I have a small pen about 600'x85' i raise deer because i enjoy watching them grow. I keep them supplied with dry pellets and alfalfa and a small food plot which does not make it to long. My q is how many deer is the ideal amount for the space i have?
Thanks. How much feed should a doe, a fawn, and a buck go through a month this time of year? Mine seem to browse more than anything.the pen is almost all open.
Joined Apr 2009
1,562 Posts | 0+
cental Pennsylvania
I have 2 pens with seven deer each, I feed 30 lbs. a day to each pen in the winter, thats just over 4 lbs each. Some days they have a lot of waste and somedays the tray is licked clean. They also get fresh hay 3X a week. I dont have any browse left in the pen but when there was they ate a lot less feed out of the tray, they definately prefer browse.
How much hay do you feed each time? And what should i do to promote my deer to eat more feed? Or should i not worry about that?
Joined Apr 2009
702 Posts | 0+
Marquez, TX
Trigger you could easily have 15-20 deer in a pen that size. no problem. I have pens that range from 100x200 and 80x200 and I keep 10 deer per pen easily. I can rotate pens and keep the ground fresh, but even if you only had that one pen you should have no problem with 15-20.
Joined Apr 2009
1,562 Posts | 0+
cental Pennsylvania
I feed a couple sections of small square bales at a time, I go through 2 or 3, 30 lb bales a week . they eat most but there is some excess that I clean up and haul out.
Joined Apr 2009
1,136 Posts | 0+
Bedford, PA
Droptine said:
I agree with Steve. 1.2 acres is a pretty good size pen. I know a lot of farmers have large pens, but I actually prefer smaller pens.
Our deer up north have really slowed down on the feed just within the past week or two. Before that, they were eating like crazy... just depends on the time of year, but they have FINALLY slowed down a good bit.
I know farmers that have over 30 deer in a area that big. Its all up to the person. myself I think no more than 15 MAX.
Joined Oct 2009
3,165 Posts | 1+
upstate ny
well you guys should feel lucky that you have a choice.up here in ny we dont the state makes that decision for us.I have two acres fenced in and i am allowed 9 deer max.I feel there are pros and cons to that law as some people really dont care for their deer as they should.But it sure limits what you can do.So whatever you decide just be sure to care for them and enjoy the great animal that we are so lucky to enjoy everyday!! good luck
Hey i sure appreciate the input thanks....... Also i feed my deer about 2-3# of corn a day that i take to them that way they stay use to me being in and around the pen is this ok or should i not fill their bellies with corn so they will eat there purina chow?