'Tis the Season Where Nutrition Matters

As we get into the holiday season, deer are shifting focus from each other to themselves. This shift happens when most of the deer in an area have finished breeding. Most of the Northern U.S. has passed the peak of the breeding season, so now food is their number one priority. As weather deteriorates, food will only get scarcer from this point until spring green up. If you are in an area where you can supplemental feed, this a great time to be using Ani-Supplement Gold or the Wild Berry Crush granular. I like Wild Berry because it comes in a 20 lb. bags, so it lasts longer than the smaller bags.  

In one area I put out a couple bags and within a day I had two different bucks that I haven’t seen all year. They are both up-and-comers that I think will be studs next year if they make it.  

I also picked up the ancient doe I’ve had on camera for 5 years now that I call “Big Dipper.” She still has three fawns with her, so I’m pretty convinced she did have triplets this spring.

Food plots are also a great way to supplement the nutrition of your herd. Our Pro Bean Blend is getting hammered right now and will continue until they run out. As winter conditions start to set in, whoever has the most food will usually hold the most deer, and subsequently find the most sheds when they start dropping. If you have any green food sources now those will be areas deer start to focus on as other browse fades. We have had temperatures as low as 14 degrees here in Minnestoa, but our plots of Pro Clover, Amazin’ Grains, Caveman Blend, and No Till Field Mix are still dark green.

Providing your herd a diverse mix of greens and grains before the worst part of winter hits will help them survive a lot more than waiting until they in dire straits and starving. As we get some warmer days the greens will be hit harder and as the temperatures plummet. The grains are more important for them to refill the energy and carbohydrates that they will burn just trying to stay warm. Don’t let their plates go empty, and you will be pleasantly surprised with how well they come out of winter and into next year’s antler growing season!