Protein

[Gclyde12]

Guys,

We have are looking at purchasing a small acreage place just over 200 acre on the west side of duval county. We are looking at feeding protein and working with the neighbors to set up a good management program. How many pounds of protein do you fellas think we will burn through a wk. From what I have found it looks like it could be around 300# per wk on a small acre place like this. Would y'all consider this fairly accurate? Thanks in advance for the input.

[hammer63]

Too many variables to say. Depends on deer density, whether or not your new neighbors feed protein, natural vegetation, etc

[Hydestik]

I doubt you would feed that much. I would guess 2/3 to half of that based on our consumption rates.

[Ætheling]

How big are your neighbors?

[Hawkpuppy 1]

All based on deer density. Most deer consume about 4lbs of food per day. Granted, not all of that has to be/will be from protein alone, but it's kind of a starting point....

[gingib]

300-350 lbs a week during the heat of the summer for sure.


We have an above average deer density and have 3 proteins for 200 acres and feed 300lb a week during the summer.

[demtx]

how much?

I feed protein on less than 300ac. Jan. through Sept. Did about 10,000 lbs. this year. Have been feeding for many years and have quite a few homebody deer for the acreage and get strangers come and go. The consumption rate goes up and down and not necessarily when you'd think. So hard to say exactly how much they'll eat on your place but I would guess 300lbs would be maximum. And if it's new to them it'll take a while for them to really get going on it. Good luck with it. D

[starn11gy]

Been feeding for 23 years our feeders average 2000-2500lbs. Per year. That is Jan-Sept!

[Sippy]

Before I fenced with a density of about 1:12 I was feeding about 300/week.

[BolilloLoco]

300 per week would probably be a good starting point

[thabucknasty]

For you guys that have been feeding protein for awhile, what would you say your deer gained the most. What was your average score before protein and now after a few years of protein.

[bgleaton]

We purchased our ranch 5 years ago and have been feeding protein every year. We feed around 17,000lbs a year on our place that is just under 400 acres. We have seen great results. The antlers have gotten better every year and their bodies have also gotten bigger. The Caesar Kleberg deer research program is a great and useful source, especially on this subject. They state that you will see results the first couple of years, but you wont see the biggest results until around year 7 because by that point the deer have basically grown up eating protein.