How To Feed Deer

[@gregvalek7544]

Jeff, first off, thank you for all of the information you provide. I have been a student of your videos for a few years. You are my go to expert and we have shaped our property based on all the great, selfless information you have offered. This video, for me, knocks it out of the park. It ties so many elements together and the whiteboard session really explained everything so well. You have been a huge impact on me and our property and whitetail goals. Thank you for serving us with your humble expertise day in and day out.

[@bobwiese6128]

I thank God for Jeff. Jeff has made us better stewards of God's gift of deer.

[@walczysgarage696]

You continue to amaze with top-level education on whitetail for hunting success. Thank you Jeff.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Well that means a lot to me...thank you, I really hope it helps you out!

[@lawryprice9717]

I live in northern Virginia my father took me hunting as a kid but I just got back into it a few years ago where I live is very difficult to find places to hunt but you have opened my eyes to ALOT of different aspects I love you videos

[@stevegermain1222]

You really cleared up the roller coaster 11 feeding from me I have a couple stands that this is so true it's amazing thanks Jeff

[@ThirdLawPair]

My adjacent neighbor feeds corn to the deer. I see them regularly come out of the woods to hit the corn right at daybreak and at an hour before sunset. They don't seem interested in woody browse near daybreak.

[@HigherElevations]

More data for success! Their feeding pattern adjustments to weather is key. Definitely going to pay more attention to that and how that ripple effect plays out. Thanks Jeff!

[@Deltonagardens]

Very very educational! Thanks for putting that together!

[@jasoneastwood4777]

Love these videos! I get my books today. Look forward to getting more info about food plots and wildlife habitat. I'm hoping to increase whitetail as well as rabbit population for upcoming falconry adventure! Thank you!

[@richardneal1644]

very cool info. I'm a get in your stand an hour before day break no matter what type of hunter. Can't wait to sleep in after a full moon rise!

[@edwarddegalan107]

Another great video - thanks Jeff!

[@zachzaidle9475]

Great content sir. We don't have ag anywhere around us wish we did. All big woods, so our food plots become feeding 3,4&5. Still trying to figure it all out. I'll keep watching and searching your play lists for ideas for the big woods settings.👍

[@zachzaidle9475]

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Zach! When I was in MI and everyone baited during November...that was the perfect 4 and 5 feedings in the area ☺️ The more that you increase the amount of browse on your land...the more that you help combat over-browsing on your food plots. At least send them to the plots well-fed 🙂 Also it becomes critical to eliminate the perceived level of hunting pressure to the deer herd, so that they aren't forced to feed more at night...of that's even a problem on the land.

[@davidsoloninka7742]

Jeff, Plz post a video that show pics or mount of deer u have harvested using the tactic’s that u talk about. Thank you

[@dewser312]

I'm surrounded by ag and have small north facing hill and small south facing hill which side would you put the food plot on

[@AdRock]

What’s a Floridian to do when we can’t plant feed plots due to poor soil and feral pigs? We resort to corn feeders, which also feeds/attracts the pigs.

[@donniehammond3355]

Awesome norther video Jeff . I Watch a lot of your videos and getting some awesome tips from you and trying some of them out don't know if it all will work for the southern states.

[@laraoles7212]

Thanks Jeff. What are deer doing between feedings 3, 4, and 5? Do they bed wherever or travel back to main bedding area?

[@micahcrews4375]

Do you have any dealing in Texas??? I would love to see a video on the patterns you have come up with

[@lionclaw547]

Jeff, I've watched a great deal of your videos and enjoy them thoroughly. I like the fact that you want to help everyone enjoy hunting to it's fullest potential. That being said, I understand that there is an enormous variety of seeds to buy for food plots, and wanted to just ask your for your quick opinion on what type of seed(s) would work best for shadier areas (I'm in zone 8; no till or till I have equipment for both). Thanks for your time. Any advice would be welcomed!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks a lot David! Boy that's a tough one...oats do ok, clover may do ok if the soil is damp enough down your way. Maybe even winter rye? The problem is that while some do OK...none do great in shade. The volume suffers greatly and when there is shade I think small food plots...so not enough volume to make it worth it much of the time. Definately more important to eliminate the canopy if possible, on the south side of the plots. Even just increasing to a few hours of sunlight a day can work much better and considerably open up your seed options...

[@stu4gbp]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 Thank you for all the time and effort you put in the field and woods and your willingness to share what you've learned with the rest of us. I've read about food plots being planted on old logging roads, but as discussed above shade could be an issue. Are you aware of any success stories with this option and is there a seed that could would work in this scenario to attract deer after the first frost?

[@terinamike]

Great video. I pay very close attention. Gotta say when you said "they get hit 3 ways".... You held up four fingers. Reminds me of my motto... There are 3 kinds of people in this world... Those people who can count, And those people who can't !!!!

