Many studies on turkey nest success have confirmed that hunters are essentially creating a “dead zone” around any feeding site they establish during spring.
Concentrating predators at the same place where you’re likely to attract ground-nesting birds and other small game is a recipe for disaster, especially during nesting season.
GAME WINNER DEER FEEDER FREE
You’ll also see turkeys, quail and other birds enjoying the free lunch. It’s a rare day when a trail camera pointed at a feeder doesn’t return at least a few images of raccoons, skunks, bobcats, coyotes and feral hogs. If you still decide to use corn in a feeder, it’s important to check the label to see if it underwent any testing for contaminants and try to keep the feeder at low levels so corn can be used before the toxin-causing fungus has a chance to grow in the barrel.Īside from issues with corn, supplemental feeding of wildlife may cause other unforeseen problems - predators and disease. Aflatoxins were detected in 10 of 51 samples obtained from retail stores ranging from 5.2-476.0 parts per billion (20 parts per billion is considered too high for consumption by pets, immature animals and dairy cows 300 parts per billion is too high for livestock consumption.) Aflatoxins were detected in 39 of 151 field samples having levels ranging from 5.3- 897.7 ppb. The toxin also can be present from fungus growing on clean corn that is left in a feeder during warm, humid conditions common in Arkansas.ĪGFC personnel collected samples of whole shelled corn from retail stores and from field samples during the 2008-09 deer season. If present, this toxin can be extremely dangerous for many animals, including turkeys, quail, doves, rabbits and other small game.ĭeer show less effects from the toxin, but it can wreak havoc on their digestion, cause immunity issues and liver damage.
Some of this feed can contain high levels of aflatoxin, a contaminant derived from fungus on the corn. In some cases, corn that couldn’t pass inspection for cattle or swine is sold at reduced prices and then bagged and labeled for wildlife. Like kids spoiling their dinner with a candy bar, deer will eat the easy meal, decreasing the amount of room they have for the foods they really need, which are already growing from the ground.Ĭommercially sold “deer corn” also does not have to meet the same requirements as corn sold for livestock or human consumption. The sudden switch to the heavy carbohydrate load from the corn also can change the chemistry in the deer's stomach and prevent proper digestion. It has some value in winter as a high-energy food when acorns are not abundant and natural vegetation has died back, but it doesn’t give deer the nutrition they need all year. A quick glance at any rural gas station or sporting goods store will reveal dozens of sacks labeled “deer corn” to confirm this finding that corn is the food of choice for many deer hunters.Ĭompared to natural food sources, corn has little nutritional value to deer. There is a better way.Īccording to a survey of Arkansas deer clubs in 2011, 89 percent of hunters on private land fed deer at some point during the year and 96 percent of those used corn. Many are thinking of loading a feeder with corn to help the deer through the summer stress. LITTLE ROCK – As summer begins to take its toll and the start of deer season nears, many deer hunters are beginning to think about how they can help the deer in the areas where they hunt.
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