How Many Protein Feeders Do You Need?

Protein vs. corn — what's the difference and why run both?

Corn spin feeders are what most people picture when they think of deer feeders — a barrel on legs with a spinning mechanism that throws corn at timed intervals. Corn is high in carbohydrates and pulls deer in reliably. It's also relatively cheap. The downside: corn alone won't grow bigger deer. It's energy, not nutrition.

Protein feeders are gravity-fed or auger-driven feeders stocked with high-protein pelleted feed — typically 20% protein or higher. Protein is what deer need to grow antlers and support does through pregnancy and nursing. In South Texas, where native browse can be limited and summers are punishing, supplemental protein makes a measurable difference in herd health and antler development over time.

Running both makes sense for a hunting setup. The corn feeders go on senderos or shooting lanes — they pull deer in on a schedule and give you a shot opportunity. The protein feeders work around the clock and build the herd in the background. Different jobs, both necessary.

How many feeders do you actually need?

The standard recommendation you'll hear from wildlife biologists is one protein feeder per 100–150 acres of South Texas brush. That's based on home range size and how far deer will realistically travel to a feed source consistently.

On my 83 acres, two protein feeders puts me slightly above that ratio — which I consider intentional. In South Texas brush, deer don't move long distances during daylight in summer heat. More feeder stations means more deer using your property regularly, which is what you want for both hunting and wildlife exemption compliance.

For corn feeders on a hunting setup, one per sendero or primary shooting lane is the right way to think about it. I have two senderos I hunt, two corn feeders. Simple.

Placement — where to put them

Placement matters as much as quantity. A feeder in the wrong spot will get used inconsistently or not at all.

Corn feeders (hunting setup)

• On senderos or roads — deer feel safe crossing open ground when they can see down both directions. A sendero is a natural funnel.
• With wind in mind — set your feeder so your prevailing wind blows away from the direction deer approach. In South Texas, prevailing winds are generally out of the south or southeast. Know your property.
• Near brush edges — deer won't stand in the open long. A feeder at the edge of a sendero with thick brush behind it gives them cover and you a clean shot.
• Within range of your stand — obvious, but plan this before you set the post. Know your effective shooting distance and place accordingly.

Protein feeders

• Away from hunting pressure — protein feeders work best when deer use them undisturbed. Don't put one on your primary hunting sendero. Put it in a back corner of the property deer can access without seeing or smelling you.
• Near natural travel corridors — creek drainages, brush lines, and game trails. Deer already move through these areas; you want the feeder in their path.
• Near water if possible — deer that come to water will hit the protein feeder if it's nearby. Combining water and protein in one area maximizes use.
• Accessible for you to fill — 400–500 lbs of protein pellets is heavy. Make sure you can get a truck or ATV close enough to fill it without a major production.

The hog problem — and why I fenced one feeder

Feral hogs will find your protein feeders. It's not a question of if — it's when. And once they find them, they'll empty a 500-lb feeder faster than you think is possible.

I lost significant feed before I put up exclusion fences around both of my protein feeders. The fence is a simple design using panels about 36" high — tall enough to keep hogs from pushing over or through, with openings cut large enough for deer to step through comfortably.

Hog trapping is a separate effort — I run traps on my property as part of my wildlife exemption predator control — but exclusion fencing at both feeders buys you time and saves real money on feed costs.

Feeder timing — year-round vs. seasonal

I run both corn and protein feeders year-round. That's a deliberate choice. Year-round feeding keeps deer on the property consistently, supports does through fawning season, bucks through antler development, and gives you better camera data all twelve months. It also makes your wildlife exemption compliance documentation easier — you're feeding every month, not just October through January.

That said, not everyone operates this way — and there's nothing wrong with a different approach depending on your situation. Hunters on leases who don't own the property often start corn feeders in late summer, typically August, to pattern deer before season opens in the fall. If you're managing for hunting only and cost is a factor, starting corn in summer and running through the end of season is a reasonable approach.

A few things worth knowing on spin feeder timing regardless of when you start:

• Spin once or twice a day. Typically 30–60 minutes before sunrise and 30–60 minutes before sunset. That's when deer move. Match the spin to their schedule, not yours.
• Don't overfeed. More spin time doesn't mean more deer. Deer that find food at a predictable time will return. A feeder that's always loaded gets less attention than one that delivers on a schedule.
• Check cameras, not just the feeder. Your game camera will tell you if the timing matches when deer are actually moving on your property. Adjust accordingly.

Protein feeders and wildlife exemption compliance

Supplemental feeding counts as one of the seven approved wildlife management practices for the Texas wildlife exemption. Running protein and corn feeders covers that box — but document it.

Keep feed purchase receipts and take dated photos of your feeders in operation throughout the year. If your county appraisal district ever asks for compliance documentation, this is the easiest one to prove. A folder with a few feed receipts and phone photos from each season is all you need.

Bottom line

On 83 acres of South Texas brush, two protein feeders and two corn feeders is a solid setup. The corn feeders do the hunting work — they pattern deer and give you shot opportunities. The protein feeders do the long-term work — they build the herd, support antler growth, and keep deer on your property year-round.

Fence your protein feeders if you have hogs. You'll thank yourself when you're not refilling a 500-lb barrel every two weeks. And set your corn spinners early — before season — so deer are already patterned when you climb in the stand.