Deer need protein, carbohydrates, fats and a long list of vitamins and minerals to sustain optimum growth throughout the year. In the spring and summer, nutrient-rich food sources must be available to fuel antler production, lactation and the nurturing of newborn fawns.
Mother Nature may not always bring optimum growing conditions when they are needed the most, and wildlife managers with an interest in their herd must take action during this critical time of need.
Generally, spring rains co-mingled with the sunny and warm weather cranks up native food stores to meet the needs of deer and other wildlife. But a spring drought would not be entirely unusual in the subtropical Carolina climate. Supplemental rations packed with high levels of digestible protein in the spring and summer can start at anytime.
Deer need diets made up of 15- to 20- percent digestible protein to produce heavy fawns, large bodies and massive antlers. Most natural communities only provide enough food for a limited population of animals and will only provide foods with seven to 10 percent protein, even on the best sites. Supplemental sources from food plots or protein-rich game feeds are preferred to produce the best quality animals possible. With antler production well underway and newborn fawns on the mend, supplemental protein feeding should begin at any time.
Be the first to comment