If you're a deer hunter, then you know that success in the sport depends on many things - including where you place your deer feeder. If you're not sure where to put it, don't worry! We're here to help. In this blog post, we will discuss five of the optimal places to put your deer feeder for maximum success. Keep reading to learn more!

There are a number of different locations where you can place your deer feeder (both commercial and DIY deer feeders), but some will be better than others. The idea behind a deer feeder is to help attract and hold deer in your hunting area. They also can ensure that you are providing bucks with proven sources of antler-growing minerals, so they will have a better chance of developing those racks!

5 Places To Put Your Deer Feeder

1. Open Field

Placing your deer feeder in an open field is a great way to attract deer by allowing deer to use their vision. While deer are naturally cautious creatures, if they are able to associate food with a some sort of object, they're likely to return. 

Placing a deer feeder in an open field also benefits the hunter in a few different ways. For one, open fields create an easy shot for both bow and gun hunters alike by removing obstacles like trees, bushes, etc. It also allows hunters to rotate their tree stand or blind placement depending on the wind. 

2. Wooded Area

If you're looking to attract deer that are already in the area, then placing your deer feeder in a wooded area is a great choice. While it's the exact opposite of an open field, there are still several benefits. Wooded areas provide additional cover and thus comfort for deer no matter the time of year. Furthermore, they are likely to be close to or near their bedding area. 

As for hunters, a wooded area gives an individual added cover and the ability to remain hidden from deer. While your shot paths might be more difficult, preparing for this during the offseason will help you avoid such issues. 

3. Water Source

Deer need water to stay hydrated, so it's no surprise that they are attracted to areas that have a water source. If you place your deer feeder near a water source, you're more likely to attract deer with ease. Also, having your deer feeder near a water source minimizes the travel pattern interruptions of a deer with so many essentials being located in one area. 

Water sources can be used to a hunters advantage if done correctly. While it's not commonly thought of, water sources do provide an alarm for hunters if a deer is approaching. The splashing sound of a pond or river notifies you quickly that a deer is close. Furthermore, by placing your back towards the water source you ensure you have little to no blind spots for available shots. 

Deer Feeder - Water Source

Image Source

4. On A Hill

Placing a deer feeder on a hill can be advantageous for several reasons. First, the sound of a deer feeder motor can be heard from far distances at these locations. Furthermore, if done correctly you can catch deer on popular travel paths to and from their bedding and feeding areas. 

Focusing on hunters, an open area like a hill allows you to easily transport and refill a deer feeder. It also gives hunters the opportunity to change hunting locations if there's any change in wind direction. 

5. Thick Woods/Vegetation

Deer are known for bedding down in thick woods and vegetation, and they will often return to the same areas if food is available. By placing your deer feeder close to their bedding areas, and in a location that provides high levels of comfort, you have a better chance of deer returning year after year. 

Similar to the aforementioned wooded areas section, thick woods/vegetation provides an ample amount of cover for any hunter. While locations like this might be difficult to get to, going where most hunters won't offers tons of opportunities. 

Bonus Deer Feeder Tip

If you want to optimize your deer feeder location, I personally suggest relying heavily on mineral attractants and trail cameras to improve your chances.

While popular feed such as corn will get the job done, adding mineral attractants will not only increase the radius at which it can be detected by smell, but the taste will entice deer to come back time after time.

Furthermore, by placing trail cameras at your feeders you can better understand how well it's attracting deer, when you should get to your stand, and when you should be alert and ready to go!

Deer Feeder Location Video