Many hunters now use deer feeders to attract more deer in their shooting range and help them earn that elusive trophy buck of their dreams. When you add deer feeders to your deer hunting gear, your game takes a new turn since the number of deer visiting your shooting zone increases dramatically.
Besides, this gives you a great opportunity to closely observe the animals and pick the best potential buck. But the wrong feeder or a malfunctioning one could ruin the whole game.
We’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen to you. Check out our highly preferred hanging, spin, gravity, trough, and tripod feeder choices and identify the best deer feeders that fit your needs and budget. Let’s jump right in!
Top-of-the-Line Best Deer Feeder We Tested
Moultrie Tripod Feeders (Top Tripod Choice)
The Moultrie Tripod Feeders boasts great features like a customizable digital timer, metal spin plate, adjustable legs, quick-lock hopper, and many more. This is one feeder that’s engineered to meet your daily feeding needs. Let’s explore why we made it our top pick for today!
Moultrie leads other brands when it comes to tripod feeders. Each of the legs has individual sections that allow you to adjust the feeder height from 5 to 8 feet quickly.
You can reduce the leg’s height for a refill, then extend it again. Besides, this feature is quite vital if varmints are persistent in their attacks as you can deter them by raising the feeder higher from the ground.
You can always plan your visits to the site if you know the feeding cycle. This Moultrie feeder features a battery and feed level estimator so that you won’t make needless trips that could cause downtime.
Another thing that reduces battery replacement visits is its external port that accepts a 6V solar power source. You can either use this port to recharge the battery or as the only power source.
This unit features the patented Moultrie quick-lock that secures the hopper from intruders. You’ll appreciate how you don’t need separate tools to open or close the lock, but only push and twist with two hands, and the task is done.
While we found that it was easy to assemble and so was loading the hopper and configuring the timer, a few users reported that the timer stopped functioning after a couple of days of use, and that also affected the working of the spinner.
This is a top-rated product on different eCommerce stores like Amazon, which means other users found this feeder quite effective and were happy with their purchase. It retails at a very affordable price compared to the other similar products out there, so it won’t fall too heavy on your wallet as well.
Pros
- Digital timer
- Durable plastic housing
- Option to add a solar panel
- Feed level estimator
- Battery level display
- External power port
- Adjustable legs
- Quick-lock
Cons
- Prone to varmint attack
Our Verdict
This Moultrie tripod feeder is an excellent choice for any hunter who wants to feed several at once. It’s well-made, easy to install, and immediately you’re done with the configuration, you don’t need to make frequent trips to the site.
No matter if you’re a wildlife watcher or a deer or elk hunter, you’ll love its performance for sure. And this is why the Moultrie tripod feeder has claimed the top position of our deer feeder reviews.
Moultrie 5 Gallon All in One with Time Feeder (Top Hanging Choice)
Another Moultrie feeder that’s worth the investment is the 5 Gallon Time Feeder. This model features a five-gallon plastic bucket that you can fill and then hang it at your desired spot. Unlike our top pick, this one doesn’t require any assembly.
This feeder comes with a programmable timer that enables you to regulate the feeding pattern up to four times a day. It uses the long-lasting AA batteries, which pretty reduces the need for frequent battery replacements, reducing the maintenance cost.
We didn’t find any severe complaints against this item only that Moultrie should make options with larger sizes available.
Pros
- Programmable timer
- Comes ready for use
- Capability to attach solar
- Excellent for indoor and outdoor use
- Relatively inexpensive
Cons
- Not many options are available
Our Verdict
This is a more reasonably priced option than our top pick, yet worth every penny. The Moultrie 5-gallon feeder is the perfect product to select if you’re having issues with feeder installation.
It’s versatile such that you can also use it for feeding chickens and other livestock. When it comes to simplicity and convenience, this is one of the best hanging deer feeders on the market.