[@alanpeace5513]

I’m afraid I’m in that 4 to 5 category. I bought 15 acres last year and I’m getting 10+ bucks throughout all hours of night and they leave before daylight. I can’t get them to change it up. Feed with a gravity feeder with corn and pour rice bran on ground and have salt block. The property behind me was cut timber few years ago and really thick over cut. Assume may be where they are bedding?? I have not had a buck on camera before dark in the afternoons at all. Always after dark, and have had a few stick around on camera a few times in the morning at daylight. But they are in there every morning to where it’s impossible for me to hunt mornings bc they are there and I will walk in on them. I’ve tried to sneak in a few times and have been blown at trying to get to stand. Will they change? Or am I just the nighttime safe haven?

[@alanpeace5513]

In Arkansas btw, if that changes approach on anything

[@jongammill8538]

So if you don’t have ag in your area for feedings 4&5, do deer usually hit your food plots for 3-5? Does that cause a problem since we don’t want to be a night time parcel?

[@dirtlegchaser2424]

love your vids thank you ive learned a lot but does all of this apply to the south? alabama to be exact

[@jakebrewer5161]

Hey Jeff I am a first time plotter, gonna do a small clover kill plot on a family member's land no ag around there is lots of Woody browse but big tine clover blend jw if it's was good germination rate is 80% on all clovers has four five different types in it is 34% enter matter coded is a mix of white and red clover but I've never seen that blend before and was wondering if it was any good also I've been looking at antler King game changer clover was wondering if you'd ever use that if it was any good? Thanks for all the help on the channel really helps

[@marcusbuckslayer3280]

Do deer bed in corn fields? 2 seasons ago the mosquitos were so thick in the early part of the season, we suspected they were doing this to stay in the wind, away from the woods.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

I have seen that before! They either do so because of an extreme lack of cover or hunting pressure...maybe both at times. They miss feedings during those times...corn can only be a fraction of their daily diet. I've seen them in barns before...literally trying to get away from mosquitoes. Now that I do not live in mosquito land...not sure I could ever go back!

[@markbishop1161]

Jeff have quick question, have pine pint oak red oak cedar. Which one would be the best to use for your hanging rub limbs. And if I remember correctly. Hang them about 3 foot off the ground? Please and thank you. MB

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Mark, that really depends on the area...no vines? If you have Jack pine...that is a great branch to use! If red cedar that works great too ☺️

[@markbishop1161]

Now we have large vines that grow everywhere around here. Normally next to oak trees. And thank for correcting me. Vines!!!! Burned in to my brain now 😉 Possibly they might work. Red cedar we do have for sure.

[@Funski1000]

How does this apply to places like central Arkansas? Are the times different ? The concept the same? Please educate me! :)

[@michaelruh6646]

Do you have to have a cultipacker for the buckwheat or could you just use a regular lawn roller to mash it down

[@normyoder2622]

Thanks for a good source of food for us in the off season. I find myself feeding about 5 times a day. It's an addiction . Thanks jeff

[@George-ro6bw]

Jeff, another good video. I believe in past videos you use a hand spreader to broadcast switchgrass. What setting did you use? Did you mix anything with these tiny seed like clay cat litter to help broadcasting? Thank you for your help.

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi George...thanks! I do. Right around 1.5-1.75? I never mix anything only because you still have to figure out your seeding rate, regardless.

[@rachelr2770]

Jeff, First.. Thanks for all the info you have provided over the years! Like Zach Zaidle said below: When in a Large Wilderness Area and no Ag being present, when feedings 3,4,and 5 all take place on one or two food plots on the property is it best to provide bedding cover and browse all around these plots or in strategic locations in order to place a stand to catch them moving from bed to plots during that evening movement? Thanks again for all your time!

[@joeacerra1939]

Hey Jeff another good one! Would you consider blueberry fields ag?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Hi Joe thanks a lot...really appreciate you watching! I wouldn't with the blueberries...really low on the preference list for deer...maybe not even a forage for them?

[@joeacerra1939]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 tenrogger yeah probably not on there high priority list there's alot around my lot nearest field is bout quarter to 1/2 mile away probably gonna have to put a destination plot or is that close anuff?

[@farnorthhomested844]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 planted blue berries last year, and fatso, (pregnant doe), chewed them down to stubs. my mom had blue berries planted in the back field. same thing. moose took the plants out.

[@ryanhartman9634]

Thanks Jeff. Aside from hinge cutting and opening the canopy, What sort of natural perennial leafy greens can a guy intentionally plant for daytime browse in bedding or along travel corridors? I have often observed deer browsing on what appear to be clumps of wild raspberry brush. It seems to stay green longer and grows decent in heavier shade. Buckthorn seems to stay green and edible too, but just too invasive for me to intentionally plant.

