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Food Plots or Pelletized Protein?

Food Plots or Pelletized Protein?

By Bob Humphrey

Question: I have a ranch in west Texas where my family hunts deer, turkeys and doves. My question centers around feeding protein to my deer. I lease my ranch to a local cattle rancher who pays me for a grass lease. I’m looking for a good way to feed the dear year-round with good protein, not corn. Is a gravity protein feeder my best option, or am I better off fencing a few acres and planting a food plot? — Russell S.

Answer:  It’s hard to offer too much advice without more detailed information. However, the fact that you’re leasing grass, or grazing rights suggests you have sufficient moisture and soil nutrients to grow grass, and therefore, other crops. If that is the case, I’d be inclined to steer (no pun intended) you toward food plots.

The costs associated with working and treating the soil, planting and fencing may be a little more expensive up front. In the long run, it will be cheaper than maintaining protein feeders. Once established, food plots are relatively maintenance-free and will provide food year-round, provided you have sufficient moisture.

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