Welcome to the Customer Questions page! Customers can Ask a Question, and the moderators here at Nutra Deer will choose the best questions and answer them, either in text or even with a short video!
Asked by Charles
Date: 2012-11-05 08:04:59
Question: What's the best way to mix the pellets and attract
Answer:
You can mix the Rice Bran Pellets with corn in spin feeders. Just dump in one bag of each at a time until the feeder is full.
Use the small bags when hunting remote locations. Just spread them on the ground around your hunting location.
big critters
Asked by frank (from nj)Date: 2012-09-24 06:19:25
Question: My challenge in northern NJ where I live and hunt is a deer attractant/supplement that will not attract BEARS. Im fine with the racoons,squirrels,songbirds, skunks and opposums..but not the the big critters. Im trying Alfalfa with some Cmere deer on it this week to start them. How do bears react to the pellets? If they leave them... you can open up a warehouse in NJ cause' you hit the jackpot.
Answer:
Hi Frank
At this time..... We dont have a 100% answer for bears. Its something we are trying to address in the future. They like just about everything don't they!
Asked by Bruce (from Maryland)
Date: 2012-08-16 05:48:41
Question: I would like to order a fairly large amount of your product (approx 1 ton) but do not see any dealers nearby.. any suggestions on what would be the best solution for me
Answer:
Hi Bruce,
Just call the office and see if our customer service specialists can ship directly to you or find a drop off location near you. 1 866 466 5738
Deer Feeder
Asked by Dave (from North Central Minnesota)Date: 2012-06-23 16:50:55
Question: I'm interested in adding my first deer feeder on my hunting land west of Brainard, MN. I would like a feeder to attract deer to my cameras and offer then corn and nutritional feeds. Any recommendations on a feeder? my land is 3 hours two hours away from home and I can check or refill it ever few weeks. Thanks.
Answer:
Hi Dave,
There are really just 2 was to look at using feeders....
1) Supplemental feeding with Free Choice feeders. (More expensive feed bills) (Greater benefit for the deer because they can eat all they want when they want)
2) Spin Feeders that attract for hunting or photo purposes. (Less benefit for deer because you limit he intake) (More affordable)
Some nutrition can come from spinning feed on the ground but Free Choice gravity systems are vastly superior when trying to supplement the diet of Whitetail Deer.
Either way I would recommended a model from BOSS BUCK feeders. I use them and know that they have lots of happy customers.
You might look at the 350 "All IN" combo feeder they offer.
Questions
Asked by JonDate: 2012-05-07 06:48:46
Question: 1) First on your feeds do you have,any lab test showing the levels of energy? Yes we do. TDN usually falls into a 75% range.
2) %of protein? We strive for a 20% protein level but most of the time testing shows its a little higher than that.
3) protein type? Proprietary info.
Next on minerals
1) What types of calcium are you using? Proprietry info.
2) And why is your C to P out,of balance and in a low percentage. According to what scientific information source are you basing your questions on to us. You say we have a low balance and and our C to P is low? Where have you received your info in regards to the questions asked on this matter?
3) And last are your feeds formulated by a cervid nutrition specialist? The nutritionist we use is qualified in cervid nutrition. He has been helping design deer feeds for over 10 years and has a lot of experience. Our stock Pro Antler 20% Open Range formula ratios and analysis were examined by Dr James Kroll and Ben Koerth at the Institute for Whitetail Deer Management and Research. His finding showed that our formula was solid and every bit as nutritious as the leading brands in the country. Dr Kroll has 40 years of deer feed experience and we are very pleased he is feeding our products at he research center full time now. Our claims have been tested and can be found in our report. I guess we now look at it like this now.....If its good enough for Dr Kroll to use at his leading cervid research center on the deer they study, then Pro Antler will be a great option for open range deer managers.
Hope this helps.
Answer:
Need a Straight Answer
Asked by Justin (from Minnesota)Date: 2012-03-24 17:45:59
Question: I have used a few different brands of minerals, and have had the same result with all of them, the deer just dont hit! I have had just as much luck with a glorfied mineral lick thats more salt than anything. I just want to know a good mineral for true "outdoor" deer, not in a huge pen. and also would it be more effective to use a feed to mix with the minerals?
