The Pros and Cons of Deer Hunting Over Wildlife Feeders
Introduction to Hunting and Wildlife Feeders
I am not certain of the origin of wildlife feeders but I would be willing to bet that the Lone Star State of Texas wouldn’t be a bad guess. As long as I can remember, the famous barrel has been an ever present icon within the Texas hunting industry where I’ve been blessed to have enjoyed for some 40 years. However, there are those among us who question the techniqueand whether or not it is ethical and sporting. I am a firm believer of “to each their own” and while this type of hunting may not be for everyone, I discovered the value of it a quite some time ago. I will discuss what I feel to be the pluses and minuses of this tool we call a wildlife feeder.
Wildlife feeders provide an opportunity to judge the bucks and does so that only select ones fitting the management criteria are taken. This prevents nubbin bucks, young bucks and healthy vibrant does from being killed, this may not be quite as achievable while hunting using other means such as stalking.
A wildlife feeder will certainly congregate deer. We all love to see deer when we go to the ranch, especially if we are lucky enough to be accompanied by a favorite hunting partner such as a child. Unfortunately, congregation can lead to an unhealthy situations by increasing the possibility of spreading diseases.
Different species benefit from the food as well; such as turkeys, javelinas, birds, feral hogs and a host of other undesirable varmints can be quite destructive and consumptive of the feed.Feed pens and varmint guards are probably the most effective means to controlling these untargeted animals.
Wildlife feeders can be used to alter dietary intake. Corn provisions during the winter help replace carbs expended during the rut, which in turn, helps worn-out bucks survive the freezing winter. Protein in the spring and summer will help keep wildlife healthy and improve milk production in does providing a better start for fawns with improved horns in the bucks. I have found that the Deer Feeder Helper is a useful accessory for converting a corn feeder into a gravity type protein feeder for further enhancement.
Wildlife feeders must be constantly maintained. This has historically been the biggest pit fall of the wildlife feeder. The feeding environment is quite a challenge for an electronic product with mechanical parts dispensing organic material.Wildlife feeders are often surrounded by destructive animals, insects, adverse weather conditions and often are not frequented enough by the owners so that they may keep abreast of any malfunctions. Solar panels have made a huge difference as hunters no longer arrive on opening day to find a discharged battery and a non-functioning feeder. The Feeder Helper mentioned earlier reduces most, if not all, of these monumental endeavors to simple tasks. Clogs can be removed instantly avoiding damage to the spinner; timers can be swapped out in seconds allowing broken ones to be replaced with ones that work; it opens to allow draining of the feeder for relocation or to remove old or spoiled feed and dust; and timers can be taken home for safe keeping during the off-season by simply removing a couple of screws. Attention to detail and taking some preventive measures should keep your wildlife feeder working properly.
Neither wildlife feeders nor their contents are cheap. Feeders will cost several hundred dollars so the purchase of quality products is strongly recommended;Premier, Texas Wildlife Supply, and Wildlife Resources come to mind. With the recent demand for BioDiesel, which is derived from corn, has doubled the cost of corn in just three years. Hopefully this trend will stabilize as technology improves and/or more farmers switch to corn production.
All said and done, I love watching the sunrise on a brisk morning, followed by the awesome whitetail filtering from the wilderness to grab their share of treats from the legendary wildlife feeder.
For those whitetail hunters out there who enjoy to use corn feeders as much as I do, we all know how cumbersome they can become. Hunting in your favorite blind while after that world class whitetail buck, seeing the sunrise on a cold winter morning and seeing the deer herd migrate to an activated corn feeder can be one of the most enjoyable moments in a outdoorsman’s world. But when that particular corn feeder you were expecting to go off fails, it becomes very frustrating. A recently introduced a device called a Deer Feeder Helper saves incredible amounts of heartache and corn With this feeder accessory you can remove clogs instantly, change timers in seconds, clean your feeder, empty a feeder to relocate it, take corn from a corn feeder to refill your tailgate feeder, remove your timer for safe storage during the off-season, easily make a protein feeder and/or turn off your feeder without changing the timer settings. Personally, I wish this product existed years ago when I first started whitetail hunting.