[@MrPooreboy83]

Hey John thanks for all your videos. I live in south eastern Kentucky with almost no agricultural land around my 50 acre hunting land. I have about 2 acres in food plots but suffer from over browsing like you talked about in this video due to lack of quality food sources. Is their any type of food plot you could recommend other than layering winter rye that could hold up to this type of pressure through the entire season? Thanks again for all your help.

[@dannytomlin4693]

What kind of food plot seed that works well in the woods?I live in South KY and I have white oaks and I feed them corn and have some clover on the edge of the woods in the field but I need food plot in woods

[@jowhi9296]

Hello Sir. Would the NWW Sweat feast brassica be a good choice for this method?

[@chadbrantley839]

Hi Jeff, would this apply to deer herds in the south? I'm in Alabama. Just curious if this is common for all deer herds, or if it is just primarily for Northern deer. Also, thanks to your videos, I am going to put in some watering holes, but we do have two creeks on our property that are separated by about a half mile. Do deer drink primarily from creeks or will they utilize these watering holes if I put them in. Thanks!

[@parkerallen3654]

Awesome video Jeff, I live in Central Kentucky with no Ag what would be the best food plot blend to handle the brows pressure.

[@jackbuys3711]

I've never liked full moon in the morning because I feel they are already in the bedding areas before we can legally hunt....I've thought about mid day but haven't been smart enough to do it. :)

[@ruru5862]

I have a doe and fawn that pass through my yard daily. The mom is really thin because its difficult to walk due to cut on leg. I give then apples. Any suggestions on what else could help? Wheat? Barely? Should I feed in winter too?

[@garybeale4698]

What are you calling UP properties

[@joshmorence9366]

Any experience with Northwoods food plot screen cover? Just wondering if I should use that or egyption wheat for screen. what you recommend in mid michigan area. Thanks in advance!

[@joedangelo3146]

Hi Jeff, you have great content, but do you have any content for my area in Prospect Hill, NC. I have 18 acres that I recently purchased. I do have lots of woody browse and 5 acres of fallow ag field that has not been used in 4-5 years. It also has a half acre pond next to the ag field and in another area lots of small pines. In parts of the land there are sloping areas that are maybe 30 ft drops. None of my neighbors hunt. I don't own any machinery just a utv. Hope to hear from you. thanks for all the great info. Joe.

[@SmallmouthAddict]

Hey Jeff great video! Michigan question regarding this. I hunt in north Dickinson county (U.P.) very wilderness type setting with no ag for a few days at hunting camp during rifle every year. I always do well with small bucks assuming that the deer are bedded in the large cedar swamps in that area and still hunting the edges. Most deer shot around there are coming out to bait piles, or chasing does along the edges of those swamps and i try to cut them off. I was under the impression there was some browse in the cedar swamps specifically in the UP of Michigan, or are they bedding in there because of hunting season pressure? We do have a few camps around us but nothing like south Michigan! Thanks for anything you can point to here!

[@btlietz]

Jeff, we have a 56 acre parcel split down the middle with the main access trail and drainage ditch. Road on east side of property, Lake on west side. Would you advise against duck hunting this property (on the lake shore) or do you think we could still manage the parcel for deer while enjoying duck hunting also?

[@randlerichardson5826]

Great video brother be safe and GOD BLESS y’all Amen 🙏

[@davidvankouwenberg3757]

Jeff, Interesting. I have opposite problem of most...too much ag. Of the 700 acres I can hunt 600 hundred is ag (corn, soybean, wheat and 2 large grass fields). Will this change their feedings. Can they survive on 3 or 4 Ag feedings?

[@chasetaft9807]

What would you think if you're getting pictures during those times but all at the same location? We have a pipeline that I plant oats and clover. We see deer there all day and night.

[@dougfriend1673]

Hey Jeff, How many times do they pee and poop in a 24 hour period? LOL!! In my opinion this was the best information to date. I felt you explained everything I needed to know about inside out property's. Typically you are all over the place and it gets a little hard to follow. All over the place meaning you kinda get off the topic and it becomes to much in one video. Great job !! Thanks

[@chadwilliams9826]

Excellent content!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks a lot Chad!

[@markr.1547]

Jeff do you know how many times a day deer feed?🤪 Thanks for another great FREE video! When I shoot my big buck this year I feel compelled to send you and Diane a gift card or something!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Ha, I am sure that folks get sick of that! 😁 No need to do that...I just love hearing that the info helps you out! Really appreciate it...

[@kevinkirk3156]

Great video

[@tjthede]

Hi Jeff, will deer travel in the opposite direction of ag from their beds for that third feeding? For example, if the bedding was on the north side of a property and the ag was off the north side of a property but your food plot was on the south side, would they first travel south (away from ag) for that third feeding before heading back north to the ag? Thanks for the great content!