Answer:
No need to mix feed(s) with mineral. You are wasting you money.
The ANTLER BUILDER mineral lick will work fine. You will get lots of activity for trail cams. Also, its packed full if minerals, vitamins and trace mineral that can really help deer in areas that are mineral deficient.
You need to get it out now though.....Spring and summer are the best times to use supplemental mineral. The longer its out the more deer will find and utilize it.
Asked by jose
Date: 2012-02-28 20:38:36
Question: Can we use the same feeders for nutradeer as corn
Answer:
Yes I guess so. I don't know what kind of corn feeders you are using though.
Trough Feeders
Asked by CAMFRO (Conversation from the Texas Hunting Forum) (from East Texas)Date: 2012-01-08 07:19:36
Question: 1) I have a farm in cushing, Tx. I have started building a few troughs for supplemental feeding. How long should it take deer to start feeding from them?
2) How would your product encourage use of these troughs?
3) We have about 12 food plots, I had them eating corn from a few feeders and sites that i would dump corn out then I introduced small feed buckets and got the deer (mostly does) to start eating some protein from them. I currently have no feeders running due to the amount of food plots we planted this year.
4) I usually go down there once a week this time of year, however, I was going down there 3-4 times a week planting and bow hunting and feeding earlier in the year. I have mixed views on visiting on a daily basis but I was when I started protein from the ground and from buckets.
Answer:
1) Every place is a little different. Are your deer used to feeding on corn or protein from spin/free choice feeders?
2) Yes it will. Do you have access to the property on a daily basis or do you have to travel quite a ways to get to it?
3)Good. If your deer are already used to corn or protein the trough feeders will work great. Pro Antler will work great.
4) I just wanted to know how often you could attend the feeders. It sounds like you are close enough to take care of refilling the troughs when empty. The deer will dictate from week to week how often you need to fill them.
Other comments by CAMFRO of the Texas Hunting Forum -
" 12-21-2011 It is an hour away... Thanks for the advice I hope they hitthe troughs hard!"
" 1-7-2012 Finally got deer to eat from my trough...I was laughing so hard because it took a lot of hard work and I did pick up two sacks of nutra deer from steeles feed in Troup, TX."
Nutra Deer Response. 1-8-2012
"Well thanks for the update.
I am glad the Pro Antler helped you out.
"Good Luck with your feeding program this year and don't forget to try some Antler Builder deer mineral. Steeles can get it as well. I would keep it about 10 yards away from each trough. They will start hitting it hard in March."
Gravity or Spin
Asked by Richard SDate: 2012-01-01 06:28:44
Question: Do you prefer to use a gravity feeder vs. a electric spin for pelletized products such as Pro Antler, etc. I am concerned that if the product gets wet with an electric spin feeder it could cause a problem.
Thanks!
Answer:
I recommend a free choice gravity system for the Pro Antler when implementing a supplemental feeding program.
We do spin it in the fall in feeders we hunt around but we mix in 25% corn to keep it flowing good if we get a real heavy rain.
How Much?
Asked by Mac (from Anderson, SC)Date: 2011-12-29 10:12:19
Question: Ok. My friend and i lease about 600 acres here in South Carolina. My question is, we are really wanting to put out some sort of minerals in multiple locations this year to help with antler growth. Do we buy a bag of this, pour it out and it last during the growth season? Or is this something we have to apply every week or so? Thanks
Answer:
Hi Mac,
On 600 acres I would put out 6 deer mineral stations. Make sure these are placed in areas that deer travel through very regularly. Also place them in a location that you can easily monitor them with trail cameras if you so wish.
The rule of thumb on replenishing a mineral lick is....If there is no visible mineral left, it needs replenished. Some of the deer mineral will soak into the ground but you really need to see some at the lick to make sure there is plenty there. The deer activity on each lick will dictate the usage. I would suggest checking every month or so until you see how they are using it. I would also expect to see the highest deer mineral consumption between March and September.
basic supplmental feeding and management
Asked by Bowhunter (idoHunting.com) (from MN)Date: 2011-12-06 07:52:09
Question: What do you look for when starting a supplemental feeding program and how do you start to manage your property.
