Re: Deer feeders
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: knockemdown</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
The part about deer hunting to us guys who don't/can't/won't bait animals artificially, is that we have to find (hunt) the deer before we can shoot them. There is no 'drawing' or 'holding' deer in an area via a mechanical feed station. If the deer are not on our chosen property, then we have to FIND them, HUNT them, then SHOOT them where they happen to be at the time...
If there happens to be a source of water or forage (natural or agricultural) that deer are frequenting, then a savvy hunter will key in on that and HUNT the deer in that area. Hunting in that regard cannot even be remotely compared to artificially baiting animals via human maintained feed stations...
The fact that a trophy buck may not be shot right under or at a feeder makes little difference to that fact. And attesting to the intelligence of that animal for not coming to the feeder during shooting hours doesn't mean poop. He is in that area because that feeder is there. No way around it...
I would question those who shoot deer in/around feeder(s) if they would have the constitution to sit out and wait for that same buck to wander past on it's own accord if it were not for the feeder "holding the does" in that area?
Secondly, would that buck even BE in that area if it were not for the feeder(s)?
Finally, would that buck even be able to grow THAT big were it not for the supplimental food source?
I've much respect for a trophy buck and a pretty good idea of how tricky they can be after hunting them in the big woods of the Adirondacks. You will not find a more wide ranging, elusive & spooky deer than a big woods whitetail...
Again, not trying to push my values on anyone. But the above comparison is ludicris, IMHO...
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You are getting a little off base here. The question was asked about the portrayal of baiting/management practices and harvesting said animals in such locations as seen on TV.
Obviously, you sir have not had a chance to hunt like this before...and that is why the question was asked. So, we who have actual experience in this subject are answering the questions.
In response to your first paragraph, I would have to say you are definitely making an assumption not based on any facts strictly an opinion, and you sir are wrong. Those of us who are fortunate enough to hunt in the state's that allow use of feeders on private land, still have to spend time scouting, patterning, and hunting to be successful in harvesting any trophy game. Do not form your opinion on this subject due to the "as seen on TV" type of hunts. The majority of us who hunt in state's that allow feeding do not have trophy bucks just hanging out at our feeders and we enjoy scouting and hunting just as much as anyone. If we would have to move for any certain reason to a state that does not allow the use of feeders, I can assure you we wouldn't just give up what we love to do because we can not use "mechanical feed stations". We are still hunters!
