When to Start Protein

[dkhunter02]

When is the best time to start feeding protein
Brady / Hext, TX.

[RRagan83]

about two months ago or ASAP

[Patton]

We started mid-December. Have put out ~7,500 lbs of 20%, fixing to refill the feeders very soon.

[JeffJ]

We start ASAP after we are done killing deer. Usually the latter part of December.

[ACCURACYINC]

We never stop.

[Kenner97]

We normally start early part of January, but hoping my pocketbook will allow for year around feeding this year.
We have had good rains and everything is really green so consumption is really low right now. Normally picks up around May for us.

[elgato]

This question reminds me of the old Chinese proverb about the best time to plant a tree.

Best time, 30 yrs ago.
Next best time, today.

[LWR2]

we never stop.

this!

[dkhunter02]

Thanks for the info.
Looks like we will start ASAP.

What about the theory of only feeding protein right before / during the antler growing period? Has this been proved incorrect?

[Sergio_III]

We never stop.

This... plus we started the cotton seed for the first time this year and the deer have already taken to it pretty hard.

[ByronF]

antler growth

Thanks for the info.
Looks like we will start ASAP.

What about the theory of only feeding protein right before / during the antler growing period? Has this been proved incorrect?

Most start feeding in December to help put body weight back on the deer after the rut. So when they do drop antlers and start growing new ones their body weight is up and they are healthy. You get better growth from healthy deer that are not stressed and are fully recovered from the rut,

[Truckville]

I start in January. If you have never fed protein to them before I would say you are late to the party this year. You are competing with green out now. It is a lot easier to get deer to try something new before mother nature opens the springtime buffet. Not saying too late to try it, just saying it could affect your success.

[RustyRanchero]

Looks like I will be late to the party as I was going to start it up next weekend.

[GMG]

Looks like I'll have to take the better late than never approach. At least if I get it up in the next few weeks, the feeders will be in place for next year.

[gmac]

I would suggest mixing some corn with it if you are feeding it for the first time. Get the used to eating it and eating from the free choice feeders. Works good for me.....