Answer:
I look at my properties like this.....
1) Security cover is a must have. Its the most important variable in deer management in my opinion. Especially for large adult deer.
2) Water is vital to their survival.
3) Good browse is also vital to their survival.
4) Supplemental feeding in almost every open range situation with protein, mineral or vitamins is not a necessity its a luxury. Extreme cold, snow, and ice are exceptions that take the lives of whitetail deer anally. Supplemental feeding in these situations can help deer survive.
5) Man made manipulation with supplemental feed and protein is a serious matter but one lots of folks take seriously. No one wants to harm their deer herd....The correct ratios of protein, vitamins, mineral and trace mineral can enhance a deers health and antler growth but we as stewards of the lands need to make sure we are feeding products that don't harm our wildlife in the long run. Studying deer nutrition can help folks get a basic understanding of the ruminant digestive system and how it absorbs nutrients. Antler growth is a truly remarkable thing. How a buck can process these nutrients and turn them into 150 to 200 inches of antler in 6 to 7 months is a remarkable feat that fascinates us to the core......
6) Longevity in supplemental feeding programs is where the BIG dividends will pay off. These animals need to be harvested correctly with each managers goals in mind.
7) Buck to doe ratios are important and this brings me to genetics. Everyone wants their prize bull breeding their cows and we want our most magnificent bucks to do most of the breeding in their territory ensuring they pass along superior genetics. A very high doe ratio can:
A. Deplete high quality natural browse causing all deer to suffer. This puts more stress on a supplemental feeding program.
B. Compete for supplemental feed causing the feed bill to skyrocket.
C. Overpopulate a area after they have had access to supplemental feeding. More and healthier does mean more and healthier fawns that have access to high quality milk and feed.
D. Be bred by any buck that comes along at the right time ensuring the genetics from dominant animals do not get passed along.
Supplemental feeding and deer management can work hand in hand. The most important things folks need to do take away from this info is that supplemental feeding done correctly is a great thing if you enjoy benefiting deer herds year around. It keeps our eyes open. It keeps our dreams alive. It keeps us involved with whitetail deer and the thought deer hunting the first cool fall days of the new season. It's heard health. Its whitetails.....365 days a year.....
OK deer vs MN deer
Asked by MN Bowhunter (idoHunting.com) (from MN)Date: 2011-12-05 19:28:29
Question: I have a question for you, and others in the south, regarding antler mass.
I am wondering if deer in your area pack on the mass as they mature, like our northern deer do? I know that northern deer are typically heavier weight wise, but it seems that even the largest of the southern bucks do not stack up mass wise to northern bucks?
The supplementing that you do (year round?) obviously is huge, but I supplement seemingly much less than you; and I see great results, whether its from the mineral supplement or not.
Somedays I wonder if northern deer are almost a different breed...
I don't want it to sound like a bash, or an amateur post, but I see all these thin, tall tined, wide racks on the southern deer whereas the northern bucks tend to be heavy and gnarly.
Answer:
Good Question!
Well comparing deer in WI and MN to Deer in the non Ag areas of NE OK is kinda like comparing a orange to a grapefruit. Both look about the same but there are some really HUGE differences in the two.....There are deer in Canada that make our OK deer look like dogs and crazy as it seems our OK deer in NE OK are larger than some in the South and Eastern parts of the country. The age, nutrition and genetics of a buck do matter on mass to some degree, but our deer will never have the mass yours do.
This is a very BIG subject and one that can cause quite a lot of debate but bottom line is the whitetail subspecies look about the same in general but differ a lot in body weights, antler mass and size, fawn weights, etc.
FYI: There are at least 6 different subspecies of whitetail deer in North America that have evolved over time to master the regional climates they must live in. The farther North you go the bigger the deer. THe bigger the body size of the deer is proportional with the antler mass they grow out of their big heads to some degree.
