B-1003

Winter Big Game Feeding:

An Undesirable Wildlife Practice

By Rich Olson, Rangeland Wildlife Habitat Extension Specialist, and

Andrea Lewis, former Publications Assistant

Department of Renewable Resources

Each winter, many well-intentional people start artificial feeding programs for big game animals under the assumption that supplemental feeding will ensure winter survival. Unfortunately, it causes more harm than good to native wildlife and associated habitats.

Big game species spend their summer consuming forage and energy to produce body fat to supplement forage intake during winter. They possess physiological adaptations such as their ability to regulate metabolic activity, behavioral characteristics, and weight-loss capabilities that enhance winter survival. Some species are destined to die regardless of available feed or winter conditions because of low fat reserves. Thus, supplemental feeding is not a wise investment. The animals will continue to eat natural vegetation even when supplemental feeds are provided, causing severe impacts to natural sites.