Quick Answer
For deer baiting, apples are a popular choice, but corn attracts deer more consistently and in larger numbers, making it a more effective bait option.
Baiting with Apples
Apples are a good bait choice for deer in the early season, when deer are more likely to be attracted to the sweet, accessible food source. However, as the season progresses and deer become more accustomed to the bait, they may lose interest in apples. A good rule of thumb is to use apples in the early season, and switch to corn by the middle of November.
Baiting with Corn
Corn is the most effective bait for deer, and for good reason. Deer have a strong instinct to eat corn, and it’s a staple food source for many species of deer. When using corn as bait, it’s best to use a combination of shelled corn and whole corn kernels, as this will attract deer from a distance and hold their interest. A good ratio is to use 2 parts shelled corn to 1 part whole corn kernels. When placing the bait, it’s essential to use a pattern that disperses the corn over a wide area, such as a series of small piles or a large, shallow bed. This will help to keep deer from being concentrated in one spot, and make it easier to harvest multiple deer from a single bait site.
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