When you feed supplemental protein and mineral you have to:
1) Understand the basic herd anatomy you are dealing with in your geographic region.
2) Only measure your results against deer from the same geographic region.
3) Document the size of the animals regarding body weights and antler sizes from year to year to show a true picture of the supplemental feedings results. The most productive way to accomplish this is if you have some basic understanding of your deer herd before you start your supplemental feeding program.
Everyone has to measure supplemental feeding results against average deer from their geographic area. You can not measure results against freakishly huge deer or below average deer from your area.
I hope I shed some light on the differences between your deer and ours. I wish we naturally had the mass your deer do, but I think they would look very disproportionate with the heads of our 150 lb bucks! I feed protein and mineral to try and turn those skinny wide racks to more massive racks!
Thanks for a great question an one that will help lots of other folks!
feed in winter
Asked by Joe (from WI)Date: 2011-12-05 07:02:51
Question: is the pro antler a good choice for supplemental feeding in northern states to help get deer through the winter? how should i use it?
Answer:
Pro Antler is a excellent choice in feeding year around.....Especially in Northern states where deer could really use some good nutrition in the dead of winter.
Please make sure once you start a feeding program that you keep it going at least until the spring green up is fully underway. These deer will get accustomed to the feed and rely on it to some degree.
I prefer gravity or free choice feeders. These feed delivery systems keep feed dry and off the ground. You can spin Pro Antler in the winter, but I recommend using a mix of 50 lb whole corn to every 100 lb Pro Aantler. THe only reason we use corn with the Pro Antler in the winter is the corn will help clean the spin head out if it takes a direct rainfall. Very rarely in real bad conditions a very hard driving rain will blow sideways and plug the pellets up on the spin head.
Your deer should really benefit from the 5.5% fat and 20% protein levels the Pro Antler carries.
Asked by T.C (from Richmond Ky )
Date: 2011-11-25 20:58:23
Question: Just got new place to hunt should I wait till spring to start a mineral site or start it now and should my corn piles be in a different location as my mineral site
Answer:
Congratulations on the new place to hunt.
If it was mine I would apply the mineral as soon as possible. This will ensure that more deer find it through their fall and winter travels. A well established mineral lick is a great draw for trail cam pics and early season hunts. The longer its out....The better it will become.
If you are hunting over corn and mineral, I would say yes and put them close together.
TIP: Position the corn and mineral where you can get trail cam pics of deer using either one at any time from one camera.
how much
Date: 2011-11-09 16:11:20
Question: how much do i use per pound of corn or do i just put this in my feeder
Answer:
Not sure which of our products you are talking about.
Corn spike or rice bran pellets
Asked by Mark (from Texas)Date: 2011-10-24 15:13:20
Question: If I were to mix one of you products in with my corn feeder, which would you recommend? The corn spike or the rice bran pellets?
Answer:
I would mix the Pro Antler Rice Bran Pellets with corn. I use and also recommend this application for Pro Antler in spin feeders. Deer love the Pro Antler, it's HIGHLY attractive and they will continually seek the nutritional value once they have tried it.
On another note....We have discontinued the Corn Spike pellets since the majority of sales were for Pro Antler. The Pro Antler is now available in 5 and 50 lb bags and a 25 lb bag option will be available soon.
You might want to "refresh" or "reload" your Nutra Deer page and see all the latest updates if your browser is still showing Corn Spike.
Contact
Asked by Ty (from Texas)Date: 2011-10-24 14:59:11
Question: How can I get in contact with you? I'm looking into building a new piece of property into good hunting land but I can't find anyone even close to me that sells your product. I'm not finding a phone number or e-mail address on your website.
Answer:
Hello Ty,
You can reach our office at 1 866 466 5738. The email address is contact@nutradeer.com. If I am not there please leave a message with one of the office girls and I will get back in touch with you.
