Why Feeding Protein to Deer in Spring and Summer Matters for Hunting Season

If you're serious about hunting, you know success doesn’t start in the fall—it begins right now. Spring and summer are the most important times to provide supplemental nutrition to your local deer herd, especially in the form of protein. It’s one of the best long-term strategies to improve herd health, antler growth, and your chances for a great season.

Here’s why protein matters—and how you can get started with the right products.

1. Antler Growth Starts Now

Bucks begin growing their antlers in early spring, and protein is the building block of that growth. Antlers are made primarily of collagen, which relies on quality protein in the diet. Feeding deer high-protein supplements during this time helps maximize antler size, shape, and strength before the season ever starts.

2. Does and Fawns Benefit Too

Spring is also fawning season, and protein plays a big role in both milk production and fawn development. Well-fed does produce healthier, stronger fawns, which improves survival rates and builds a better future herd.

3. Faster Recovery from Winter

After a tough winter, deer need to rebuild muscle and replenish nutrients. A diet rich in protein supports this recovery, boosts the immune system, and keeps your herd in peak condition heading into the fall rut and hunting season.

4. Build Consistent Movement Patterns

Supplemental feeding also helps establish consistent deer movement. By offering quality feed through spring and summer, you encourage deer to return regularly—making it easier to monitor behavior, set up trail cameras, and pattern them for future hunts.

New Products Just In!

To help support your herd this season, Manning’s Feed and Seed just stocked up on two great options:

• 🦌 200 lb Antler King Protein Tubs – Perfect for free-choice feeding. These heavy-duty tubs are packed with high-protein content and designed to withstand the elements all season long.

• 🌱 40 lb WMS Pea Patch Seed – A powerhouse food plot option rich in protein and irresistible to deer. Great for planting now to provide natural forage all through the growing season.

  
  

Both are available now while supplies last—swing by and get your herd on the right track early.

Start Now, See Results Later

Supplementing protein in the spring and summer sets the tone for the entire hunting season. You’ll see healthier deer, better antlers, and more predictable movement—giving you a serious edge when it matters most. Stop by Manning’s Feed and Seed to grab what you need and talk hunting strategy with folks who get it.