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Bears at your Deer Feeder
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 The
seasonal abundance of natural foods such as berries and acorns will not
necessarily deter black bears from taking advantage of food options provided by
humans.
When you are using supplemental feeding as part of a deer management
program, planting of food plots with cereal grains such as wheat, oats or
rye grass is the best alternative for avoiding conflicts with black bears.
Using
feeders in deer management increases the potential for conflict between
black bears and humans.
Whole
kernel corn is the most common type of grain for feeding white-tailed deer.
Distributing corn or other grains in piles on the ground or in open feeders
("free feeding") is not only costly in terms of the amount needed, but also
invites problems where black bears regularly occur.
Free feeding provides a
reliable food source, making conflicts unavoidable. Large amounts of corn left
in an open environment are not usually consumed in time to prevent souring. The
odor of sour grain is an excellent bear attractant because of their keen sense
of smell.
Switching bait types from preferred bear foods like corn to less
attractive foods like soybeans or rice bran can also help reduce bear activity
at bait sites.
The distribution of grain in smaller amounts by "controlled
feeding," via timed feeding mechanisms, is a more cost-effective means of
providing supplemental feed for white-tailed deer.
When
using direct feeding of corn and other grains, controlled feeding
devices hung in the proper manner will eliminate many problems that occur when
black bear and white-tailed deer are found in the same area.
Many types of timed
feeding mechanisms exist, varying from homemade rigs to more elaborate
electrical devices available at many feed stores or hunting supply outlets.
Whatever design is used, the method of placement is the most critical factor in
avoiding black bear confrontations. The agility and resourcefulness of black
bears require that any type of feeding device be suspended out of their reach.
It is recommended that the base of any hanging feeder be at least 8 feet above
the ground; additionally, the top should be at least 4 feet from the attachment
point. Feeder tops should be tightly sealed. To prevent climbing bears from
pulling feeders to within their reach, small diameter cables should be used for
suspension of the feeder.
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