Asked by justin morris (from va)
Date: 2011-10-16 05:12:00
Question: I would like to know if nutra deer does product sponsorships for online hunting shows
Answer:
We take a look at all sponsorship opportunities and make decisions from there. If you are serious about contacting us regarding sponsorships please build your case as to why we should sponsor your event, origination, show, etc. The more info you can give us about the return we will get on our investment the better your chances of gaining sponsorship.
Asked by Jimmy (from Ga)
Date: 2011-08-31 08:59:49
Question: I started 4 licks and incorporated the attractant with them. These are in areas 2 are by feeders and one just off a creek on edge of foodplot and 1 in existing mineral lick site. They have been out for a week. Since I put the one on the edge of the plot no deer have been to it or the plot? Used to get 300-500 pics a week in plot. The lick at a spin feeder the deer have not touched. The one in previous lick site they have not touched. They did lick on one of the four. Scent control as always was used while putting product out. A bag of minerals and a bag of party mix split 4 ways and barely hitting one site. Will take any recommendation as I want the deer herd to benefit.
Answer:
Hi Jimmy,
You have a complicated situation but the blanket answers are......
You didn't spook you deer off by applying the mineral or attractant. I cant answer you food plot question, but the mineral didn't scare them off the food plot. A few pounds of deer mineral should make no difference to deer that are accustomed to using a food plot. My best guess is that the natural browsing conditions may have changed for the better in your area or the palitability of the food plot has changed.
The Party Mix should be use alone as an attractant. It does not need to be applied around or near a mineral lick. Deer know where the lick is by the small of the mineral. I would have found one place to use it and applied it 3 or 4 times over a 2 week period and tried to get the deer trained to come get a treat every now and then.
As far as the mineral goes we are going into the time of year when the high consumption rates for mineral in most places is rapidly on the downward swing. I don't think a week is nearly long enough to establish a new mineral lick especially when the need for mineral is winding down. I would give the mineral 3 to 4 more weeks before you start seeing any good signs of usage. It might be next spring before the deer in your area need the benefits the mineral will bring to them.
Keep in mind the ANTLER BUILDER mineral we built is not classified as an attractant. Its truly a beneficial deer mineral thats loaded with trace mineral and vitamins deer need if they are lacking in their daily diet. If you want an attractant get some salt. Plenty of deer will use the mineral, but its based on their daily nutritional needs not just something they want to lick.
How long will site last
Asked by Bryan (from Texas)Date: 2011-08-25 11:14:26
Question: I made 2 mineral sites on my place (350 acera) in south Texas back in June. I used ANTLER BUILDER Deer Mineral Lick (25lb bag) at each site. My question is how long will the site last before I need to put more Minerals down? I know it really depends on how much it is getting hit; but can you give me some ideas?
Answer:
Best rule of thumb I can give you is this....re-apply when the visible mineral is gone. If you can't see it, them most of it has been consumed.
mineral
Asked by ted (from va)Date: 2011-08-07 07:03:37
Question: do the deer use the mineral year around?
Answer:
Deer will visit the mineral year around. The trace mineral and vitamins in the mineral act as a supplemental source they can visit when their body tells them to. For the most part.....You will set he most activity and usage from March-September in most areas of the country.
Established mineral licks can be a hot spot to hunt over in and during the rut.... The rigors of the rut deplete a bucks body of all kinds essential nutrients.
Asked by Daron (from Louisiana)
Date: 2011-07-03 19:34:25
Question: Whats ingredients & what type protein in antler products & feed?
Answer:
Hello Daron,
Our guaranteed analysis's that show protein and mineral levels are listed on the products and on the website. The formula we use that shows our ingredients is something we have worked several years on and do not share publicly. These ingredient formulas are proprietary property of our company.
I can share this info with you.....All the ingredients, proteins, minerals we choose to use are of the finest quality we could locate.
Attractants
Asked by Stephen (from Georgia)Date: 2011-06-27 19:01:08
Question: I found you web site from youtube and i have few questions about what i should use on my property. I live in Georgia so the ground can get pretty dry sometime would that have a big affect on the attractants because in the videos you have it seems to be a pretty wet area. And what would you suggest i use/do. Thank you for your time.
