How to Hand Feed Deer
Hand-feeding captive deer at a petting zoo is a very interesting experience to some people. This is because deer are generally very cautions creatures when they are in the wild, and they tend to run away at the first hint of danger. However, it is possible to get up-close with a deer, even in the wild, so long as you have a little bit of patience, some tasty treats and you are careful not to break any laws or put yourself in danger.
Instructions
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Go to a place where deer are known to congregate. Depending on where you live, this may be very close to your home, or in a very remote area.
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Look for a deer that is on its own, preferably a young deer that doesn't yet have any antlers. Young deer are more curious and will allow their curiosity to get the best of them.
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Approach the deer very carefully and slowly. It will most likely look at you and run away at the first sudden movement.
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4
Toss a salt block close to the deer--not close enough to scare it away, but close enough to call its attention to what you threw at it; about a foot in front of its head.
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Wait for the deer to approach the salt block and lick it to see what it is. As soon as it realizes you tossed it a tasty snack, it will eat it and look at you for more.
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6
Toss another salt block closer to you this time. Avoid making any sudden movements, even as the deer approaches you. Do not advance toward the deer.
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Hold a salt block an arm's distance away from your body, on the tips of your fingers, as soon as the deer looks up to you expecting more treats.
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Hold the salt block in front of you for as long as it takes the deer to gather up the courage to approach your extended arm.
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Avoid trying to touch the deer as it eats the salt block from your hand, as this might scare it away.
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References
- Photo Credit deer image by david purday from Fotolia.com