REDNEK Redneck Outdoors T-Post (Top Gravity Choice)
If you are looking for a medium-size, weather-proof, heavy-duty yet lightweight deer feeder that won’t break the bank, the Redneck Outdoors T-post gravity feeder should be an ideal choice. It has a minimum of 80 pounds capacity that can go for almost a month before the next refill.
This feeder has been made from high-intensity polyethylene that’s robust enough to withstand all weather conditions. The mounting design is unique and can be effectively placed on a tree stump.
On top of that, the feed is 4 x 5 inches in size which offers enough space for deer, so they don’t face any problem accessing the feed.
It has a silent drop design, meaning it doesn’t have to depend on spins to operate, unlike some previous models we discussed. You wouldn’t have to worry about maintaining a motor or battery, so to speak.
However, one down side that we found about the model is the lack of an anti-vermin feature. The workaround is to put a 6? PVC pipe on top of the t-post, which should keep away the critters.
Pros
- Easy to setup
- Requires no maintenance
- Easy to remove the cover for quick filling
- Durable construction
- No mechanical parts
Cons
- Prone to varmint attack
Our Verdict
It’s packed with all the features you need from a high-end gravity-fed deer feeder. Overall, it’s durable, has a wide mouth, and cheaper to maintain.
Though it costs a few more bucks than the previous Moultrie option, we can assure you this is one of the best gravity deer feeders you can get.
American Hunter Sun Slinger Directional Feeder Kit
If you’re looking for a sturdy feeder kit, this Sun Slinger unit from American Hunter is for you. It has a metallic body and a powerful motor for good coverage. As an Omni-directional feeder, it throws the feed in all corners, making it easier to serve many deer at a time.
It’s designed to work well with a 3 gallon container, and the attached solar panel will give an excellent boost to your battery.
The timer programming was pretty easy and offered plenty of setting options. Many users liked how the wires are inside the case, which made it impossible for raccoons and squirrels to rip them off.
We observed that the display was dim, making it more challenging to set the timer in the sunlight.
Pros
- Easy to install and operate
- Mounting brackets
- Omnidirectional feeder
- High-quality build
- Solar powered
- Digital timer
Cons
- Battery sold separately
- Display challenging to view in the daylight
Our Verdict
This is a pretty reliable feeder, and the price is reasonable. Though it didn’t come with a battery, it did well at dispensing the food in all directions.
Moultrie Feed Station
Cheap, easy to set up, no battery or programming required, this Moultrie feed station is the best deer feeder for the money. The feeding mouth is about 3 x 7.5 inches, so deer have no problem eating from it.
First, the plastic was flimsy such that raccoons could effortlessly boreholes to reach the feed. Also, the lid didn’t fit securely.
But we liked how easy it was to mount and fill. It did its job well, so we had nothing to complain about.
Pros
- Hugely Affordable
- Lightweight
- Great at attracting deer
- Zero maintenance
- Highly versatile
Cons
- Flimsy plastic body
Our Verdict
This is the most inexpensive model on this list. The plastic material may make it prone to raccoon attacks but if you want something sturdier, you’ll have to pay more for other expensive models. If you’re on a budget, give it a try without any second thought.
Boss Buck “All in Series Protein Deer Feeders”
This is another excellent option for any busy hunter with no interest in maintenance demanding feeders. The Boss Buck feeder features a 3-way internal sleeve that allows you to control the feed flow for various grain/alfalfa sizes by pushing the slide in or out.
It has a patented hopper design that gives you the flexibility to switch to auto-mode in the winter months. However, it doesn’t come with electric feeder heads.
Most users of this product appreciated its 200 lbs capacity, and this one would dispense for a whole hunting season once it’s installed. Since the gravity type, we found it easier to use for our DIY deer attractants and was quicker to install.
This Boss Buck Feeder is made from plastic, which is quite durable and weather-resistant. Legs are about 8 feet tall, but they aren’t adjustable like our first choice. The manufacturer recommends you use foot pads to prevent the legs from sinking into the ground.
