Deer feeders, which are legal in many states, can be a huge benefit to hunters. The concept of the deer feeder is not dissimilar to looking for a deer’s natural food sources and hunting in those locations. The main difference is that the deer feeder can be placed on your land, or land that you are allowed to hunt on and put a feeder. It doesn’t mean that you will be hunting the deer while they are at the feeder, but that you will be able to draw in deer to the location. It works similarly to other types of bait.
Deer feeders can mean the difference between knowing where the deer are and having a successful hunt and not having meat for your freezer after deer season. They can be a huge benefit, but when you start to look at the various options for deer feeders, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Naturally, you want to have one of the best deer feeders for the job. To make things easier for you, we’ve gathered seven of the best deer feeders on the market today.
Below, you will find information about each of the feeders, as well as information on why you would want to use one, where you should put it, when you should put it out, and more.
Our Top Deer Feeder Picks: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
Moultrie Pro Magnum Hanging Deer Feeder
This is a large hanging feeder that can be a great option to consider for those looking for a durable and easy to use option. This can contain up to 200 lbs. of feed, and it features all-metal housing, barrel, spin plate, and varmint guard. The varmint guard is very important since you aim to feed deer and not all of the other animals in the forest.
One of the other nice features of this feeder is the digital timer. You will be able to program the digital timer for up to six feed times a day, between one and 20 seconds each. This is one of the best options for those who do not want to have a gravity feeder. A battery powers the timer. It will require one 6V battery, and two in the dual battery compartment for extended life in the field. Because it doesn’t use much power, you will find that the battery can last for quite a long time. The feeder has a built-in feed estimator, as well as a battery indicator and external power port. In addition, you can even choose to use solar panel connectors, which are sold separately.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Features a digital timer to pinpoint the exact time of feedings
- Words with many different types of feed
Cons
- It may be too large for many people
Wildgame Innovations Tripod Deer Feeder
This tripod deer feeder is large and is easy to use. The company claims that you should be able to get the feeder set up and operational in about 15 minutes. The feeder has a plastic exterior and a steel spin plate that is durable and meant to last. There are four available feed times that you can set up using the digital timer. The feeding times last for 5, 10, 15, or 20 seconds depending on which you choose.
The feeder is only about 37lbs., which means it should be easy to move to the area you need on your property. Once you have it in place, you will then be able to add up to 225 pounds of feed to the unit. The feeder requires a 6V battery to operate. As with other feeders on the list that have digital timers, you will find that it does not take much battery power.
This is one of the best and most affordable options for those who are looking for a quality deer feeder. From the ease of setup and use, to the high-capacity, this can make a great option for those who want to attract deer to their property.
Pros
- The feeder can take corn or protein pellets
- Durable and resistant to the weather
- It is easy to set and get started
Cons
- Some people may not like the plastic barrel
Moultrie Feed Station
For those who might be looking for a smaller feeding station than the options above, this Moultrie feed station could be a good option. It’s a gravity feeder, and it is made from UV resistant plastic. This means that it should not have any trouble when it comes to holding up in the outdoors. The feeder can hold 40 pounds of feed. You can simply attach it to a tree or a post, which makes mounting easy. Also, because the feeder is gravity fed, it means that you do not have to worry about programming or timers. As the deer come to eat out of the feeder, more of the feed will be released.
One of the best features of the feeder is the size. It is relatively small, which means that it should be able to work in just about any location that you choose. As long as you have a sturdy location, this is one of the best gravity feeder options.
Pros
- It can work with many types of feed including corn, powder, pellets, and mixtures
- It is one of the best, simplest feeders you will find
- The feeder is very cost-effective.
Cons
- It doesn’t have a way to keep out other animals that might want to get into the feed
Boss Buck All-In Series
There are many benefits to using this choice to feed deer. The unique hopper design is maintenance-free, which makes them one of the very best deer feeders you will find. The gravity feeder has a capacity of 200lbs and can feed protein in the spring and the summer. During the fall and the winter, it can be converted into an automatic feeding system. The feeder ports are 34” from the ground.
