Supplemental feeding of quail in the south has long proven to be successful in improving quail health, increasing body weights, increasing clutch size, and decreasing predation. BUT, supplemental feed is supplied to quail by spreading feed and not a single point supply, which one would think would reduce the chance for disease transmission.
The frequency and duration with which deer utilize summer plantings of beans and clover makes one question just how much of their diet is derived from native vegegation when they are spending hours everyday in a bean or clover field. Are they eating it in so much quantity because it is just so easy, because it just tastes so good, because they need the protien, none of these reasons - but probably all of these reasons. I can put out corn in these bean and clover food plots - and often times, the deer wont hardly touch it. I am considering supplemental feeding high protien pellets - only during the spring and summer - as a hedge against failed crops of clover and beans - at a time when science tells us deer have an increased demand for protien. My concern in mostly for the health of does and fawns at this time. I am trying to improve my fawn recruitment numbers - and it is fair to believe healthier does and fawns will be more likely to prosper. Any added benefits to antler growth is also a plus. I do see feeding supplemental feed from a feeder potentially increase disease prevalence - but would probably not be too concerned about that unless cwd makes it to our area.