We also noticed that raccoons climbed the legs to reach the feeder holes, but we placed spikes on the feeder’s legs to keep them off.
Pros
- Maintenance-free
- Huge capacity
- Durable plastic construction
- Quick to install
- Easily convertible between gravity and auto modes
Cons
- No electric feeder head
- Legs aren’t extendable
Our Verdict
We like the design of this product, especially how you can use it without a battery or spin plate. It does the job with a high level of efficiency. Though it costs a little more than our top pick, it offers a good deal for the money.
Capsule Feeders CAP-500 500 LB Hunting Game Feeder
Earning the reputation of the world’s safest feeder, the Cap-500 model boasts of a patented capsule design that practically prevents animals from knocking down the unit. It stays flat on the ground, allowing you to fill up the feed from the surface.
Another issue with most game feeders is the high rate of the refill. Luckily, this Capsule feeder has a total capacity of 500 pounds; such feed volume could last for almost a year.
Despite its massive size, this unit is lightweight and easily moveable, you’ll have no problem transporting it to your deer feeding station.
The body is almost indestructible to both animals and the forces of nature. It’s equipped with a solar panel that powers the battery, keeping charged all year round. You can easily manage your feeding routine using the automated timer.
Pros
- 500-pound capacity
- Solar panel
- 12 Volt battery
- Excellent feeder control
- Easy to refill
Cons
- Large and expensive
Our Verdict
You won’t complain about the size, safety, and durability of this game feeder. Once the installation is complete, it can dispense the feed for a whole year.
This Capsule product is great for locations with heavy animal traffic where you can do your crossbow deer hunting effectively.
Wildgame Innovations Tri-Pod Deer Feeder
If you’re looking for a pocket-friendly tripod deer feeder without compromising on quality, the Quick-set 225 Innovation is yours to buy.
It stands on durable tripod legs, which eliminate the need to look for a hanging place. It’s quite easy to set up even as most new users reported that it took them about 15 to 20 minutes.
This model comes with a durable weather-resistant 30-gallon plastic hopper that can last your animals for a few weeks, depending on your set feeding pattern.
It has a digital timer that lets you pick any of the four serving times. This controller is easier to use when compared to most programmable ones for sale. This unit comes with a galvanized steel spinner plate and a built-in funnel for accurate feed dispersal.
Though the Quick-set 225 Innovation feeder may not be as sophisticated as our first choice, it’s significantly cheaper; retailing around $70. It doesn’t have a solar option, but the 6V battery (not in the package) can save the day.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easily attract deer
- Built-in funnel
- Galvanized steel spinner plate
- Heavy-duty legs
Cons
- No solar power option
- Battery not included
Our Verdict
An excellent choice for the price, though cheaper than the Moultrie Tripod Feeder, lacks top-notch features like battery, solar panel, and adjustable legs. If you want a budget feeder that can easily attract and pattern game, this Quick-set 225 is for you.
Wildgame Innovations Pail Feeder
The Quick-Set 50 Pail Feeder had many intriguing features that were beyond our expectations. We were impressed with its camo design that blends with the natural environment, giving it a more exceptional ability to attract deer just like effective deer attractants.
Besides, the 6.5-gallon capacity hanging pail design speeds up the setup time, allowing you more time to study the game’s feeding activity. This lightweight feeder (2.4 oz) enables you to convey to the feeding station with ease.
Many users reported spending only 5 to 7 minutes on getting it to work after unboxing the unit.
Another exciting feature is the user-friendly timer that only distributes the feed during daylight and dark with the help of a photocell unit.
The only disadvantage is your inability to set your preferred feeding time – but that’s not a deal-breaker for us since you’ll still enjoy the simplicity of not having to regulate the spinning process.
However, there’s a rheostat dial that lets the user control the spin cast duration to a maximum of 20 seconds.
Like the Quick-set 225 Innovation Feeder, this one features a galvanized steel spinner plate powered by a 6V battery (sold separately).
