Firstly, 55 acres would encompass only a fraction of a mature buck’s range (with the possibility of overlap of several bucks). So keep that in mind when trying to keep deer in the area.

Secondly, if you want deer to come to you, you must have something they want (and preferably better than what the neighbor has to offer). Whether it’s protein pellets, food plots, corn, water, or charges of alfalfa hay. If you have a couple of good water sources, that would be a start.

Thirdly, human disturbance can make a a huge difference. How often is the 55 acres being driven through with vehicles, 4-wheelers, etc.? I know people who ride their entire property every day when they get there and after the morning hunts to “see deer.” They even spotlight at night sometimes to, again, “see deer.” They end up spooking all the deer off their tracts and changing the deer’s habits. Your bigger bucks won’t tolerate being spooked too often and they will find another place to feed. You can cover 55 acres in very little time when driving around.

How often are you checking your feeder and stand before deer season? The less human scent in the area, the more likely you will have higher concentrations of deer.

Fourth, deer concentration could present a problem. How many mature bucks do you see? I have an area where a big mature 6 pointer was hanging around. He was the only mature buck we saw in the area for almost a month. The day deer season started we took him out immediately. Within 2 days a couple of mature 10 pointers moved into the area. The big 6 had staked off his territory and apparently drove the other bucks off.

Lastly, hunting pressure can play a big part. How many hunters are on 55 acres and how many hunters neighbor your lease? Once those cannons start going off, those mature bucks may head to cover and only come out to chase does… and some won’t come out for that until nightfall hits.

Best of luck to you.