Feeding deer to increase numbers???

[GottaGo]

I know there are pros and cons and this might spin out of control, but what do people think about increasing deer numbers by feeding them? I hunt the northwoods where there is no agriculture and the deer numbers drop from a handful to very few as winter arrives. I'm thinking a strategically placed feeder might be enough to keep them around all winter and hopefully increase the number of deer that consider my property home come next spring/summer/fall. I would easily be able to check and add more food 1-2 times per week.

[motley man]

Check laws first on feeding deer. You can plant food plots for deer that last into winter.

[jentz]

Keeping them around will never happen.Deer herd up and move to wintering grounds that have been inbred for years.Food or not they always move to these areas.Feeding increases contact which can have the oppoiste effect you are looking at.

[Pinusbanksiana]

Feed is not a limiting factor for deer. Depth of snow and cold temperatures are the proven limiting factor. So................ No.

[Odonata]

What would you use for feed?

[lakevet]

What would you use for feed?

White cedar. Seriously. A good stand of white cedar trees provides thermal cover, the number one requirement of deer up north. Snow depth also less in a cedar stand in winter. Secondly it is the only natural winter browse that deer can actually gain weight on in winter. Third it doesn't create the fast food restaurant for wolves like a feeder does.

lakevet

[Musky Buck]

Bingo Vet, I'd add in my area at times we'll drop a huge mature poplar and they love eating the buds,twigs, etc. I wouldn't want a wolf feeding station, snow depth I think even over temperatures affects them the most put the 2 together and that deer index deal skyrockets quickly in tough winters.