Here are some pointers I’d like to share with you to help minimize those disappointing whitetail hunting trips. Try to buy re-cleaned corn which has had most if not all of the stalks, rocks, cobs and such removed. This will keep the corn feeder from becoming clogged or worst yet, breaking the motor shaft by trying to remove the clog. There are also screens, which appear to be very effective, being made for corn feeders that will filter out debris. Next, build a quality pen around your corn feeder using hog panels, between 30-32 inches tall, in a circle fashion large enough for deer to feel comfortable and unconfined. This will allow them to jump right in and will keep out undesirables such as pigs and livestock. Cows can lick a deer feeder empty in a day or two, knock it over and destroy the timer by stepping on it in an attempt to get more corn. If you decide against a feeder pen, consider placing and anchoring a hog panel below the feeder to prevent a huge mud puddle from forming. Always anchor your corn feeder to the ground at each leg; empty feeders are easily blown over by the wind or knocked over by livestock. I like keeping a varmint guard around the timer. Varmints will consume large amounts of corn by climbing the legs and turning the spinner plate to feed their comrades down below. Varmints can climb any surface with ease, you cannot prevent it. Plus, they can be quite destructive to the timer by opening latches or by hanging on wiring harnesses causing electrical faults. Squirrels and birds will get their share as well, don’t allow that if at all possible. Using traps can be effective but take a considerable amount time checking and working them. Never abandon a working trap, animal cruelty charges could follow if you leave an animal to die. Solar chargers are a wise investment and will ensure your battery won’t die before opening day. The new, improved way of mounting these panels is not on the barrel or legs any longer, it is directly to the timer housing. Test has shown that this is just as effective as the horizontal method and doesn’t leave any wires exposed. Enure your lid doesn’t blow off - try securing it with springs to the barrel or by using a weighted object, such as a rock. I also believe it’s important to clean out the barrel at least once a year to remove any unwanted debris that prohibits a smooth flow of corn to the spinner plate. Even corn dust can accumulate slowing efficient feeding to the spinner plate. I’ve discovered that it’s better to leave your timer activating when the season is over, even if it is out of corn. This keeps the shaft turning and other components from breaking down or locking up. Similar to an engine, it is not good for either to sit for any period of time.
I hope this information has been beneficial and wish you many outstanding adventures. May yours be the bigger, better buck.
For a great deer hunting experience using feeders, I encourage you follow these very simple suggestions. First get a metal or plastic barrel. You can buy barrels with timers attached or as separate components. Plastic barrels are becoming quite popular. I prefer the metal ones. Buy a quality digital 6 or 12 volt timer control unit in a metal housing from a reputable dealer. Always place a deer feeder helper between the barrel and the timer. Doing so will save you many hours of time and frustration later. Only use the high quality feeder legs as the lighter, thin walled legs will buckle due to the weight of the corn and force applied from livestock such as cows. If you make your own barrel, buy 4 leg brackets and make a ladder using two of the legs and angle iron for steps. It’s a good ideal to put feet or pads under the legs to keep them from sinking into the ground under the weight and make sure each leg is anchored to the ground. I use rebar and bailing wire for this. Get a quality lid, I tried using plastic lids, but squirrels ate holes in them immediately, leading to storm water spoiling the corn. I like the metal lids that are retained to the barrel by using springs. It will save you two trips up and down the ladder and will keep your lid from blowing off during windy conditions. Always use a varmint guard, raccoons will rob you blind and continually destroy your equipment. Lock or secure any latches you can to prevent bad things from happening. Locks, pins carabineers, and wire all work well. Get a solar charger for the battery; it’s a good investment to keep the battery from going dead which could ruin an eagerly anticipated deer hunting trip. You can fasten the solar panel vertically, directly to the housing using self-drilling screws. Fill it with recleaned corn if possible to prevent future clogs. If not, you can buy a corn screen that installs in the barrel, or take the screen from barrel to barrel if you have more than one deer feeder. The deer feeder helper helps you remove these pesky clogs instantly without you having to jeopardize your equipment in the process. I have seen clogs from rocks, corn bag material, range cubes, dirt duabber nests, corn stalks and cobs, and old clogged feed; remember it is agriculture and you certain to get some debris from time to time. Build a solid pen made from 30″ tall cattle panels to keep out the feral hogs and livestock. Using eight 16′ panels in a circle appears to be the minimum size to ensure that the deer feel unconfined and comfortable. I do have some feeders without pens for hog hunting. If so, make sure your feeder legs are anchored and secure a cattle panel below, flat on the ground to prevent a huge mud puddle from forming. These puddles to become a mess and making very nasty to work on your deer feeder. If you chose to feed protein during the spring and summer, you can remove your timer and place a PVC 3″ tube and PVC “T” onto the barrel. I like to leave the timer on, but place a 5 gallon bucket around the timer then attach the 3″ tube to the bucket. I suggest always perform a fall cleaning before deer season starts to the clean inside of the feeder barrel to remove any debris, even corn/feed dust can cause problems.
We hope these simple directions can help you have a great hunting adventure. Happy hunting!!!
Prizes for the 2nd Annual Will Include New Bows, Rifles, Shotguns, Hunting Trips and More!
1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each category will receive prize tickets, and will designate those tickets to drawings for prizes they want to win.
