We are feeding 16% Antler Max out of gravity feeders it costs 9.75/bag. I am considering feeding corn Soy bean mix out of spin cast feeders also. I hear that the soy bean has 41% protein. It is only 12.00 bag. Has anybody done this or does anyone have any opinions on this?

I experimented for a while with some roasted soybean/corn mix; it was 16% protein. The deer ate it very well, but now it is priced at $13/50# while I can get 20% protein for $11. End of experiment.

41 percent isnt going to make a difference. in excess of roughly 22+ percent protein isnt utilized by deer according to various biologists. stick with the antler max but in the next few months switch to a higher protein.

I haven't seen the mix you are talking about, but what does the tag say? Does it also have the vitamins and minerals Antler Max does? AllenTAMU is correct that deer can't metabolize anything over about 20-22% protein. The rest will be in the pellets.

I'm not a big Antler Max fan, btw, but I believe the minerals and vitamins are even more important than the protein levels to get healthy deer that can grow decent antlers.

if you do switch to the soy bean mix you may want to speak with a biologist and see if there are any deficiencies in your soil. if there are you can get bags of calcium, phosphorous etc and make giant ground licks for the deer to boost their nutrition.

We use the bean/corn mix so we can utilize our spin feeders without having to worry about purchasing protein feeders. Protein through spincast has clogged for me in the past

ATAMU hit nail on the head with mineral licks, I have been using them for sometime, difference is very few broken tines and mass of antlers has greatly increased. I also feed protein year round, plant food plots and fertilize some of the oaks. JMO but believe year round range management is real key to a healthy wildlife....

What kind of minerals do you use? where do you get them? How are they used?

http://www.modeerhunter.com/stories/supplements.aspx

i didnt really read through that link too much but it should give you a basic idea of the concept.