-rich option. However, it lacks essential nutrients and fiber, and must be implemented responsibly.
- Protein Pellets: Designed to provide a concentrated source of protein, essential for antler growth and overall health.
- Mineral Supplements: These are a critical component for health and antler development and can be used in feeders or as supplemental mineral licks.
Placement and Management of Feeders: Placing feeders effectively and safely is important.
- Location: Place feeders in open areas within easy access and visual range.
- Protection: Ensure adequate cover is in proximity to the feeder.
- Cleanliness: Regularly clean feeders to prevent the spread of disease and to ensure feed quality.
Important Note: Always thoroughly research and follow all local regulations regarding supplemental feeding. Some areas may have specific rules about the types of feed allowed, the timing of feeding, and the permitted locations. Ignoring these rules could lead to fines and could potentially harm the deer population you’re trying to help.
Baiting (When Allowed): The use of baits to lure deer to a specific location, and the type of bait, are largely dictated by regional rules. Always verify local ordinances.
Water: The Elixir of Life
Water is essential for deer survival. Without access to a clean and consistent water source, it will be challenging to draw deer.
Natural Sources
If your property includes natural water sources like streams, ponds, or springs, you’re already ahead. Preserve these natural areas and make sure they are accessible to deer. Prevent excessive pollution, and encourage bank vegetation to provide cover.
Artificial Water Sources
In areas with limited natural water, creating artificial sources can be hugely beneficial:
- Water Troughs and Tanks: Install water troughs or tanks and keep them clean and filled.
- Placement: Place these sources in areas accessible and visible to deer. They should also provide cover nearby.
- Maintenance: Regularly maintain these water sources and keep them clean to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. Also, make sure water sources don’t freeze in the winter.
Cover: A Haven for Deer
Cover is another crucial aspect for deer well-being, providing safety, protection from the elements, and bedding areas. A property with poor cover will be less appealing to deer.
Types of Cover
Deer need two main types of cover.
- Dense Vegetation: This includes thickets, brush piles, and tall grasses. The denser the foliage, the better.
- Forests: Forests provide refuge from the elements and predators. Deer will seek out forests for bedding and shelter.
Creating and Enhancing Cover
Improving cover is often the most challenging aspect of attracting deer but is also most rewarding.
- Planting Trees and Shrubs: Choose species native to your area. Focus on both evergreen and deciduous trees.
- Creating Brush Piles: Gather downed branches and limbs to build brush piles for shelter.
- Controlling Invasive Species: Invasive plants can outcompete native plants and degrade habitat. Regular efforts to control their growth will boost deer health.
Mineral Supplements: Fueling the Growth
Deer require essential minerals for bone development, antler growth (in bucks), and overall health. Offering mineral supplements is one of the best things to attract deer by providing the necessary nutrients.
The Role of Minerals
Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are vital for antler development and overall health.
Types of Mineral Licks
- Mineral Blocks: These are easily available and can be placed in a central location.
- Loose Mineral Mixes: These mixtures provide various essential minerals and are often more attractive to deer.
- Commercial Mineral Supplements: Utilize a commercially produced mineral supplement for a balanced mineral supply.
Placement and Maintenance
- Choosing the Right Location: Place mineral licks in areas where deer are already present and that offer cover.
- Frequency of Refills: Refill mineral licks regularly to provide a consistent mineral supply.
Scouting and Monitoring: Understanding Your Deer Population
Observing the habits of the deer in your area is vital for success.
The Importance of Scouting
Scouting provides critical insights into the deer’s movements, their preferred food sources, and their habits.
Methods of Scouting
- Trail Cameras: These offer a non-intrusive way to monitor deer activity, determine the size and health of your herd, and identify individual deer.
- Tracking and Identifying Deer Sign: Learning to recognize deer trails, rubs, scrapes, and droppings will help you understand their movements and where they spend their time.
Monitoring and Adjusting: Regularly analyze your data to adjust your attractant strategy. Adjust your approaches as needed.
Supplemental Attractants: A Carefully Considered Approach
Supplemental attractants can be a valuable addition to your strategy, but it’s vital to approach them with caution and respect local regulations.
Scents and Lures (Check Local Legality):
- Types: There are many different scent products that can be used, which is why researching the specific ones that are legal in your region is imperative.
- Placement and Use: The placement and use of scents depends on the type of scent you use and the time of year. Apply scents at specific locations based on your goals, e.g., scrape location, and use a scent drag or wick to create a scent trail.
Ethical Considerations and Legal Requirements
Attracting deer is a privilege that should be approached responsibly and ethically. Never violate local laws. Disease transmission is a serious concern, particularly for diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Always follow best practices, and, if CWD is a concern, you may have to cease certain attractant methods.
Conclusion
Attracting deer is a process, not a guarantee. It requires careful planning, dedication, and patience. By focusing on the best things to attract deer – providing high-quality food sources, ample water, protective cover, and essential mineral supplements – you will greatly increase your chances of success. Combine these elements and incorporate ethical practices, and you will be well on your way to creating a haven for deer and enjoying the incredible experience of watching these magnificent animals.
Do your research, understand the deer in your region, and prioritize a long-term, sustainable approach. Remember to regularly monitor your success and adjust your tactics. Good luck, and enjoy the journey!
