Should You Feed Deer Corn in Summer? The Expert’s Take
Feeding deer corn in summer is generally not recommended due to its potential for causing digestive issues and nutritional deficiencies during a time when deer have access to natural, more balanced forage. Therefore, providing corn as the primary food source in summer can actually harm deer.
The Nutritional Context: Deer Diet in Summer
The natural diet of deer in summer consists primarily of lush green vegetation, including forbs, browse (leaves and twigs of trees and shrubs), and agricultural crops like soybeans and alfalfa. This provides a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals crucial for antler growth in bucks, milk production in does, and overall health of the deer herd. This natural diet is easily digestible and provides the necessary nutrients for optimal well-being.
Why Corn is Problematic in Summer
While deer readily consume corn, it presents several challenges, especially during warmer months:
- Low Nutritional Value: Corn is primarily a carbohydrate source, lacking sufficient protein, vitamins, and minerals crucial for deer health, especially during antler growth and lactation.
- Digestive Issues (Acidosis): A sudden shift to a high-carbohydrate diet like corn can disrupt the microbial balance in a deer’s rumen, leading to acidosis. Symptoms include diarrhea, dehydration, and potentially death. Deer’s digestive systems have evolved to process roughage, not large quantities of simple carbohydrates.
- Reliance and Reduced Foraging: Providing easily accessible corn can cause deer to become reliant on this artificial food source, reducing their natural foraging behavior. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies as they neglect the diverse range of plants offering essential nutrients.
The Risk of Acidosis
Acidosis, also known as grain overload, is a serious concern when deer consume large amounts of corn. Here’s why:
- The rumen, a specialized chamber in a deer’s stomach, contains bacteria that help digest food.
- When deer consume large quantities of corn, the bacteria produce excessive lactic acid.
- This lowers the rumen pH, creating an acidic environment that kills off beneficial bacteria and damages the rumen lining.
- The resulting acidosis can cause severe dehydration, diarrhea, and even death.
Better Alternatives for Summer Feeding (If Necessary)
If you feel compelled to supplement deer feed in summer (which should be done only under specific circumstances and with caution), consider these alternatives:
- High-Protein Pellets: Opt for commercially available deer feed pellets formulated with a high protein content (16-20%) and balanced vitamins and minerals.
- Food Plots: Planting food plots with diverse forage mixes, including legumes, grasses, and forbs, provides a sustainable and nutritious food source for deer. Choose varieties suited to your local climate and soil conditions.
- Mineral Supplements: Providing mineral licks or blocks can help supplement essential minerals that may be lacking in their natural diet, particularly during antler growth and lactation.
Transitioning Deer to Different Food Sources
If you absolutely must provide supplemental feed, gradual introduction is crucial.
- Start by offering a small amount of the supplemental feed alongside the deer’s natural forage.
- Slowly increase the amount of supplemental feed over several weeks while observing the deer for any signs of digestive upset (diarrhea, lethargy).
- Monitor the deer’s overall health and body condition to ensure they are benefiting from the supplemental feed.
- If providing corn, mix it with high-quality forage.
Common Mistakes in Summer Deer Feeding
- Overfeeding Corn: Providing unlimited access to corn is a recipe for disaster, increasing the risk of acidosis and nutritional imbalances.
- Ignoring Natural Forage: Relying solely on supplemental feed and neglecting the importance of natural forage.
- Lack of Monitoring: Failing to observe deer for signs of digestive upset or health problems.
- Not providing water: Water is always important, but especially so in summer when deer may not be used to the high carbohydrate content in corn.
Table: Comparing Corn to Ideal Summer Deer Diet
| Feature | Corn | Ideal Summer Diet (Forbs, Browse) |
|---|---|---|
| ——————- | ————————– | ———————————— |
| Protein Content | Low (approx. 8-9%) | High (15-25%) |
| Fiber Content | Low | High |
| Digestibility | Rapid, potentially problematic | Slow, promoting rumen health |
| Vitamins/Minerals | Deficient | Abundant |
FAQs: Corn & Deer Feeding in Summer
Can I mix corn with other feeds to make it safer for deer in the summer?
Yes, mixing corn with higher-protein feeds like alfalfa or soybean meal can help mitigate the negative effects of feeding corn alone. Aim for a mix with at least 16% protein and ensure it’s introduced gradually to avoid digestive upset. This provides a more balanced diet than corn alone.
Is it safe to feed deer corn if they already seem accustomed to it?
Even if deer appear accustomed to eating corn, it’s crucial to remember the long-term health consequences. Continuous corn consumption can lead to nutritional deficiencies and weaken their overall immune system. Therefore, it’s still best to provide an alternative supplement.
What are the signs of acidosis in deer, and what should I do?
Signs of acidosis include diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite, bloating, and dehydration. If you suspect acidosis, immediately stop feeding corn and provide access to fresh water and high-quality forage. Contact a wildlife veterinarian or your local wildlife agency for guidance.
Should I stop feeding corn altogether, even in winter?
While corn can provide energy in winter, it should never be the sole source of food. Provide a mix of corn and high-quality forage or a commercially prepared deer feed that provides a balanced diet. Gradual transition is important even in winter.
Are there any specific times in the summer when feeding corn is more dangerous?
Feeding corn is particularly dangerous during the early summer months when does are lactating and bucks are rapidly growing antlers. These physiological processes require a high-protein, nutrient-rich diet that corn simply cannot provide.
Does the type of corn (e.g., cracked corn, whole corn) make a difference?
Cracked corn is more readily digestible than whole corn, which means it also poses a greater risk of acidosis. Whole corn takes longer to digest, releasing carbohydrates more slowly. Neither are optimal.
What about feeding deer corn from a spin feeder versus a pile on the ground?
Spin feeders can exacerbate the problem because they often dispense large amounts of corn quickly, increasing the risk of overconsumption and acidosis. A pile on the ground can lead to increased mold and bacteria growth. Both are sub-optimal delivery methods for corn.
How does feeding deer corn in summer affect the local deer population as a whole?
Over-reliance on corn can lead to population imbalances, with deer becoming more susceptible to disease and less adaptable to changes in their natural environment. It can also lead to overpopulation in areas where food is plentiful, impacting the surrounding ecosystem.
Can I use corn to attract deer for hunting in the summer?
Many states have regulations regarding baiting deer, including the use of corn. Check your local hunting regulations carefully before using corn or any other substance to attract deer. Some areas prohibit baiting altogether, regardless of the season. Also, even if legal, it is unethical to attract deer with a potentially harmful substance.
What are the long-term consequences of feeding deer corn regularly?
Regular corn consumption can lead to nutritional deficiencies, weakened immune systems, and increased susceptibility to disease. It can also disrupt the natural foraging behavior of deer and negatively impact their ability to thrive in their environment.
If I stop feeding deer corn, will they starve?
If deer have access to natural forage, they will not starve if you stop feeding corn. In fact, they are more likely to thrive on a balanced diet of natural vegetation. Gradual reduction of corn offered and gradual introduction to better alternatives is important.
What role do minerals play in deer nutrition during the summer months?
Minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are crucial for antler growth, bone development, and overall health. Providing mineral supplements, especially during antler growth and lactation, can help ensure deer receive the nutrients they need.