I have always heard that a deer will pass up a corn feeder to get to a pea feeder now I know that a lot of you guys dont agree with hunting over a feeder but in tewxas it is legal, and while i do hunt over a feeder from time to time I also run them year around to suplement their food source, and with the drought in west texas they need all the help they can get,so my question is does anyone know if peas are benifical to a deers diet or is it just like a snack food like corn.
Thanks

Good question Larry. I'd have to say yes but I'd only be guessing. They say corn is only a fat source but has no nutritional value. Lets see what the pro's say.

Peas are better than corn. Corn isn't really that good for them in large amounts. Though, animals love to eat it.

I prefer Purple Hulls to Black Eye peas....oh, you meant the deer.  :D

We have about an acre of black eye peas right now, been picking for a month. The deer just aren't after them, they seem to be going for wheat.

The deer need a certain type of bacteria in their gut to digest peas.  If they have been eating peas and have the bacteria, they will favor peas, if they haven't, they will go after corn.  Peas are 20 to 35 percent protein, depending on type, and are a lot better for the deer.  If you want healthier deer and better racks, you should feed them all year, instead of just during the hunting season.  Bill

PS. You should also consider feeding them after the rut is over, that is when the bucks are worn down and really need it.

I feed year around  corn,protein, alfalfa,and even a little horse and mule mixture,
I think I will try some peas and see what happens,