THE HOW-TO OF BIG ANTLERS:

If you provide one or more of the protein products along with abundant mineral supplement during this antler growth cycle you'll see a dramatic improvement within that year's antler growth. The key is to provide these high quality ingredients in a manner that deer consume enough to realize the benefit. .

In the last article we investigated the nutritional needs of deer and the timing of the antler growth cycle.  Now we know what they need and when they need it.  All that is left is how to get it to them.  Providing proper, optimum nutrition on a year 'round basis is relatively simple thanks to the research done by many universities and game departments.  Antler King Trophy Products Inc. started as the dream of Animal Nutritionist Todd Stittleburg nearly 14 years ago.  It has blossomed into one of the most respected lines of premium deer nutrition products in North America today!  Now available nearly everywhere in the United States, these products simplify your deer management project.  The Antler King line is composed of a premium pelleted feed, high protein nutrient blocks, granular mineral supplement, food plot seed blends, a Ph test kit for proper food plot establishment and an attractant scent.

Let's review: We know that deer need highly digestible protein of at least 18% during the antler growth cycle from February through August.  We know that after the antlers are rubbed, deer need a relatively higher proportion of energy (carbohydrates) in their diet right up until the cycle repeats in February.  We know that proper nutrition is important all year 'round.  Now we'll look at specific Antler King products that are designed to absolutely maximize genetic potential.

FEBRUARY - AUGUST: PRIORITY IS PROTEIN AND MINERALS
The most certain method of providing proper protein to deer at this time of year is to feed Antler King's Trophy Deer/Elk Pellet.  This product is made up of 18.5% plant protein form sources most digestible by deer and elk.  Along with a comprehensive nutrient package including vitamins, minerals, yeast culture to aid digestion, this specifically designed product is guaranteed to provide the nutrition levels listed on the label.  This consistency of nutrition is not likely to be found in your local feed mill mixes.  You can feed Antler King pellets in a bunker feeder or barrel feeder as long as there is some sort of roof covering the feed.  All pelleted feeds will absorb moisture and swell.  Deer aren't as fond of the pellets when they are mushy so keep the pellets sheltered.  You'll want to feed the pellet without other grain sources during the antler growth cycle to ensure the 18.5% protein level that is critical to antler development and reproductive success. 

You may also wish to establish a food plot to provide protein to your deer.  Antler King's Trophy Clover Blend is a spring-summer-fall blend of seeds that are northern climate hardy and, properly established will provide nearly 30% protein browse for up to 6 years.  This is a tremendously cost effective way to feed extremely high nutrition with very little work after initial planting.  You'll want to be start with proper soil conditions so use Antler King's Instant Soil Ph Test Kit to determine your soil's current Ph, the goal Ph for whatever you're planting and most importantly what adjustments you need to make to get your soil where it needs to be for optimum food plot success.  The beauty of this product is that all the computations are done for you and you get your results immediately.  No waiting for weeks to get lab test results back!

Another method of providing high quality protein as well as all the necessary nutrients is with Antler King's Hi Protein Big Buck Blocks.  Think of these blocks as an extremely nutritious dietary supplement that can and should be used all year 'round.   Composed of the same highly digestible protein sources at a 20% level, vitamins, minerals and yeast culture to aid digestion these blocks are a simple way to be sure your deer get the right stuff all year 'round.

Antler King's Trophy Deer Mineral is a granular powder that provides all the necessary ingredients to achieve maximum antler development and reproductive success.  Very simple to use, you just pour out a 20-pound bag into a pile on the ground or a stump.  Place your "mineral licks" in an area of deer travel and they'll find it pretty quick due to the flavor scent.  In studies, deer preferred this flavor scent three times as strongly as any other flavor.  You may be wise to place several smaller licks out in the beginning to determine which areas deer are most comfortable with and then concentrate on those sites.  Deer are funny; they'll readily consume a desired food source in one spot but might ignore the same food in a different location.  While you may certainly use Trophy Deer Mineral all year 'round, you'll find that deer usage is heaviest during the antler growth period.

If you provide one or more of the protein products along with abundant mineral supplement during this antler growth cycle you'll see a dramatic improvement within that year's antler growth.  The key is to provide these high quality ingredients in a manner that deer consume enough to realize the benefit.  If they are only getting a small of amount of these products then you can only expect a small benefit.  It's just like going to the doctor for medicine.  He'll give you medicine to cure what ails you but you can't expect it to work if you don't take it as prescribed!

SEPTMEBER - JANUARY: HIGHER ENERGY / LOWER PROTEIN:
Does are weaning their fawns and bucks are rubbing their antlers.  This is your tip that nutritional needs are changing.  As we've discussed now you'll need to change the diet to a higher energy level and somewhat lower protein level.  Antler King has specifically designed the nutrition program to meet this changing need. 

The simplest method of increasing energy and reducing protein is by blending the Trophy Deer/Elk Pellet in a 50% ratio with corn and oats making up the other 50%.  This blend will effectively reduce the protein level from 18.5% to around 14% and will dramatically increase energy in the form of carbohydrates.  Corn and oats are great sources of energy but somewhat lower in protein (corn is about 8-9% protein) so mixing the grain with Trophy Deer/Elk Pellets will boost the energy and still provide a proper level of protein.  In some parts of the country you can get the pre-blended Antler King Energy Plus pellet ration, in other areas simply blend the grains with the pellets as you fill your feeders.

Another low maintenance way of continuing protein availability in the cool/cold months is to plant the Antler King Fall/Winter/Spring food plot blend.  This product is made up of annual seed varieties and will provide green, growing protein all through the fall and winter months.  Remember to soil test using the Instant Soil Ph Test Kit before planting for best results.  This is a great food plot for attracting deer during the hunting seasons since it will be one of the only green food sources available at that time.  If you have corn planted nearby you'll have the higher energy needs covered too.  The Big Buck Blocks really shine here as well since they provide all the necessary vitamins and minerals with the yeast culture to aid digestion.  One other Antler King product you'll want to consider is Main Attraction.  While not a nutritional supplement, this product will use the deer's strong sense of smell and particularly desirable flavor scent to draw deer into a specific area.  After all, you spent the enti
re year creating ideal deer habitat, now wouldn't you like to see the buck you grew?

At Antler King, we are passionate hunters just like you.  We live this stuff every day of our lives.  We love what we do and enjoying sharing our success with you.  Please visit our website at www.antlerking.com 
Stop and visit with us at our booth at sport shows all across the country.  We love to talk about the Deer Nutrition Solution! 

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