Winter is a challenge for mature bucks that have rutted vigorously. Protein can help them survive the winter and develop larger antlers in the coming year.
Hunters get excited about antler growth when those first fuzzy, stubby, projections appear, yet now is a critical time for deer nutrition and could make the difference in the survival of a mature, rutting buck.
Now’s the time to prepare for next season’s hunting.
The urge to mate is stronger than survival. Most bucks would rather chase than eat, a situation that may leave them nutritionally decimated as winter grinds on. This post by Connor Harrison of Lone-Star Outdoor News speaks directly to the need.
The old buck came into the feeder looking worn down and tired.
Antler size next fall can depend on this winter’s nutrition.
His big antlers stood atop a head that featured sagging skin, a graying forehead and a thick neck with several battle scars as evidence of battles during the previous months’ rut.
His hipbones were showing and it was obvious the buck hadn’t eaten much in his lustful wanderings of the past four weeks. He needed to put on body fat quickly for the upcoming South Texas winter.
Many hunters, ranch managers and landowners see this sight often at the tail end of the rut. But when is the right time to start supplemental feeding for the post rut? Right now, according to wildlife biologists.
“Once the rut is over, bucks lose such a large percentage of their body weight,” said Texas Parks and Wildlife Department South Texas biologist Blaise Korzekwa, “they need help recovering. Natural vegetation is great, but protein supplements with a minimum of 16-percent protein is good — 22 percent is optimal.”
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