[@jimh7015]

Jeff what is the best woody browse trees that would be good to hinge for deer level food?

[@brianjonker510]

Box elder & popple do well

[@mrturtlesoup101]

I've been hunting 20+ years and each year I learn something new weither big or small . As we all know being deer must drink . When on stand we see them in the morning and evening . My question is do deer come to watering holes and drink during the nighttime hours ?

[@royguidry1311]

Jeff I feel sorry for you. I watch all your content and then scroll the comments looking for the ridiculous comments like, if I have 1/2 ace food plot, how many deer will I see on opening morning. My uncle drove to his food plot on his tractor and shot a spike horn, should I buy a tractor. You say deer feed 5 times a day but I sat under an apple tree and I never saw a deer. You talk about wind direction but I have a .300 win mag so why do I need to worry about wind, by the way did my gun come sighted in and does grunting in a 60 mph hail storm work. On and on. Good lord you have patience my friend. I do see the old faithful on here as well and just know we appreciate what you are doing.

[@trumanmiller94]

Patience must come with age! A young, dumb, over aggressive male wouldn't have the patience Jeff does. Well done Jeff! I appreciate the crap out of all the free knowledge you put out!

[@dustingalan582]

I’m hunting in a woody area with no ag so would the deer use my food plot as there “ag”?

[@cougariog8817]

Wow really good stuff!!

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks a lot, really hope that it helps folks out!

[@mattwilliams8733]

Thank you!

[@jkppayne]

Why would the deer leave the high quality food source if it was still available and move on with feeding 4 and 5 on a subpar food sources like AG?

[@devouring2772]

Plan on going from a 2 to a 7 out of 10 for next yr.

[@gavinbenz9034]

What’s the best way for me to build up very sandy soil to be able to have a corn plot on it in the future

[@tannersmith4488]

I know buckwheat is a very good way to add nutrients and build up organic matter in the soil and itll grow in shady or sandy conditions

[@allentodd5436]

Jeff how many times did you say deer feed in a day? I was busy sipping some coffee...😂

[@joshuasherman9967]

🤣lot of coffee lol

[@CannaCJ]

Even if you don't hunt you'd be increasing the size and quality of the wildlife in your area, being a good neighbor to the non-human population.

[@weswilson3758]

Hey Jeff, do thorny plants offer browse for feedings 1&2?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Some do? Like raspberry briars, green briar in some southern Midwest hill country areas. Just depends but easy to see right now where deer ripped the tips off to feed on during the Fall and Winter months

[@harryjohnson3617]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 hey man have u ever used Dirtbag dried molasses or the Camo corn

[@Grizzlife]

Awesome info. Thanks

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Thanks Grizz...really appreciate it!

[@philipkellerman9826]

Thanks again for all the good information. I think that maybe, Your dry erase board is responsible for the death of more whitetail deer than Interstate 80. The amount of information passed on with that one simple tool is astounding. Shoot straight or shoot often.

[@bradleymartin8499]

Thanks for all the info. What's the best way 2 create browse in bedding areas?

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

You are welcome Bradley! That really depends on your habitat...in big woods you need canopy removal thru timber harvest, canopy tree cuttings, etc. Pole size timber can be hinge cut if you have the right trees species. Pine plantations need large pocket cuts if timber removed. Low land shrubs can be cut to expose browse at deer height...do many ways to get the job done but that is always a moving target. Hardwood regen, woody shrub tips, briars...all adequate browse. Acorns would be a compliment to a quality browse program that is already established...but acorns can never do it alone.

[@lukeweather]

Jeff should talk about land and states that cant have food plots

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

There are not any... Also, every hunting strategy and public land strategy still applies. Food plots are only about 20% of all content. Cool thing is...you can just choose to watch the rest and learn ☺️

[@lukeweather]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 where i hunt its private land in n.y not public land

[@lukeweather]

@@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751 i do learn from u all the time bro

[@runningpranch68]

Great information. -Gabe

[@brucecoron928]

If what you are saying is true why do I get all the same deer on camera eating all night long? Also yes I'm a Yooper and there at the camera with a bait pile.

[@snowserfireansmoke]

Awesome Info 🦌🔪🇺🇸🔥💨

[@gudgen2004]

Personally the taste of deer meat is nasty I don't like it but I do love the animal and I do love feeding them I have 20 it's stay on my property pretty much all the time they bed down on my property they feed on my property they mate on my property and I absolutely love them they are sweethearts

[@joescott906]

i like to hunt 2 hours before sunset though

[@mike81399]

👍

[@steveco191]

Too many ads😂

[@Ryan-od9sd]

#JeffSturgis2024

[@whitetailhabitatsolutions9751]

Ha, oh my...would at least be fun to debate 😁