With hunting season upon us, the preparation you did over the summer is about to pay off. Now is the time to fine-tune your strategy to attract and hold game on your property. Choosing the right wildlife feed and attractants for the season can make the difference between a successful hunt and an empty freezer. The key is to offer foods that meet the animals’ specific needs during this time of year.
For hunters in the Houston area, understanding what to use and when is crucial. A smart feeding strategy not only improves your hunting success but also supports the health of local wildlife populations. This guide covers the best feed and attractants to use right now to keep deer, birds, and other game coming back.
1. High-Energy Feeds for Deer
As temperatures begin to drop, deer need to consume high-energy foods to maintain their body weight and stay warm. While they still browse on natural vegetation, a reliable source of carbohydrates is a powerful draw.
- Corn: Corn is the king of hunting season attractants. It is high in carbohydrates, providing the quick energy deer crave. It’s also highly palatable, making it an irresistible treat. Use it in a gravity feeder or a timed spin-feeder to regulate distribution and create a consistent feeding pattern.
- Blended Feeds and Protein: While corn is great for energy, a feed that also contains protein helps deer maintain muscle mass and overall health. Look for mixes that combine corn with roasted soybeans, protein pellets, or other grains. These balanced diets keep deer healthy and give them a reason to choose your property over others.
2. Scent-Based and Mineral Attractants
During the fall, especially as the rut approaches, deer behavior is heavily driven by scent. Using attractants that appeal to their powerful sense of smell can draw them in from long distances.
- Food-Based Attractants: Liquid or powder attractants with strong, sweet aromas like acorn, apple, or persimmon are incredibly effective. Pour these over corn piles, decaying logs, or directly on the ground near your stand. The scent carries on the wind, pulling curious deer into your hunting area.
- Mineral Licks: While mineral consumption peaks in spring and summer, deer will still visit mineral sites in the fall. Maintaining a mineral lick with a high salt content can keep it active and serve as a consistent inventory spot for your trail cameras.
3. Attracting Game Birds and Other Wildlife
Your feeding strategy doesn’t have to focus only on deer. You can easily attract other game, such as wild turkey, dove, and quail, with the right offerings.
- Mixed Grains: Spreading a mix of cracked corn, milo, and sunflower seeds will attract a wide variety of game birds. Turkeys are particularly fond of corn and will frequent reliable feeding sites. Ensure you follow all state and local regulations regarding the feeding of migratory birds like dove.
4. Responsible Feeding for a Successful Season
Effective use of wildlife feed for hunting involves more than just dumping it on the ground. Use a feeder to keep the feed clean and dry, which prevents mold and reduces the risk of disease transmission. Be consistent with your feeding schedule to establish a pattern that deer and other animals learn to trust. This predictability is what brings them back during legal hunting hours.
Your Hunting Season Headquarters in Houston
A successful hunt starts with the right preparation and the best supplies. Providing the right nutrition and attractants will help you pattern and hold game on your property throughout the season.
For the best selection of wildlife feed and hunting attractants, visit Steinhauser’s. Serving the Houston area, we have everything you need, from high-energy corn and protein blends to powerful scent attractants. Our team understands Texas hunting and can help you select the right products for a successful season. Stop by Steinhauser’s in Houston today!