Long term protein feeding then nada??

[D12]

With the economy in a slump, it got me thinking.


If a ranch has a large feeding program in place for a number of years. With a very healthy herd in place and the ratioes ideal. Then the money runs out and the feed stops flowing. Now is the deer herd going to go into some sort of a stressed mode? With the drought like conditions I think native browse is scarce. No planted fields in the area. Is a starve off a reality? Or can they do ok for a while without native browse not growing everywhere? Can and will they eat the cactus? Can they survive on it? Any thoughts?

[D12]

???

[maglite]

It will adversly affect them some Im sure. It would be a BAD move to stop FEEDING unless they ABSOLUTLY HAD TOO.

[AggieHunter]

As with many deer questions, the answer really depends on a number of things. To go straight to the cactus question. Yes, they will eat it, and usually eat a lot this time of year, as it is a quick source of carbs. However, w/ a protein content that averages only about 3-4% its not a solid enough food source to sustain a deer herd for very long.

One thing to think about in this situation is not whether or not the densities are in check. Many people use protein not as a suplement, but rather as a way to create a "false" density of animals on the ranch. Meaning, they end up having more deer on the property than it can sustain w/out any suplemental feeding. In this situation, then yes, you can run into SERIOUS problems by pulling protein off all together. The results are compounded if you have sub-par habitat to begin with. In my opinion, and especially if the place is high-fenced, if you are going to pull protein, or already have, you need to go in and shoot enough deer to get your densities down to a number the habitat can sustain. Without decreasing the number, even if you don't have a dieoff, the damage the remaining deer can do to your habitat can take YEARS to come back. On low-fenced properties, the results may not be as bad, but again, are influenced by things such as size. If you have 20K acres then yes, the middle of your place may show some serious damage. If you are on a smaller low-fenced property, then you will still see negative impacts (ie decreased body weights, overbrowsing of habitat, etc) but the deer can just leave the property if they need to.

[D12]

Would bales of Alfafa in the feeder pens help them get through it?

[JeffJ]

I dont see them cutting it all out especially on high fence places. If a high fence ranch's money gets tight enough to cut out protein most likely the ranch would have already been sold off. Protein is about 20% of our carrying cost. Before that I could cut some labor(30%) and tighten the belt on some of our discretionary expenses that end up being about 10% of cost

BUT...to answer the question, if a ranch quit feeding all together it could have some pretty harsh outcomes on the deer.

[AggieHunter]

Would bales of Alfafa in the feeder pens help them get through it?

It may help, but the cost of feeding enough alfalfa to make a difference is going to be up there w/ the cost of protein. Think of it this way: In a deer pen where they have 100% free choice 17% protein w/ added fiber, they will eat about 4.5 lbs protein per day per deer and 14 deer will eat a bale of alfalfa in about a week. Now consider how quickly pasture deer will eat a bale w/out any protein and how many bales you would be putting out each week.

[whitetailfanatic]

D12, where did the native browse go?
Are you talking high fenced whitetails?
Our deer won't eat alfalfa bales.

[JLively]

I would look into food plots. You will get more bang for your buck.

[AggieHunter]

One thing to think about in this situation is not whether or not the densities are in check.

Sorry this line was supposed to say:
"One thing to think about in this situation is not whether ratios are healthy, but whether or not the densities are in check."

[D12]

D12, where did the native browse go?
Are you talking high fenced whitetails?
Our deer won't eat alfalfa bales.

I thought with the drought the browse is slow growing.
Low fence and high fence.

[D12]

It may help, but the cost of feeding enough alfalfa to make a difference is going to be up there w/ the cost of protein. Think of it this way: In a deer pen where they have 100% free choice 17% protein w/ added fiber, they will eat about 4.5 lbs protein per day per deer and 14 deer will eat a bale of alfalfa in about a week. Now consider how quickly pasture deer will eat a bale w/out any protein and how many bales you would be putting out each week.

Thanks for the info. What would you suggest, filling the feeders up or is there another option?

[AggieHunter]

If the place is high and low fence, and you are trying to cut back on costs, then I would only feed the high fenced place. You may also want to look into feeding some sort of alternative protein source such as cotton seed. I don't have any experience w/ this, so its just a suggestion. Also, if you don't know your plants and you are concerned w/ the quailty of habitat you have or w/ the amount and availability of browse species, contact your local TPWD Biologist, and ask if they will come out and do a browse survey to help you determine what you have and what your property can support.

[D12]

That should have been high or low fence places. I guess low fence deer can just move on, right or will they try to stay around?

[JeffJ]

That should have been high or low fence places. I guess low fence deer can just move on, right or will they try to stay around?

They will stay around until resources are better and in easier to attain form elsewhere. Low fence I wouldnt sweat it from a stewardship stand point but I believe you will see less deer.

I have a buddy who has a place in junction. They feed a little protein out of spin feeders and in the last two years put on 25 cows and havent pulled them through the drought. I believe they saw less deer this year versus any year in the past. Their resources were limited and the deer left the property to find better resources easier.