Did they eat it? I take 2-3 yrs to see a visual change in white tail. Especially since most deer herds are still recovering from the 2011 drought. There bodies will benefit the first yr or two then there racks the yrs after.

It took them 6 days to like it. I had 4 stations on 1100 acres. I put cameras on it and had as many as 5 bucks on one station at a time. They absolutely love it and when the bucks left the does would hit it

I fed cottonseed for the first time last year (on a new lease) so I don't have anything to offer as far as how it affected antler growth. However, I researched the topic and comparison to other supplements in depth, speaking with numerous managers who feed it--some exclusively. The nutritional value of cottonseed doesn't lie. It's generally higher in protein and fat than the pellets and is probably more effective than pellets in getting deer back in shape post-rut before antlers shed. If a deer's body isn't in shape when antlers/babies start growing, then they'll be playing catch up and nutrients will be prioritized to the body over antlers/babies, with minimal "visible" benefit.

I guess I'll know the "field tested" answer in years to come. Other than a non-sponsored biologist (for whom I have a great deal of respect) swearing by it, the main reason I switched was budget. If I had the money I'd feed pellets too bc they have the minerals/science that can directly affect antlers.

I feed it till September. Honestly on the lease I'm on now I can't say that I've seen any benefits other than the deer love it and body weights are coming back up after a hard rut. On the last lease I was on I did see more mass on racks, but the most obvious marker was body density.

That lease was just West of Calallen. These animals are considered coastal deer which don't usually get over 160 lbs for a mature buck. There were three bucks taken that were right at the 200 lb mark. The lease I'm on now is in South West Jim Hogg county and 200 lb deer are fairly common. That being said, we all know how the rut will degrade a bucks quality body wise. Well I started feeding cotton seed at this place last month and all ready have seen bucks body condition improve.

I have heard ranchers say it makes seamen less fertile in animals. I have read that this is some what true for deer if there diet is cotton seed exclusively. Most deer in the wild will forage on browse when it's available and is the majority of there diet. I have noticed this in the past with wet years, deer will not feed on the seed as heavily as well as protein. Pen raised deer that have been fed cotton seed as there main diet did have a reduction in sperm fertility.

It is high in protein, requires very little care and most importantly economical. For me the good out weighs the bad by a long shot. So that's why I continue to feed it.

Do a google search. Lots of information on it. But one thing for sure, just like feeding protein time will be the decision maker.

I will be filling cotton seed feeders in the next few days. I say feed it.

wish I could find some around Houston...the stuff works

As a biologist I have no issue feeding free ranging whitetail cotton seed. There is little to no spoilage, high in protein, cost effective and the hogs and coons will not eat it. I recommend a feeding station for cotton seed as well as to continue your pelleted regiment. Balance is a good thing when it comes to producing antler mass; but remember one key ingredient is Mother Nature. It is difficult to substitute for what is lacking when we do not get the moisture needed for native forbs and browse. Deer also have to acclimate themselves to a new food source which could take several years to show up in body and antler changes.

Cottonseed is not the end all save all. It is just another way to increase the deers overall condition. Cottonseed is high in fat and about 20% protein that is highly digestibile. I have been feeding it for 5 or 6 years or so. What it does do is make for a healthier herd. The does produce better milk which leads to healthier fawns which in turn become bigger healthier bucks. I would look at it as a long term project.

I believe it's alot higher then 20...thought it was over 30%?

Have you found any near Katy?

Cottonseed Meal is higher in protein but whole cottonseed is only around 20%
I have never looked around Katy, but I would look at the Co-ops around El Campo, San Bernard, Rosenburg area.

That is right. Got them confused.

Thanks

I think you may be onto something with your comment about moisture. I'm very suspicious about the timing of the rainfall. I know how it impacts us in STX depending on when we get moisture so I'm thinking the same correlation applies to the western hill country. Our heaviest live wt native deer was 184 lbs. Body wts and visible condition seemed very good into January. Th second and third rut has knocked the bucks down condition wise and they are pounding the protein.I'm happy to make the investment in the cottonseed however would like to see some visible results.

I appreciate the input

Cool guys, I'm getting on a new place in sTx that Hasn't been fed in 5 yrs. we're going to go the cottonseed route I think and was wondering where I could get some around the hondo, d hanis area. And how much does this stuff run out of curiosity. Thanks!

You need to goggle it as most gins have it contracted out each year. You can contact Cape and Sons out of San Angelo/Abilene area and they can help you find some....