Is Feeding Corn to Deer Good?
White-tailed deer and corn go hand-in-hand in Texas. However, feeding corn to deer and using corn to attract deer are two completely different things. Corn provides very little for deer in terms of dietary nutrition. However, the grain is often used to bait deer into an area. This allows deer to be captured in camera photos and/or harvested during the deer hunting season. Corn is relatively inexpensive and an effective attractant for whitetail. Unfortunately, corn can sometimes cause problems for deer and other ruminants.
Right now, Texas hunters are concerned with feeding corn tainted with potentially high levels of Fusarium fungi to wildlife. Fumonsin toxin is produced when certain Fusarium fungi are present on corn. This situation is created by the presence of moisture during seed development.
Fortunately, Fusarium fungi do not pose the same threat to deer and other wildlife as aflatoxin. However, it’s still important that hunters do their part and be aware of what they are putting into feeders for deer. Non-target species consume any corn left uneaten by deer. If not done correctly, feeding corn to deer and other wildlife comes with some risks.
Feeders Full of Corn
“Shelled corn is the traditional ‘go-to feed’ in Texas for deer. It’s understandable there would be concerns considering how much of it is fed to wildlife,” said Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist at Thrall. Tomecek said it’s best forr dee hunters to be aware of the problem and know what they are buying. If buying a quality product, hunters should not be overly concerned.
“I think what is important to remember when we feed corn to free ranging deer, is chances are we aren’t providing much more than a treat to these animals in the greater scheme of their diets,” Tomecek said. “Granted, corn helps provide energy during cooler months and is a great bait for deer hunting success. When corn is used in a spin feeder, it really doesn’t make up a high percentage of most deer diets.”
Corn and Deer Diet
Dr. Cat Barr, veterinary toxicologist with the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory at College Station, had similar thoughts. She said the upper limit for deer feeding on Fumonisin-tainted corn should be no more than 30 parts per million. In addition, it should be no more than half their diet. These rates are limits set for confined breeding cattle, a scenario not likely to occur in free-ranging deer.
“Even if the corn kernels themselves are nearing the recommended toxin ceiling, the deer are diluting it with all the browse and forbs they’re eating as well,” she said. Using corn as a bait for white-tailed deer is not an issue. However, feeding corn to deer in large amounts creates a potential problem.
Tomecek said the excellent growing conditions most of the state has enjoyed this year is another strong reason for lesser concern. There is an abundance of native plants available to deer. Aside from its diluting effect, the lush growth tends to limit corn-feeder visits by wildlife. Good news for deer, but maybe not so much for deer hunters.
As far as a human health threat from consuming Fumonisin-eating game, Barr said hunters should not be concerned. Studies of ducks, turkeys and pigs showed no measurable Fumonisin B1 levels in muscle tissues. This was even after animals were fed up to 20 ppm at 50 percent of the diet. This is a level unlikely to occur in free-ranging animals during favorable growing conditions.
Corn Toxicity Impacts Birds
“As for the effects on game birds, we know these kinds of toxins can have serious adverse effects on birds in general,” Tomecek said. “But again, unlike a domestic poultry production scenario where the birds are confined, wild birds — be they game birds or those frequenting a backyard feeder — are using the corn as only a part of their diet, although perhaps at a higher proportion than do deer.
“A concerned hunter can always examine the crops of birds harvested to determine how much of their diet is coming from the corn. Most will find there is a great variety in diets of wild birds.” Fumonsin toxin is produced when certain Fusarium fungi are present on corn, a condition exacerbated by moisture during seed development, Tomecek said.
Aflatoxin Vs. Fumonisin
“The good news about Fumonisin is that Fusarium molds don’t grow in storage, the way Aflatoxin-producing molds can, “ Barr said, “so at least the amount of Fumonisin in the corn is not going to increase, regardless of changes in temperature or moisture. Just keep in mind that some corn may contain both mold types.”
“An Aflatoxin problem can increase inside metal deer feeders where corn heats and cools at a different rate than the outside air. As a result, condensation forms inside the feeder and on corn,” Tomecek said. “We see this pretty frequently any time of year where dew or condensation forms on vehicles and such things as metal fence posts and uninsulated tin roofs. Typically, this problem is minor, especially in mostly dry West Texas. When it does occur clots of dust from corn or other feeds may form and toxins can grow in this environment.
Feeder Maintenance & Feeding Corn to Deer
“I recommend cleaning feeders before and after the deer hunting season, or when it’s convenient at some point during the year. Letting them run low or out, then refilling them with tested corn devoid of toxins should keep your animals visiting the area. It will also keep the feed and your investment in that feed, protected.”
Tomecek said corn shouldn’t be feared and is an excellent and cost-effective bait for wildlife. However, he does recommend knowing the product and how it should be handled. Common sense handling and storage prevents wildlife issues.
“I don’t think folks should shift away from corn entirely,” he said. “These outbreaks are good reminders to hunters of the importance of proper feed and feeder management; namely to buy quality corn and ask your supplier if they have test results. Ask when the corn was tested and how it has been stored since that date.”
Tomecek said not all corn storage is created equal, especially in productive years, as the grain may have been left outside and is of lower quality. This lesser product is often available at a lower price.
“The main take-home points are to purchase a quality product, store it in dry containers and clean your feeders. Do these things and you’ll have no worries.” In summary, feeding corn to deer and other wildlife does come with some risk, but be smart about it and both you and the wildlife will benefit.
Corn is a poor feed for deer. Hunters like to use it as bait because it holds up well in feeders and it’s cheap. It can cause big problems in deer if they get too much of it.
The deer feed is a very good ration for deer, although there can be a lot of things wrong with the corn and the things that they mix it with. There has been diseases inside the mix that can harm or even kill the deer out. But good job on everything that was said that was a good message. Keep making things happen!
Jackson, thanks for taking the time to read the article and share your thoughts. Feeding deer is often given too much credit as a deer management practice. Supplemental feeding has a place, but it’s way down the list. It’s something that people do at a relatively low cost, but the more important aspects such as habitat improvement and population management take much more time and money.