1st Place in any category: 2nd Annual Jacket (personalized) + 50 tickets
2nd place in any category: 2nd Annual Vest + 25 tickets
3rd place in any category: 2nd Annual Hat + 10 prize tickets
Prize drawings will be held at the Sportsman’s Night event - but you need not be present to win and may assign tickets for entry into specific prize drawings before the event.
CATEGORIES All Whitetail Deer Categories Are Split by North and South Zones (see rules below for zone information)
Unless Specified Otherwise, All Game Must Be Harvested in Texas to Be Eligible.
Biggest Overall Whitetail Buck: The winning entry in this category is the highest scoring buck harvested by any lawful means on any property.
Biggest Texas Mule Deer Buck: The winning entry in this category is the highest scoring mule deer buck harvested by any lawful means on any property (in Texas).
Biggest Out-of-State Whitetail Buck: The winning entry in this category is the highest scoring whitetail buck harvested by any lawful means on any property outside of Texas (including Canada and Mexico). All other deer categories are for Texas deer only.
Biggest Whitetail 8 Point (Gun and Bow Separately): The winning entry in this category is the highest scoring 8 point buck harvested on any property - all other category entries are automatically eligible to win in this category.
Heaviest “Hunted” Hog (Gun, Bow and Knife/Spear Separately): The winning entry in this category is the heaviest wild hog harvested on any property (gross weight). Please note, trapped hogs are not eligible as entries in this category.
Heaviest “Trapped” Hog: The winning entry in this category is the heaviest wild hog harvested by means of lawful trapping (gross weight).
Heaviest Coyote: The winning entry in this category is the heaviest coyote (gross weight) harvested by any lawful means on any property.
Heaviest Bobcat: The winning entry in this category is the heaviest bobcat (gross weight) harvested by any lawful means on any property.
Heaviest Javelina: The winning entry in this category is the heaviest javelina (gross weight) harvested by any lawful means on any property.
Heaviest Whitetail Doe (Gun and Bow Separately): The winning entry in this category is the heaviest whitetail doe harvested on any property (net weight - after field dressing).
Biggest Whitetail Buck Traditional: The winning entry in this category is the highest scoring buck harvested on any property using only traditional bowhunting equipment (e.g., longbow or recurve).
Best Whitetal Wildlife Photo - Live Deer: The winning entry in this category is the best photograph of a live whitetail deer taken with any camera/film and on any property (scoring done by a 3 judge panel).
Best Non-Deer Wildlife Photo: The winning entry in this category is the best photograph of any animal other than a whitetail deer taken with any camera/film and on any property (scoring done by a 3 judge panel).
Best Trail Cam Photo: The winning entry in this category is the best photograph taken with an automated trail camera while the operator was not present (scoring done by a 3 judge panel).
Biggest Whitetail Buck LF (Gun and Bow Separately): The winning entry in this category is the highest scoring buck harvested on a low fenced property.
Biggest Whitetail Buck HF (Gun and Bow Separately): The winning entry in this category is the highest scoring buck harvested on a high fenced property.
Biggest Whitetail Buck Youth (Gun and Bow Separately): The winning entry in this category is the highest scoring buck harvested by a youth hunter age 17 and under.
Biggest Whitetail Doe Youth (Gun and Bow Separately): The winning entry in this category is the highest scoring buck harvested by a youth hunter age 17 and under.
Heaviest Dove (separate for mourning and whitewing): The winning entry in this category is the heaviest dove by gross weight (feathers and all).
Heaviest Duck: The winning entry in this category is the heaviest duck by gross weight (feathers and all).
Heaviest Goose: The winning entry in this category is the heaviest goose by gross weight (feathers and all).
Heaviest Quail: The winning entry in this category is the heaviest quail by gross weight (feathers and all).
Heaviest Wild Catfish: The winning entry in this category is the heaviest wild catfish by gross weight.
Heaviest Large Mouth Bass: The winning entry in this category is the heaviest large mouth bass by gross weight.
Heaviest Small Mouth Bass: The winning entry in this category is the heaviest small mouth bass by gross weight.
Longest Wild Rattlesnake: The winning entry in this category is the longest wild rattlesnake (head to tail or from any parts that remain).
Biggest Blackbuck Antelope: The winning entry in this category is the highest scoring blackbuck antelope taken by any lawful means on any property.
Biggest Barbado Ram: The winning entry in this category is the highest scoring barbado ram taken by any lawful means on any property.
Biggest Axis Buck: The winning entry in this category is the highest scoring axis buck taken by any lawful means on any property.
Biggest Red Stag: The winning entry in this category is the highest scoring red stag taken by any lawful means on any property.
Biggest Exotic (other): Please contact us regarding other exotics taken in Texas - if you registered before your hunt we will add categories for additional species of game.
