when to start feeding deer

[wabi]

Thinking about going to my hunting area today and getting things ready to set up the feeder. I have a ladder stand about 15 yards from where I hang the feeder and it usually requires some weed/brush trimming before I even start feeding the critters.
With the price of corn last year I switched to a Pennco feeder - http://www.pennco.com/ -
which worked well with only a couple small problems over the season. I did have a couple "jams" where the corn (very large kernels) failed to flow into the dump tray, and it was a bit of a PITA to get the timer set accurately due to the design. Neither problem a big deal, but it's not perfect. It DID save me $$$ as far as corn cost is concerned! A 50# bag lasts about a week instead of one night (in the gravity feeder I used in the past) after the critters (coon, squirrel, birds, & deer) find the food.
I'm probably going to have to buy a new game cam this year, too.
The old Bushnell still works, but picture quality has declined. It now is easily "washed out" by bright sunlight, and I have it mounted here at home as a security camera.

When do those of you that feed deer start feeding?

Last year I didn't have the luck at attracting deer to my feeder as I usually have. No sure if it was a late start or the unusual weather last year ( hot & dry), we also had some cases of EHD killing deer in southern Ohio but I wasn't able to search for any kills due to hip problems. I do know that the deer population seemed to be way down where I hunt. Even the corn fields around the farm I hunt didn't attract many deer.

Our season opens in late September (28th) this year, so if I start feeding next week that will give the deer a couple months to get used to eating at the feeder.

[vixenmaster]

I keep mine out yr around, yup costs abit but then thar be some tuff times in late Winter early Spring

[UPSMAN]

I start my Georgia critters on the gold nuggets over the Labor Day Holiday (work weekend).Feed them through the end of Spring Gobbler. I feed my Florida turkeys year round.

[Mo wannabe]

I feed year round also and ya that corn is pricey

[Bobby B]

I throw year round, although its only 1 second in am and 1 second in the afternoon. I do this until September 1. After that bump it up some. I have pigs as well and these are never ending targets.

[Dick Dogg]

My neighbor is a farmer. He not only lets me hunt his land but also gives me free corn. He should start cutting in August. I will start feeding then. Luv my neighbor. O yea, his land is bordered by a national wildlife refuge.

[Bobby B]

My neighbor is a farmer. He not only lets me hunt his land but also gives me free corn. He should start cutting in August. I will start feeding then. Luv my neighbor. O yea, his land is bordered by a national wildlife refuge.

You around Waterproof?

[rayman]

I'm about to start as soon as I have time to aggravate with the feeders. Consensus is that corn may go down a little soon, locally at least. Hope so!!

[flightattendant100]

I have tried to feed year round for about the last 10 yrs. There might have been a week or two that feeder ran dry but for the most part they were feeding. With the price of corn I have sure cut back on the duration of each feeding though in the last couple of years, especially in the off season. Right now we are soooo dry, and the mast crop is not ready there is not much for 'em out there.Wish I could crank 'em up and supplement protein as well but thats a bit pricey. I guess you could say I have had the deer on a diet.