Deer hunting and attracting deer to your property often involves using corn as a base attractant. However, simply putting out corn might not be the most effective method. Mixing corn with the right attractant can significantly boost your chances of attracting deer and keeping them coming back for more. This guide explores the best deer attractants to mix with corn, helping you create a winning combination.
Understanding Deer Behavior and Diets
Before diving into specific attractants, it's crucial to understand what deer like to eat. Their diet varies by season and location, but generally includes:
- Forbs: These are broadleaf plants, including clover, alfalfa, and other flowering herbs. Deer find these highly palatable.
- Grasses: Various grasses make up a significant portion of a deer's diet, especially in spring and summer.
- Browse: This refers to twigs, buds, and leaves from woody plants and shrubs. Deer consume browse throughout the year.
- Fruits and Nuts: Seasonal fruits and nuts, such as apples, acorns, and berries, provide essential nutrients.
- Agricultural Crops: Corn, soybeans, and wheat are often part of a deer's diet when available.
Understanding this diversity is key to choosing the best attractant to complement your corn. Simply providing corn alone might not be enough to attract or retain deer.
Top Deer Attractants to Mix with Corn
Corn provides energy, but adding other attractants enhances the nutritional value and appeal, making your bait irresistible. Here are some top choices:
1. Mineral Supplements
Deer require minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium for healthy antlers and overall well-being. Adding a mineral supplement to your corn creates a nutritious and attractive blend.
- Benefits: Improved antler growth, better overall health, increased attraction, draws deer from wider areas.
- How to Mix: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing with corn. Generally, you can simply spread the mineral supplement around the corn.
- Example Products: Many brands offer mineral licks and supplements specifically designed for deer.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple Cider Vinegar has a strong, pungent smell deer find appealing. This scent acts as a powerful attractant, drawing deer from a considerable distance.
- Benefits: Attracts deer from farther away, masks human scent, enhances the overall aroma of the bait pile.
- How to Mix: Dilute ACV with water (about 1:1 ratio) and spray it lightly over the corn. Avoid over-soaking.
- Important Note: Use a high-quality, unfiltered ACV for best results. The "mother" in unfiltered ACV contributes to the scent's effectiveness.
3. Protein Supplements
Deer, particularly bucks, need protein for antler development and overall health. Adding a high-protein supplement to your corn mixture increases its nutritional value and appeal.
- Benefits: Supports antler growth, attracts mature bucks, improves overall deer health and condition.
- How to Mix: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific protein supplement. You can usually mix it directly with the corn.
- Example Products: There are commercially available deer protein supplements formulated to attract and benefit deer.
4. Scent Attractants
Commercial scent attractants often contain pheromones or other deer-attracting scents. These products aim to mimic natural deer scents, increasing their appeal.
- Benefits: Mimics natural deer attractants, can help mask human scent, particularly effective during the rutting season.
- How to Mix: Most scent attractants are liquids; follow the instructions on the product label for application. You can spray it directly onto the corn.
- Caution: Choose high-quality attractants from reputable brands to ensure effectiveness and avoid artificial scents that might repel deer.
5. Fruits and Vegetables
Adding natural fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, or sweet potatoes can further boost the attractant. These offer additional nutritional value and attract deer with their sweet smells.
- Benefits: Provides additional nutrients and natural sugars, attracts a wider variety of deer, particularly during certain seasons.
- How to Mix: Chop or slice the fruits and vegetables into smaller pieces and mix them with the corn.
Creating the Perfect Deer Attractant Mix
The best mix depends on your location, season, and hunting goals. Experiment to find what works best in your area. Here's a sample mixture:
- 2 parts corn
- 1 part mineral supplement
- 1/4 part apple cider vinegar (diluted)
- A few handfuls of chopped apples or other fruits (seasonal)
Important Considerations:
- Location: Place your bait pile strategically, taking into account wind direction, deer trails, and cover.
- Legality: Check local hunting regulations regarding baiting before you start.
- Consistency: Regularly replenish your bait pile to maintain a steady attraction.
- Safety: Handle attractants carefully, following manufacturer instructions and wearing protective gear when necessary.
Case Study: Improving Deer Attraction with a Customized Mix
A hunter in Illinois found that simply using corn didn't attract many deer to his hunting area. After researching, he created a custom blend of corn, mineral supplement, apple cider vinegar, and chopped apples. Within a month, he observed a significant increase in deer activity, resulting in a successful hunting season. This demonstrates the impact of using a well-designed attractant blend over corn alone.
Conclusion: Enhancing Your Hunting Strategy with Attractants
While corn provides a base food source, combining it with the right attractants significantly boosts your chances of attracting and retaining deer. By carefully selecting and mixing attractants like mineral supplements, apple cider vinegar, protein supplements, and scent attractants, you'll create an irresistible blend to improve your hunting success. Remember to always check local regulations and prioritize ethical hunting practices.