Are you a wildlife enthusiast? Deer hunter? Or just an animal lover? Well, if you are any of those, a deer feeder is an important equipment you will need. Deer feeders offer a place for deer to come and eat. In line with this, you can feed the wildlife and at the same time detect the deer’s lifestyle patterns. The information can give support to the user’s hunting strategies and give better chances to a perfect timing for a great hunting experience.
In our discussion, you’ll be able to see and compare the different deer feeders and their pros and cons.
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Note:
Identify your specific feeder needs and do a thorough research for the right feeder. This may help you save a couple of bucks. Make sure that you choose the right feeder for your personal preference and needs. Also, before jumping in with the deer feeder machine, it’s also important to have a little bit of background about the deer.
Deer in a nutshell
Deer are herbivore animals, so they eat plants such as grass, corns, and leaves (Check Best Deer Baits). Together with this, it is important to take note that they must have to eat crude protein to maximize growth. The feed also needs to contain basic minerals such as calcium and phosphorous.
Deer are found in different places. They are mostly living in wetlands, rainforest, grasslands, and mountains. They can also be located near urban settings. They travel in groups called a herd. They are active throughout the day to find food and water. If you are a hunter, you’ll probably use a deer feeder machine to lure a deer or a herd of deer into your location. On the other hand, if you’re an animal lover, you’ll need this deer feeder to feed a herd of deer in big amounts or by batch. This is most helpful during winters because consistent feeding using a deer feeder machine can greatly help deer survive cold temperatures.
Deer Feeder Placement and Site Necessities
It is important to know the location where the deer feeder can be placed. A strategic location can significantly affect the success of your intention with the feeder whether it’s for hunting or just simply feeding the deer. Site necessities are also important in maintaining the feeder site. Here are some factors that must be considered to plan where you will place your deer feeder machine:
1.) Propinquity or Proximity to Water
It is advisable that the deer feeder machine is placed near a body of water for the deer to drink water. The nearer the deer to this kind of resources makes the site better for the deer to also utilize natural resources.
2.) Truck Accessibility
You need access to the feeding site, and it would be helpful if your truck or AUV can easily access the feeding site for hunting or visiting purposes. Inaccessible sites may make it difficult to work around and use the feeder to its full potential
3.) Availability of other food sources in the area
This factor is very crucial because if a feeder is placed near other food sources, chances are the feeder will attract little to no deer at all. Just imagine your deer feeder machine placed next to a 300-hectare crop field. Therefore, place your feeder in a place where you can monopolize.
4.) Low-anxiety areas
Deer shouldn't have anxiety when accessing the food feeder machine. It shouldn't be out in the open because it might be stolen by someone passing by and it will make the deer anxious if the feeder can be easily seen by people passing by. It will help if the feeder is placed in a secluded and low anxiety areas to get better success
It is also of importance to know the site necessities in setting up where your machine should be placed. The ideal set-up for a feeder site requires trail cameras, mineral blocks, and scrapes because it adds to the usability and decoration of the site. The site should also consider animals that can be of nuisance to the area such as squirrels, raccoons and wild boars because they can hamper the operation of the deer feeder machine.
Watch this video to know how to select the right location for a deer feeder.
A Quick Buying Guide Before Buying A Deer Feeder
Deer feeders differ in shapes and sizes. However, the design should be one of the main factors to be considered before buying a feeder. Choose the right feeder with the information you are to be equipped with. These other factors should also be taken into consideration:
1.) Accessibility
Inaccessibility would defeat the purpose of buying a feeder as the deer won’t have access to the food. Deer definitely won’t come back, and the feeder would be as good as useless. Easy access is a two thumbs up but not too much access that it becomes available for all other animals besides the deer.
2.) Assembly and Installation
Easy assembly of feeders is recommended. Feeders that are burdensome to assemble and install could lead to not being able to use the feeder to its full use and potential. It could also cause harm to the deer, and the installer as mistake and error in assembly can happen. Read the instructions well and ask for help if needed.
3.) Comfort
The deer must feel comfortable while eating from the feeder because any slight discomfort might shoo the deer away. The size, style, and model will all be useless if the deer feel uncomfortable. It will begin to search for another food source with more comfort than your deer feeder.
4.) Security
The corn from the feeder could be eaten by animals like raccoon, squirrels and other woodland animals, leaving no food for the deer. The deer feeder must be secured and ensure that no other animals besides the deer can use the feeder. It will be such a waste if all the food gets finished by other animals and still, there are no deer in sight.
5.) Cost
Spending too much on a feeder is not advisable as there are more affordable ones available in the market. Some feeders cost a lot of money because of certain features that aren’t even of necessity. Choose the right feeder with the right amount that pays well for its features and functions.
Top Five Best Deer Feeders Reviews In The Market Now
Via: Amazon.com
The first entry on our list is recommended for users who want to be in control over the feeding times. This versatile feeder has programmable settings that allow the user to decide the how much and when to feed. This product has specs which can be durable on its own while at the same time withstanding knock backs from the wind. It is easy to setup because of its Moultrie Quick Lock Technology; which makes assembly a piece of cake.
