The Eliminator Rectangular Varmint Proof Scatter Plate for Deer and Game Feeders

Tired of wind, raccoons, and squirrels wasting your expensive corn and protein feeds? The-Eliminator is the solution!

The-Eliminator spinner plate is an innovative new design that can be added to any deer feeder with a 1/4" motor shaft. When the motor spins, The-Eliminator drops down and throws feed. When the feeding cycle is complete the spring-loaded shaft returns the plate to the top position.

Mount The-Eliminator against your funnel or downspout for a tight seal.

It excels as a spinner plate for truck, ATV, and UTV feeders because it is nearly immune to the bouncing and vibrations typical of this application.

Does The-Eliminator cost more than tradition spinners? Yes, but with ever-rising price of corn and protein it could easily pay for itself in a few short months.

Note: This is the rectangular model. We also have a round model available.

Price:

Click here to buy from Amazon

Moultrie Gamespy 5 Megapixel Digital Game Camera

Hi end scouting equipment available in flash version, features 5.0 megapixel images and camouflage housing.

Price: $89.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Wild Game Innovations 6-Volt eDRENALINE Solar Panel

The SP6V1 6 volt eDRENALINE solar panel includes an aluminum mounting bracket and hardware, a polycarbonate front cover for years of trouble-free service, a mono-crystaline design and a protective steel flex-conduit and alligator style battery clips. 1 year warranty.

Price: $29.99

Click here to buy from Amazon

Know Your Bird Feeders; Part 2

In my last article, I mentioned the popularity of tube feeders

and what to look for.

Other feeders like hoppers and platform feeders serve a

purpose and need as well. Today I will discuss platforms

and what to look for in a quality platform feeder.

A platform feeder is self describing. It is a platform made of

wood or screening with four sides about two inches high.

Platforms usually sit on four legs or some are hung by a

cord or metal chain.

Platform feeders serve a purpose and can attract the

greatest variety of birds and other wildlife. Squirrels, deer,

chipmunks, rabbits and mice find grazing on your birdseed

as easy pickings and will continue to return.

Platform feeders are open to the elements where seed

can get wet and buried in the snow.

Platforms require more frequent cleaning as seed can

sprout and mold quicker. Not to mention that birds will

hop around in the seed, often leaving a calling card.

Others birds hop in and peck around, eating seed and

other birds droppings.

To many sickness and diseases are passed this way, that

is the main reason for keeping a platform feeder clean.

I personally put less birdseed out and clean it every other

day

What to look for when you are ready to purchase or build a

platform feeder.

Look for durability. Is the feeder made of recycled plastic?

If it is wood, is it made of cedar or redwood. Anything less

wont do. Recycled plastics will last a life time. Redwood

and cedar have their own anti bug and anti rot chemicals

built in so they too should last for years and years if taken

care of properly.

Look for or build with these quality products and make sure

it is held together with stainless steel or zinc coated screws.

Regular screws will rust away and staples will pull out

leaving your feeder a crumbled mess.

Are you planning on hanging your platform feeder? Make

sure it has a stainless steel or powder coated chain. Cords

will rot and can be chewed off.

Most important of all, is a screened bottom. Anything less

will not do. My platform has a removable screen. A screen

I can slide in and out. A screened bottom allows for drainage after a rain. It also allows me to remove it to scrub and sanitize as often as needed. Cleanliness is important.

Are you going to paint or stain your platform feeder? If you

chose to do so, be sure to use a water base paint or stain.

Oils can penetrate birdseed or rub off onto feathers and

brought back to nests.

Birds and small wildlife are more susceptible to predators

when feeding from a platform feeder. Placement of all your

feeders should be close to protection. Place feeders near

your trees and shrubs for protection, yet in a place where

they are easy to get at and enjoy.

Always use a quality feed for your birds.

To sum it all up. You want a platform built to last and with a

screened bottom or platform. Taking that extra time or dollars

to buy or make your platform feeder is worth it in the long run.