Answer:
If you are using our attractants dry conditions won't hurt a thing. The Antler Builder deer mineral can be applied dry and the deer will find it. If it rains on it, it will soak into the soil. From that point on the deer eat the mineral rich soil. Re apply when there is no visible mineral between the months of March and September. If you have some good lick sites set up the deer will use them from year to year.
The party mix deer attractant does better in dry conditions than wet. Extremely wet conditions can ruin the ingredients in the party mix so the dryer the weather the better.
I would start out with a 25 lb bag of mineral at each lick location. Let the the deer use these licks until they are good and hard horned. Then, about the first of October then start dumping party mix in areas you want to hunt. 10 to 15 lbs a week will get a lot of attention from deer.
Hope this helps.
mineral
Asked by cory (from ky)Date: 2011-06-06 06:03:48
Question: will deer lick your mineral before it soaks into the dirt?
Answer:
Yes they do. It's quite common to get pictures of bucks and does licking the mineral piles before water gets to them.
feed
Asked by JB (from OK)Date: 2011-05-23 14:17:09
Question: Can you mix the pro antler deer feed with corn and use in a spinner
Answer:
Yes you can and lots of deer hunters do this.
Personally our team had great success doing this last season. We mixed it 50/50 in most cases and the deer consumed all the corn and pellets.
Corn Spike
Asked by Brad (from MI)Date: 2011-05-22 11:34:40
Question: Can you use the Corn Spike pellets in a spinning feeder system. If so what ratio do I mix with the corn?
Answer:
The Corn Spike pellets are designed to be used with spinning or gravity feeders. I recommend using a 20 lb bucket for every 100 lbs of corn. The corn Spike is like candy to bucks. All the protein and minerals keep them coming back for more.
Another Tip....Be sure to mix the Corn Spike and whole corn well in all of your feeders or on the ground. We have seen deer pick the pellets right out of the corn when mixed on the ground or in a corn pile.
Protein feed
Asked by Terry M (from Ok)Date: 2011-05-20 07:42:03
Question: Can you buy the pro antler feed in bulk from your location.
Answer:
If you mean not bagged the answer is no.
At this time we only offer it in 50 lb bags. As we expand to other manufactures we might be able to set it up in bulk from their locations. I would imagine in time it will be available in large bulk quantities for folks that have the equipment to handle it.
minerals
Asked by Kenny (from OH)Date: 2011-05-18 17:43:23
Question: Why are minerals important to bucks?
Thanks
Answer:
First of all thats a HUGE question. I'll try to give you a few pointers as to why.
1. The skeletal structure and body of deer need re vitalized daily with the proper amount of minerals in order to mantain a healthy body and then grow.
2. An antler is mostly made of protein followed by about 20 to 25 % minerals. When bucks are growing antlers it's very important to keep mineral where they can access it easily. As the antlers develop it takes a big toll on their skeletal structure. Protein and mineral are pulled from their bodies to produce that "bone" on their heads. If deer have access to a quality mineral/vitamins they minimize their chance of not getting what they needs to reach their full potential. In a nutshell, supplemental mineral will kinda recharge a deer's system when they crave mineral the most.
Hope this helps....
antler Builder
Asked by Ted R. (from midwest)Date: 2011-05-16 15:56:19
Question: What arethe best times to put the deer mineral out?
Answer:
We recommend putting the mineral out in March and keeping a visible amount at each location throughout the year. The deer will use less mineral in the dead of winter, but still should have access to plenty of it if at all possible.
Consumption rates for bucks and does will be highest from April through September.
antler builder
Asked by Dave (from sc)Date: 2011-05-16 05:15:31
Question: can the antler builder mineral be used as an attractant?
Answer:
Yes it can, in 2 very effective ways.
1. If you like to use trail cameras and monitor your deer herd or if you need to get a look at deer on a new piece of property get the mineral out and keep the cameras on it from May to November. Bucks and does will consume the highest amount of mineral from April until the end of September and will frequent mineral licks.
2. Set up a stand in the early part of season close to a mineral lick that shows usage. You just might find a deer slipping in there to the lick one evening and get a shot.