Pros
- Easy to hang
- Excellent performance; working as advertised
- Compact and lightweight
- Camouflage style
- Dawn and dusk available feeding pattern
- Galvanized steel spinner plate
- Durable 6.5 gal pail
Cons
- Users can’t set their preferred feeding time
- Feed finishes quickly because of its relatively smaller capacity
Our Verdict
Overall, this is the right product with an economical price tag, and it’s lightweight, compact, and easily blends with the environment.
The Quick-Set 50 is one of our top deer feeders for beginners/first-time hunters because of its size and timer simplicity.
Banks Outdoors Feed Bank Gravity Feeder
If you’re looking for a feeder that’s squirrel and bear proof, this unit from Banks Outdoors is what you need. What separates this Gravity Feeder from other types we’ve listed is its sealed overlapping door that prevents moisture from contaminating the food, keeping it fresh, and nourishing for the animals.
Another unique feature is the center pole mounting design that allows the deer to feed through the openings without any obstruction.
To keep raccoons off the feeder, you use a tree stump or bury a post into the ground before attaching the unit. Once you’re done, the feeder now stands above the surface, allowing bucks to reach the four feeding ports at an optimal height of 42 inches.
This Gravity Feeder features a durable UV-resistant polyethylene hopper with a total capacity of 300-pounds, which could hold a lot of feed. From our observation, if you only have one or two deer at the site, it could last for months.
Pros
- Durable design
- No maintenance required
- Feed deer the easy way
- No need for timers
- Waterproof lid
- 300-lb capacity
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Our Verdict
We highly recommend this product as it’s an ideal option for corn, rice bran, and protein feed. We found that it took the deer less than a week to adjust and easily feed on it.
Though you might spend a few bucks more, you’ll be happier for its design, quality, and performance. If you’re out there searching for an efficient and simple gravity feeder, this is the one you should go with.
Best Deer Feeder Buying Guide
Location
You need to ask yourself these questions before choosing your feeder site –
- What’s the size of the place?
- How many deer are there?
- What’re the distinct needs for the spot?
- What’s the distance of the area from my home, and will I need a truck?
- Who owns the land? What are the laws? Will they require you to take out the feeders before the next hunting season?
Many states don’t allow the use of feeders, while others only allow you to set them up for specific seasons. For these reasons, you should check the laws of the area before starting your hunt for the best deer feeders.
If the area is large unlike your backyard, you need to pick a feeder with a larger capacity and battery life so that you wouldn’t need to visit the site frequently for refilling and other maintenance purposes.
So, what’s wrong with making frequent visits to the feeder land?
Frequent visits could scare off the feeding animals and disrupt their routine. The lesser you visit the site, the higher your chances of success become.
If possible, always choose an area with high deer traffic. But if you need to use a truck, go for an easily accessible area.
Make sure you’re mounting the feeder in a place where people can’t often spot the herd as they gather to feed. More human pressure could increase their anxiety and delay feeding success.
Barrel Size / Containment Capability
Deer feeders come in different shapes and sizes, but your choice should depend on the number of deer you might want to feed. A single feeder can hold up to 200 pounds of corn, while a smaller type would accommodate around 10 to 50 pounds.
The barrel’s size will determine the number of times you’ll need to refill in a day, week, or month. If there are many deer in your area, this is perfect for a container with a bigger capacity. But if your land is small, go for a compact drum.
Portability
If you’re out in the wild without any assistance, we suggest that you pick a mobile model that you can quickly set up and carry around if needed.
If you’re choosing the heavier type, remember you’ll be carrying both the feeder and feed to the site. Things could become more tricky if there’s no truck or ATV for you to fill the container.
Though heavy-duty feeders are difficult for a single person to set up, animals (not necessarily deer) won’t easily knock them over, trampling on the feed as a result.
Durability
Make sure that you’re choosing a deer feeder that’s strong and durable in all-weather situations. If you’re hunting for just one season, you can choose a cheaper plastic model or a used one or even a simple homemade wooden or trash can option with a quick DIY project.