Moultrie Tripod Feeders also offers a feed level estimator which is very useful in determining when to refill the feeder. It also has a battery indicator and external power port. However, one (1) 6-volt battery is required but does not come with the feeder. Nevertheless, the battery is low-priced and lasts for up to a year.
Pros
- Mid-range price
- Includes a built-in varmint guard
- Metal feeder feet, metal spin plate, and funnel included
- Has a low center of gravity and harder for animals to knock over
- Holds about 150 pounds of corn
- Wind resistant metal spin
Cons
- Setup instructions are complicated
- Difficulty in finding another battery that fits in the battery compartment
- Cheap material used
- Needs batteries to run and battery doesn’t come with the feeder
- No protection from other woodland animals since it is not a metal feeder
[amazon box=”B01BE3EURU” description=” “]
Via: Amazon.com
Versatile and adjustable, this feeder suits users that have different preferences. This product is more intended and recommended for mature deer because of its height. It is built well and easy to set up as the user only needs to strap or mount it. This product’s weight capacity can hold 80 lbs. of corn. It is easy to attract deer and save time at the same time.
Redneck Outdoors T-post Gravity Feeder is made from tough heavy duty polyethylene and is designed to mount or be strapped to a tree or a post. It is ideal for rainy places as this product is designed to keep the food from getting soaked and moldy during the rain.
Pros
- V-Groove in back intended to fit T-post perfectly
- Easy to set up
- Adjustable height to bottom of feeding tube
- Low maintenance
- Protection from harsh weather conditions
Cons
- Accessibility of other woodland animals to the horizontal nozzle
- Takes time for deer to get used to it probably a minimum of 3 weeks
[amazon box=”B00DPT3YAG” description=” “]
Via: Amazon.com
Our third entry is ideal for users with a problem of feeling strained while filling up the feeder. This feeder is easy to fill with its Easy-Lock feature. The Quick-Lock design feature enables fast and easy assembly with no tools needed as this is one of the most prevalent problems of deer feeders.
Moultrie 30 Gallon Easy-Lock Tripod Deer Feeder also features a programmable digital timer and is protected by a weather-resistant box. The programmable digital timer allows you to control the feeding time and level. It is easy to use and understand even for those who are not too familiar with technology. This feeder is also perfect for places with extreme weather conditions. This product is equipped with a spin cast feeder that helps guide food out of the feeder which provides convenience and comfort for the deer.
Pros
- Comes with a programmable digital timer
- Good weight capacity that holds up to 200 lbs.
- Equipped with a weather-resistant box
- Easy to fill with Ease-Lock feature
- Customizable feed dispense time
- Built-in battery indicator
- Battery lasts for a long time
Cons
- None
[amazon box=”B000VE6L80″ description=” “]
Via: Amazon.com
Our fourth entry is ideal for users with a problem of feeling strained while filling up the feeder. This feeder is easy to fill with its Easy-Lock feature. The Quick-Lock design feature enables fast and easy assembly with no tools needed as this is one of the most prevalent problems of deer feeders.
Moultrie 30 Gallon Easy-Lock Tripod Deer Feeder also features a programmable digital timer and is protected by a weather-resistant box. The programmable digital timer allows you to control the feeding time and level. It is easy to use and understand even for those who are not too familiar with technology. This feeder is also perfect for places with extreme weather conditions. This product is equipped with a spin cast feeder that helps guide food out of the feeder which provides convenience and comfort for the deer.
Pros
- Comes with a programmable digital timer
- Good weight capacity that holds up to 200 lbs.
- Equipped with a weather-resistant box
- Easy to fill with Ease-Lock feature
- Customizable feed dispense time
- Built-in battery indicator
- Battery lasts for a long time
Cons
- None
[amazon box=”B00ASLC5VS” description=” “]
Via: Amazon.com
Featuring a modest size and height, this feeder is perfect for users that seek feeders that aren’t too small or too large and just the right size. It can be used by medium to large-sized deer. It takes the deer a day or less to approach it. This product also wins in the simplicity aspect. It comes with a simple and pleasant appearance, attracting more deer. Its bottom is removable for easy cleaning.
Deer and Livestock Feeder By Zenature is simply made out of white pine wood and is assembled into a trough-style feeder. Deer are more attracted to it as it looks more approachable due to its natural component. To the deer, this feeder may seem to be just part of nature. Aside from its intended function, it can also be used for gardening purposes.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Holds up well against weathering factors
- Natural components make it more attractive to deer
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Difficulty in assembly
- Not well constructed and easy to knock over
- Easy access for animals other than deer
- Can only hold up to 25 lbs. of corn
[amazon box=”B015X65SRK” description=” “]
Verdict
Overall, the difficulty of assembly and installation has been the downside of most products. Nevertheless, Moultrie 30 Gallon Easy-LockTripod Deer Feeder has an indubitable advantage compared to the other feeders because of its commendable features while still being easy to assemble. This product is certainly on top of the game because of its good weight capacity, automated features and all other good features aforementioned while being easy to assemble.
If there is still an entry you think I should include on this list, don’t hesitate to share it in the comment section below. In the meantime, make up your mind and go to the nearest deer feeder shop to start an enjoyable experience with your new product!