Ron Patterson has been feeding and caring for wildbirds for more then 40 years. His experience of caring for birds and owning his own wild bird specialty store prompted him to become a Michigan Certified Nurseryman. As a nurseryman, he know what and where to plant to attract more birds to your yard. As one of America's backyard birding experts,Ron has a weekly newsletter called "Backyard Birding Tips" you can find Ron at [http://www.backyardbirdingtips.com/] Email ron@backyardbirdingtips.com

Tips to Hunting Whitetail Deer

To hunt whitetail deer before the onset of the breeding season, you need to make a close inspection of feeding areas and deer trails, as in preparation for winter and the ensuing breeding time, both the male and female deer feed more to gain weight. The breeding season or rut varies in different locations, depending on the intensity of the climate and availability of food. The hunting season changes likewise. Hence it is best to concentrate on the feeding areas, deer trails and water holes when you go whitetail deer hunting.

Organize Food Plots with Care:

Food plots are measured areas of land set aside to plant corn, clover, rye and other grains that are good as deer fodder. These plots vary in dimension and can be as small as a few square yards or as big as several acres. Deer prefer long and narrow food plots as they provide more security. Tempting deer by pouring grain in feeders or baiting is also an allurement. This can, however, be risky as there is a law against baiting in some states.

Where to Place the Stands for Effective Use:

Another successful tactic is to hunt in deer trails that have high traffic. These busy trails can be found between bedding and feeding areas. The stands are generally placed in the wooded part of the trails.

Deer are vary animals and can smell, hear or see hunters who are well hidden. Therefore, it is important to employ extreme caution as the deer are highly guarded even when they are under cover.

Here is a quick recap of the different tactics that hunter can employ in order to come up with a prize trophy before the breeding season starts:

• Plant the fodder crops well in time.

• Locate frequently used trails to feeding areas.

• Place the stands early so that the deer can get familiar with these additions to their surroundings.

• Concentrate on and keep close to feeding area, trails and water holes.

If you follow these instructions carefully your chances of getting a good memento before the rut will be greatly enhanced.

Click here for more information on regulations on hunting deer and check out: food plot for your library of resources.

Quality Whitetail Deer Management Using Supplemental Feed

Quality whitetail deer management has not been around for very long, but lately has taken off throughout the country. Areas that come to mind include Florida, Kansas, Iowa, the meca of bow hunting the northeast and of course Texas. Deer management has been around since the beginning since anytime an animal is harvested, its impact will be reflected in the health of the herd. With recent introduction of "quality" to the program, one wonders what does that mean? The hunting community now realizes the power we possess while in the field. And, how we help or hurt the herd is determined every time we step into the woods. Quality deer management has as many variables as there are fish in the sea. I will discuss supplemental feeding using feeders in this article.

I hunt in Texas under a state sanctioned MLDP program (Managed Land Deer Permits). The state gives us extra privileges with the expectations we will conduct ourselves with the health of the herd in mind first. We have fun with the end result in mind. Our ranch, as with most in Texas, utilize deer feeders to help accomplish that goal.

During deer season we will feed a corn/protein mix. The corn provides a strong attractant so we can make solid judgments on the right deer to remove based on predetermined criteria. The corn also provides a carbohydrate replacement which is crucial in order for bucks to maintain a healthy physiological being while they push themselves during the demands of the rut. Hopefully, the deer go into the spring season in decent shape. The better shape they are in coming out of winter, the larger the antlers will be the next season. Once spring is upon us, it is time to start feeding protein.

I convert all my spincast feeders to free flow gravity tubes by removing the timer mechanisms and installing the gravity tubes. A product call a deer feeder helper makes this a breeze, taking only minutes to convert. The optimal way of feeding protein is to use the spincast feeder and ensuring the pellets are contained or delivered into a trough or feed tube, which keeps the pellets off the ground and from being destroyed by moisture.

Creating a housing (bucket) around your timer connected to a tube works well for this. Eliminating untargeted animals is also encouraged as there is no need to supplement the diets of raccoons or feral hogs. Feed pens and varmint guards are always a must. There are hundreds of different types of protein feeders out there. These are used solely for supplemental feeding and not normally hunted over. Usually placed in sanctuary type locations.

They can be quite large and require auger type loading to be efficient. Loading 4000 pounds one bag at a time can be very taxing and costly. Buying bulk is always considerably cheaper. Protein pellets come in many different types. I recommend shopping for an affordable 16%-20% brand containing extra minerals to help with antler growth. Some are water repellant which is beneficial if you chose to dispense on the ground.