However, for those who want a long-lasting feeder, be ready to spend the extra cash buying one with a metal build that can withstand abuse from harsh weather conditions and other animals.
Feeder Type
Hanging Feeders
These types of deer feeders are cylindrical or pail-shaped and designed to hang from stands or tree branches. Hanging feeders aren’t prone to animal attacks because of their height from the ground.
You’ll find that they can handle all seeds and are easier to use than other feeders. However, it takes a little effort to install or maintain hanging deer feeders. It’s because you’ll first create or find the right support, meaning not every site is suitable for it
Gravity Deer Feeders
They’re great alternatives to the tripod and hanging feeders because they function by gravity, eliminating the need for a battery or spinning discs. Their construction allows the feed to fall to where the animal can quickly reach to eat.
Gravity feeders are inexpensive and easy to set up and use, but the issue is they need frequent refilling because of their small size.
Also, they’re prone to varmint attacks, and most can’t feed more than one deer at a time. In most cases, you’ll need to take additional security measures (ex: raccoon proof deer feeder legs) to keep the unwanted animals at bay.
Trough Feeders
If you’re planning to hunt only on weekends, or in a restricted environment where you don’t mind other animals coming around or where the biggest prey in the area would be a deer, you need trough feeders perhaps with a roof.
Tripod Feeders
The most significant advantage of these feeders is their vast size, making them ideal for areas with considerable traffic. Most tripod feeders have plenty of mechanical and electric parts, which is the reason they cost more than the other types.
Often heavy, coming with spinning bases and timers that scatter the feed on the ground. These electronic timers allow you to control the deer’s feeding pattern, preventing other animals from eating the feed before the deers arrives.
Camera Attachment Feeder
If you want to keep track of a specific hunting session then this is the type to opt for. It allows you to attach different cameras to the feeder to observe what’s happening and know the right time to dispense the food.
Spin Plate / Dispenser Type
You’ll find the spinner at the bottom of the game feeder and it dispenses the seeds in a 360-degree radius every time. An essential thing to look out for in spin plates is their covering range when spreading the feed.
Varmint Proof
It can be more challenging to keep out other animals like raccoons and varmints from your feed, which is the reason you need models with built-in protection.Units with Varmint proof have either spinner barrier or spikes on the tripod stands or mesh cover on the trough.
However, these protective mechanisms can only work if you’re not scattering your seeds on the ground.
Battery Requirements
If your feeder has a spinning plate, then you should be concerned about the battery life. Choose a model with a display that helps you to know the right time for replacing the battery. If you don’t want to disrupt the feeding pattern when changing the battery, select feeders with solar power options.
Lid Design
Some may not see this as necessary but you can’t truly predict the extent an animal could go to open the container. The lid should be able to completely shut off animals and moisture. The lid style differs from one manufacturer to the other but you should always opt for the one that guarantees ultimate feed security.
Warranty
The budget choices usually do not have warranties but most of the best deer feeders on the market offer a one-year warranty while some others provide a 90-day warranty period.
Brand
Below are the most reputable feeder brands to buy.
Moultrie
This is the brand to pick for your bucket, tripod, and gravity feeders. Though Moultrie products are mostly sophisticated, their material makeup is plastics, which can be prone to rodent attacks.
Boss Buck
Not only does this company deal with feeders but they also sell different parts like stands, spin plates, blinds, and more. You’ll appreciate their durable, lightweight, and versatile units. They allow you to switch between auto/self-feeding and gravity functions easily.
American Hunter
When looking for the most flexible feeding system, this manufacturer should always come to mind. This company’s major separating feature is the analog timers on most of their feeders.
Capsule Feeders
Capsule deer feeders offer the needed solution to most of the issues confronting the gravity and tripod feeders.
Their products are virtually indestructible to animals as the durable varmint cage does an excellent job of protecting your feed. Each of their feeders features a patented capsule design – there’s no need to worry about animals pulling down the stand to steal your food.
