The ethics of feeding wildlife

[kibbleforlola]

As many of you know, last year bf and I bought a 5 acre plot of land in rural Maryland. Next to us is an empty three acre plot, that, finger crossed, we'll be able to save enough to buy before it's sold.

We've seen whole herds do deer on our land, as well as the land next to us. I'm sure I don't have to describe how awesome it is to see deer in close range. Unfortunately, living in the country also means living in hunter territory. Bf bought a stack of 20 "no hunting" signs that we've posted around, so they are a least safe on our land.

My question is, would it be ethical to put corn or other deer feed out for them? I know hunters do this to bate deer, but obviously they'd be safe with us. Bf and I had this conversation last night. I don't want them to get used to humans. That is, obviously, dangerous 'round these parts. Bf thinks they're smart enough to know the difference between us and hunters, but I am cautious.

I want to provide a safe space for them, but they are wild animals. I don't want to domesticate them, and they'd not do well confined to 5 acres. Thoughts?

 

[Second Summer]

I don't quite see how feeding them is a good thing. If you can buy up more land, that would help. Loss of habitat is the main problem for wild animals, I think.

 

[Scorpius]

You could plant a garden this summer and I'm sure they'll help themselves to that. Seriously though, I would just let them be. Enjoy their beauty.

 

[KLS52]

I'm guilty of feeding the deer occasionally. They always came around for the apples from my tree, but when the tree was destroyed during a storm, I would put out a few apples and corn every few days. Then I read how they are not supposed to use the same feeding ground year after year, so I slowly stopped leaving food.

Last year I put out a feed block every few weeks and this year I didn't feed them at all. I just read that corn isn't good for them in the winter because their stomachs are used to woodsy foods like bark and twigs. A bit of corn is ok but it shouldn't be their main staple. It can really harm them. The issue is there shouldn't be any sudden change in their diet.

I would definitely try to plant some deer friendly shrubs/trees. I don't think it would be terrible to try and attract them as long as you don't become their main food supply.

 

[shyvas]

I'm guilty of feeding the deer occasionally. They always came around for the apples from my tree, but when the tree was destroyed during a storm, I would put out a few apples and corn every few days. Then I read how they are not supposed to use the same feeding ground year after year, so I slowly stopped leaving food.

Last year I put out a feed block every few weeks and this year I didn't feed them at all. I just read that corn isn't good for them in the winter because their stomachs are used to woodsy foods like bark and twigs. A bit of corn is ok but it shouldn't be their main staple. It can really harm them. The issue is there shouldn't be any sudden change in their diet.

I would definitely try to plant some deer friendly shrubs/trees. I don't think it would be terrible to try and attract them as long as you don't become their main food supply.

I would also say that is the best thing to do.