Supplemental Feeding and Nutrition for Game Animals

FAQ

Why is supplemental feeding necessary on a game ranch?

When drought hits or winter drags on, the land can’t always provide enough. Supplemental feeding bridges those gaps, giving deer and other game species the protein, minerals, and energy they need to stay healthy. A well-timed feeding program keeps animals in good condition, supports antler growth, boosts fawn survival, and helps keep wildlife from wandering off in search of greener pastures.

What do game animals need nutritionally?

Forbs—soft, leafy plants rich in protein and phosphorus—are the foundation of a deer’s diet. Browse, or woody plants, provide fiber and maintenance energy when forbs are scarce. Game animals need a balanced mix of protein, energy, minerals (especially calcium and phosphorus), and vitamins. Genetics and age set their potential, but nutrition determines whether they reach it.

How should supplemental feeding be implemented?

Strategically. Feeders or food plots should be spaced across the property to avoid crowding. Feeding year-round works best when adjusted to match the seasons—more feed in late winter, less when forbs are abundant. The goal is to supplement, not replace, natural forage.

Are there risks to supplemental feeding?

Yes. Concentrating animals around feeders increases the risk of disease, soil damage, and predation. Overfeeding high-energy diets can cause digestive problems. To reduce risk, rotate feeders, keep them clean, and avoid feeding directly on the ground.

Nutrition is one of the three cornerstones of game management—alongside age and genetics.
Genetics define what’s possible.
Age gives animals time to reach their potential.
Nutrition determines whether they ever will.

In the wild, deer and antelope get nutrients from a blend of forbs, browse, and seasonal crops. But rainfall, soil health, and herd density all affect what the land can provide. On a well-managed game ranch, supplemental feeding acts as insurance—helping herds stay resilient when nature falls short.

When used wisely, it strengthens body condition, improves reproductive success, and helps maintain stable populations through tough stretches.

Deer are picky eaters for a reason. They evolved to balance their diet between what’s tender, what’s tough, and what’s available.

• Forbs: The gold standard. These soft, protein-rich plants—think legumes, wildflowers, and clover—are critical for fawn growth and antler development.

• Browse: Twigs, leaves, and buds from shrubs and trees like oak, sumac, and mesquite. Browse carries deer through the dry season when forbs fade.

• Grasses: Generally low in nutrition for whitetails but used more by exotics such as certain antelope.

The amount and quality of forage rise and fall with rainfall. Drought years mean fewer forbs, which leads to smaller antlers and lower fawn survival. Supplemental feeding can buffer these swings—but it works best when paired with habitat management and reduced harvest pressure so animals live long enough to show their full genetic potential.

A good feeding program fits your land, your species, and your goals. Here’s where to start:

1. Assess the Land First

Walk your property. Know what’s growing, how much, and when. If your range can naturally support the herd, feed lightly or only during hard seasons. If forage is limited, plan to supplement more heavily in late winter and early spring.

2. Choose the Right Feed Type

Different goals call for different options:

• Pelletized Feed: Formulated for deer or exotic game with 16–20% protein and balanced minerals. Choose a feed with proper calcium-to-phosphorus ratios and, if needed, parasite-control additives.

• Protein Blocks or Tubs: Offer slow-release nutrition and draw animals to less-traveled parts of the property.

• Food Plots: Clover, chicory, peas, or winter wheat planted in rotation. Plots provide both food and cover while reducing pressure on natural forage.

3. Spread Out the Pressure

Distribute feeders or plots across the ranch. This prevents crowding and reduces soil compaction. Portable feeders make it easy to rotate sites and protect vegetation.

4. Monitor and Adjust

Trail cameras and visual checks tell you what’s working. Watch body condition—ribs, hips, and coat quality reveal far more than feed levels alone. If animals appear overweight or dependent on feed, scale back.

Late Winter / Early Spring:

When natural food is gone, protein-rich pellets prevent weight loss and help does carry fawns to term. Bucks recovering from the rut rebuild muscle and body reserves during this time.

Spring / Summer:

As forbs and browse rebound, feeding can be reduced—but maintain feeders during droughts to keep antler development on track.

Fall:

Before the rut, feed provides the reserves bucks need for intense activity and recovery. This also improves fawn survival heading into winter.

The secret is adaptability: match your feeding intensity to forage availability, rainfall, and herd condition.

Supplemental feeding isn’t risk-free. Crowded feeders can become disease hotspots—especially for illnesses like Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

To minimize risk:

• Spread out feeders. Avoid clustering animals in tight areas.

• Rotate feeding sites. Move feeders periodically to prevent overgrazing and soil compaction.

• Keep feeders clean. Moldy feed or buildup of feces can cause sickness.

• Avoid ground feeding. Use raised or trough-style feeders to reduce contamination.

Predators also learn to patrol feeding areas. Keep vegetation trimmed, and don’t place feeders too close to dense cover where ambushes can occur.

And finally, don’t let feed replace forage. When animals stop browsing naturally, habitat health suffers. Supplemental feeding should support nature—not override it.

The best ranchers see feeders as tools, not crutches.

Healthy habitat is the real foundation of wildlife nutrition. Controlled burns, brush management, and water improvements create a mosaic of food and cover that sustains game year-round. Supplemental feed simply bridges the lean seasons.

Planting native forbs and grasses, reseeding disturbed areas, and maintaining riparian zones all help build self-sustaining ecosystems. When the land thrives, so does your herd.

Feeding game animals isn’t about dumping pellets in a barrel—it’s about stewardship.

Done right, supplemental feeding supports body condition, enhances reproduction, and unlocks the full genetic potential of your herd. Done wrong, it risks disease, dependency, and ecological imbalance.

A sound nutrition strategy pairs quality feed with healthy habitat, proper genetics, and age structure. By blending these pillars, ranchers can build herds that are not just bigger—but better.

Because in the end, a thriving game herd doesn’t come from a bag of feed—it comes from balance between land, wildlife, and the people who care for both.