Do You Really Need a Deer Feeder?
Deer feeders are used by deer hunters, deer managers, animal lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts alike. If you belong to any category of these people, you will need one for your backyard to see these animals up close or as part of your deer management project or to bring the herd within your gun range.
Some feeders come with game cameras for hunters and land managers to identify specific deer in a key area. There are actually different kinds of feeders, the most common ones being broadcast feeders and gravity feeders.
You can do without a feeder by throwing 600 pounds of corn in a good spot and then wait for the animals. But that won’t work because the feed will decompose fast, especially in hot and humid weather. Only a feeder can help you keep the feed dry and safe from moisture.
Pick the right type, place it on the right spot, and see what difference these devices could make in your hunting or deer management strategy.
FAQs
1. What kind of feed should I use?
Ans. You can either use corn or pellet seeds, but you better try blended feed formulation if you’re frequently feeding a large herd of deer. We recommend you use only swell resistant pellets for the smooth working of your feeder.
2. What are ethical feeding practices?
Ans. Make sure you keep to these standards to get the desired results.
- Use only deer specific foods for better nutrition.
- Corn often attracts deer, but could also be harmful if the content is too much.
- Place your feeder at a location where the game would only make occasional visits. Note that diseases could spread if deer crowd for a long period at the feeder.
3. How many times a day should I feed?
Ans. We recommend feeding twice daily; this is because the entire hunting periods are mostly at dawn and dusk. If there are turkey or coons or feral hogs or even cows taking a bite out of the feed, you have to make sure no critters are able to come close to the feeder. However, the best deer feeders on the market will probably have a timer installed to maintain the feeding time.
4. How much land can a feeder cover? How many feeders do I need?
Ans. A single feeder can cover 100 acres of land, but you’ll still consider the expected number of deer in the site. You could place one feeder for every 25 deer. Yet, it’s preferable to have fewer feeders per area to leave more space for the animals to feed with comfort.
5. How much food should I feed at a time?
Ans. Always strike a balance between your feed quantity and animal population. Your feed shouldn’t form a significant part of their diet; stick to a routine that’ll keep them from depending on your food supply.
6. Should I add a mineral block in the same area as my feeder?
Ans. Most hunters believe that a mineral block could contribute to the spread of diseases though they’re good at attracting deer. However, you can discontinue its use if you spot a sick animal in the herd.
7. Is the varmint guard prestigious?
Ans. Any other animal will assume ownership of the feeder and would want to break in or pull it down to take the food. So, having additional proof – even if you go for a custom choice – would prevent the intruders from usurping the deer’s meal.
8. Does the feed in the feeder become rancid if it sits for too long?
Ans. Only quality feeders from the reputed manufacturers can keep your food fresh and safe for a long time. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations if you’re using pellets, but most natural feeds like corn could remain dry for months. However, keep your feeder clean and check for molds before refilling.
9. Are generic batteries Ok to use?
Ans. Yes. The only reason we won’t recommend a generic battery is if you’re using a model that consumes much power. But you don’t have a problem since most electric models we’ve listed use little power a day.
10. Is there a guarantee that feeders will attract deer?
Ans. There’s no guarantee that these animals will always come to the feeding ground just like when you’ll use a deer call.
However, you can play your part by paying attention to the type of deer in the area, the quality of food, and the kind of feeder to use. If the animals don’t like the food you’re serving, they’ll stay away from your feeder.
11. Can old food harm the deer?
Ans. Yes, it causes constipation and other reproductive problems. Always check your feeder to replace old or moldy food.
12. Should I prefer an electric model?
Ans. Electric feeders are the best option when you don’t consider making frequent trips to the station. This situation happens if the area isn’t on your land nor easily accessible. You can set these battery-powered feeders and leave it to spin cast for a long time.
13. What is Acidosis?
Ans. Deer or elk that eat a large number of carbohydrates will likely have Acidosis. This is a life-threatening disease, and the only prevention is offering a balanced feed to the animals.
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