Protein pellets will tend to clog in spincast feeders due to moisture swelling the pellets, however, this is not detrimental if you use a feeder helper as you can simply unlatch the feeder helper and remove any obstruction or clog. If you chose to spincast your protein pellets, you might consider feeding after dark. Deer are nocturnal by nature and this helps ensure the protein is eaten promptly and not left to be ruined by the elements. I believe this also helps the whitetail trophy bucks to claim this as his territory, which hopefully could prove fatal if you done your part at the range.

Of course, there are many different mediums to use trying to achieve a healthy deer herd such as food plots, prescribed burns, removing excessive cedars and mesquite, and adequate harvesting of the deer. A game biologist is always key for those eager to hear his/her opinion and advise.

I hope you find this information useful and informative.

Happy hunting. Chris Nicholes

Chris Nicholes is an avid outdoorsman and a life long whitetail deer hunter. Please contact me through our website if I can be of any assistance to you. Thank you and may yours be the bigger, better buck. http://www.deerfeederhelper.com

Nutrition and eating habits of deer

We know that not only adequate nutrition produces a healthy herd, but it also affects the quality of horns.  Habits of nutrition and feeding of deer varies from place to another and from station to station, but understand the habits of its area is an important part of a successful management program.

The two variables that affect nutrition and diet of deer are the availability and quality.  Subarctic deer are very sensitive and selective and have a wide range of food preferences and nutritional needs.  It is easy to see why feeding options can be confusing.  No single plant species maintains the levels of nutrients throughout the year, required by deer successful growth and reproduction; Therefore, it is important to be well informed about the different resources.

Browse: this classification refers to the growing soft part (stems and leaves) of woody perennials, trees, shrubs, vines and plants is usually called a "brush".  These plants provide a large amount of protein and it is easier for the deer to digest.  Review is normally available throughout the year.

Herbaceous: are plants often referred to as "weeds" or wild flowers.  This includes all of flowering herbaceous plants are herbs.  Herbaceous are highly nutritious; they contain high levels of protein, phosphorus and vitamins.  Forbes is one of the favorites among subarctic because they are easily digestible; However, normally available only for a short period of time (most common during and after the "wet" season).

Mast: this is a classic deer food source and refers to the fruits of plants is defined as a species search. Mast includes things such as acorns, berries, fruits and similar articles. The deer migrate and it will move to the area as a mature fruit tree crops and fall to the ground.  Masts are important in the diet of deer, but are seasonal and vary from year to year.

Grass: grass and herbaceous plants, grass and sedges and rushes.  Pastures are less important to deer food category, but use will rise slightly during the spring and if there are pastures. During the winter months young, cool-season grasses such as wintergrass, Ballico and rescuegrass can be important sources of protein.

Grain crops: this kind of food includes elements of forage plant for agriculture, grazing, or specifically for wildlife in the form of food parcels.  To improve the quality of the diet you should plant a season of cold and warm season food trace per square mile.  Cold season crops typically include clover, vetch, wheat, oats and Ballico. Common warm season crops including peas and other legumes varieties and millet.  Food and supplementary food parcels are not substitutes for the proper administration of population and Habitat.

Commercial sources: also known as supplementary feeding, this includes feeds dismissed as supplements (protein), or simply those considered attractive hunting of deer (maize).    Complementary feeding is an important factor in the management of deer and a power source when native forage is insufficient in quantity or quality.  The common attractive Texas deer hunting is whole corn distributed through previously timed deer feeders and subarctic hunting season.  The most common dismissed supplement is protein and can be distributed through the free choice of feeders.  It is important to note that supplementary feeding of deer is expensive, and unless it is done correctly, is of little or no benefit to the deer.

Nutrition is probably easier to control component in the production of quality bucks with horns of quality. They are highly adaptable and while food preferences and requirements vary considerably between regions, understanding of and nutritional needs will get on the right path to production for a herd of quality.

Deer season is around the corner, Administration of deer: surveying your Stock, common errors that deer hunters, location is everything, tomorrow: you're a day away

Tags: hunting of deer, deer management

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