Biggest Regret: The winning entry in this category is the highest scoring deer that would’ve won a contest category if the hunter had registered before harvesting the animal. The prize for this category is a framed picture of the hunter and would be trophy animal, with a caption reading: “If only I had registered at www.deertournament.com.”
TOURNAMENT RULES & SPECIFICS
1. All antler or horn scorable entries must be submitted with an affidavit or other documentation by a taxidermist or certified measurer, and must include a photo of the hunter with game. Scoring is in gross inches, without deductions by B&C guidelines. Winners are subject to score and tag/license verification.
2. Entries for weight categories should include some proof of weight (e.g., photo of harvested animal on scale, written documentation of weight, etc), and also must include a photo of the hunter with game.
3. Wildlife photo submissions on printed media must be at a minimum 8″ x 10″ or if digital must be of sufficient resolution to be judged adequately when printed as an 8″ x 10″
4. Wildlife photography categories will be judged subjectively by a panel of judges, none of whom will participate in the contest. Additionally, all photos may be displayed both on this website as well as during the Sportsman’s Night event.
6. Hunters may only submit entries harvested after registering. Entry form(s), along with above required documentation, must arrive no later than February 1, 2010, and be sent to: Young Life Austin West Deer Tournament, 925 Westbank Drive # 400, Austin, TX 78746. You may also submit documentation and photos via email to info@deertournament.com and fax to 512 263 8665.
Copyright 2008-2009. Young Life Austin West. All rights reserved.
A good friend asked for a favor, and this was an easy one to extend.
Dear Friends,
Veterans Outdoors is an incredible organization which is dedicated to helping veterans of our armed services experience the outdoors. This helps wounded warriors, with disabilities from their sacrifice, gain confidence and experience our gratitude for their service.
In conjunction with Veteran Outdoors and Hunts for Heroes, I am helping sponsor two trophy deer hunts on the Butterfield Ranch for this worthy cause. Veteran Outdoors will also be auctioning an opportunity to guest host the video production of the hunts which also includes one of the trophy hunts for the guest host. The auction will take place at the Veteran Outdoors banquet in Austin this weekend (Sept 12th).
Please help me cover the cost of this event by sending a financial contribution.
Congratulations are in store for three lucky winners at the Ft.Worth Extravaganza Texas Sized Giveaway. Bill Pendergrass of Ft.Worth, Dylan Walter of Weatherford, and Frank LeMaire of Sunnyvale all will get an opportunity to enjoy a trouble free deer season this year with the help of the Deer Feeder Helper by Texas Feeder Helper, Inc. each one won during the August 2009 show. With this product, they will get to experience ridicousley easy deer feeder maintenance. Whether issues arrise from varmints, livestock or from feeder clogs, and anything in between, all are quickly resolved for a more enjoyable whitetail deer hunting experience. Happy hunting and have a great deer season!!!!
Congratulations are in store for three lucky winners at the Houston Extravaganza Texas Sized Giveaway. Ray DeBraine of Houston, Jake Groth of Katy, and Tracy Bell of Silsbee all will get an opportunity to enjoy a trouble free deer season this year with the help of the Deer Feeder Helper each one won during the weekend show. With this product, they will get to experience ridicousley easy feeder maintenance. Whether issues arrise from varmints or from feeder clogs, and anything in between, all are quickly remedied for a more enjoyable deer hunting experience. Happy hunting!!!!
The Texas Feeder Helper, Inc. will be displaying and demonstrating its signature product, the Deer Feeder Helper, in Houston, TX during July 31st-August 2nd. Stop by for a visit and ask any questions from our knowledgeable staff how the feeder helper can benefit you or your deer feeders. Prices will be drastically discounted as we are moving last year’s left over inventory and replacing it with a new improved version all deer hunters will certainly be pleased with. See you there.
The Texas Feeder Helper Inc. participated with the enthusiastic random drawings at the recent San Antonio, Texas Trophy Hunters Extravaganza. Three Deer Feeder Helpers where giving during the weekend show. Lucky winners were Nathan Domenech, Debbie Marbach, and Dan Gardner. Hopefully these lucky winners will experience a fruitful season ahead and with the addition of such a great product, understand that maintaining deer feeders does not have to be such an ordeal as in the past. We hope you folks find that buck of a lifetime this very next deer season. Happy hunting!
Congratulations is in store to Robert Salvatierra for his lucky draw at the trade show give away of a deer feeder helper. Whether Robert mounts it on a future homemade deer feeder and on an already existing broadcast feeder on his deer lease, he is sure to appreciate such a device providing ridiculously easy feeder maintenance allowing him more time to enjoy the outdoors. Happy Hunting Robert and May Yours Be The Bigger, Better Buck!
Del.icio.us
Digg
Technorati
Blinklist
Furl
reddit