Getting close to wild deer can feel like a magical experience. Whether you attracted them to your backyard with deer feeders or they’ve roamed there on their own, you can establish trust and approach them with the right strategy. If you want to make some new deer friends, use the following guide to understand their behaviors and make them comfortable.

How to Get Close to Wild Deer

1. Make Yourself Nonthreatening

Deer can be skittish, and they’ll likely consider you a predator, even if you’re not a hunter. The slightest hint of a threat can send them running into the woods.

Make yourself appear as small and nonthreatening as possible to demonstrate your friendly intentions. Stay quiet to avoid startling them. Crouch down and keep your arms low, as raised limbs can give them the impression that you’re going to attack.

2. Have the Right Feed

You can entice the animals to come closer by offering them food. While your leftovers and various scraps can draw them toward you, nutritious deer feed is better for these wild creatures.

Proper deer feed provides a healthy blend of nutrients, such as protein, calcium, and phosphorous, which support optimal body weight, antler growth, and reproductive success. Regularly fill your deer feeder to give them a reliable supply. Once they’re on your property, you can get them to come closer or let you approach with a handful of feed.

3. Walk Backward & at an Angle

This step requires some patience. When you spot a deer, turn your back toward them and slowly walk backward. If you keep your back to the deer, you can trick them into thinking you’re moving away. Moving at an angle to one side will also show that you’re not heading straight toward them. This will make the deer feel more at ease.

Avoid looking directly at them; the animals believe that only predators watch them intently. Keep your head down and watch them from the corner of your eye. Stop periodically to gauge how they’re reacting, and stay still if they look on edge. When you’re close enough, try offering the feed with slow motions.

Need help attracting deer to your backyard? Clifton Feed and Service Center carries a wide range of pet supplies and high-quality livestock feed from trusted brands like Purina® and Red Chain Feeds®. Serving Bosque County, TX, the friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you find the right deer feeders for your backyard. Visit their website for a full list of products and services. If you have any questions about their inventory, call (254) 675-3416.