The 3-way inner sleeve allows users to control the flow of feed of many different shapes and sizes. This means that it should be easy for you to find different types of feed that work well for different times of the year and use them with the same feed system. You can push it up to shut off the flow or move it until you get just the right amount of flow for the feed you are using.
The unit has double-walled hatch lid tops that are functional and stylish, which let the hopper system breathe. This helps to eliminate condensation in the feeder and allows it to achieve ambient temperature faster than other materials, such as steel.
This is one of the best feed options on the market today because of the versatility and ease of use. The feeders can work well in most locations, and they do very well in an area where it’s hard to reach except on foot or with the use of an ATV.
Pros
- Offers a large feeding capacity and ease of use
- High-quality construction and design of the hopper
- Made from durable roto-molded plastic
Cons
- Some users have had trouble with deer breaking off the feed catch lip
Moultrie Pro Magnum Tripod Deer Feeder
This is a tripod feeder that offers digital timer programs that will make it possible for you to program to feed up to six times per day. The feed sessions can last between one and 20 seconds based on your preferences. The large capacity feeder can hold around 200lbs of feed for deer, making it one of the best options you can find.
Similar to the hanging deer feeder from Moultrie, this requires a 6V battery to operate, or you can add the two 6V batteries for an extended field life. There is also a built-in battery indicator. This will easily let you know when you need to add a new battery. Since you can store about four months of feed in the deer feeder, it’s nice to have extended life on the batteries.
The feed kit is highly durable, as it is made with an all-metal housing and all-metal parts. It also features a metal varmint guard and funnel. The product has a lifetime warranty, as well.
Pros
- Large capacity feeder
- Easy to set up and use, including the timer
- The varmint guard helps protect from raccoons, squirrels, and other animals that might try to get the feed
Cons
- A few users have had trouble with the feeders clogging with feed
Moultrie Tripod Feeder – Deer Feeder Standard
This large, tripod deer feeder stands 5.5” high and has a capacity of 30 gallons, which can hold around 200lbs. of feed for the deer. It is easy to set up and to keep in place thanks to the quick-lock technology. You do not even need to have any tools to assemble the unit. It features a metal spin plate, and it includes the 4 AAA batteries that are needed for operation. This option also allows for the use of lithium batteries, which can increase the overall battery life. The external power port will also accept a 6V deluxe solar panel or a feeder power panel.
The digital timer programs allow you to program up to four feed times per day. You can choose the duration of the feed times from between one and 20 seconds, depending on which you believe is best and what is needed. It also feeders a feed level estimator, which will make it easier for you to know when you should fill the hopper with feed.
In addition to the standard, there are other options available, including the Elite, Pro, and Unlimited. Those who are looking for the best deer feeders will find that this option and others from this brand can work very well to attract deer.
Pros
- You won’t need any tools to get this set up and running.
- It has a durable construction
- The batteries are easy to replace when needed
Cons
- Does not feature a built-in varmint guard or a battery indicator
Banks Outdoors Feed Bank Gravity Feeder
This feeder from Banks Outdoors has the largest capacity of the options on the list. It can hold 300lbs of feed for deer. It is raccoon-proof, so you don’t have to worry about them stealing the feed from the deer. You can opt to feed corn or protein with the feeder depending on what works well for you. Because there is a single post, you will not have to worry about antlers interfering with the unit or damaging the growth of antlers.
The container has a large and watertight lid that ensures the feed is kept fresh. Also, the large lid makes it easy to fill with feed. There are adjustable feeding ports so that you can control the flow of feed. There are four feeding ports on the feeder.
It is one of the best gravity feeder options available, as it will require virtually no maintenance. You will not have to worry about setting times either. Once you fill up the hopper, the gravity feeder will take care of the rest of the work. Since there are no mechanical parts, you will not have to worry about it breaking down either.
Pros
- Simple to use and maintain
- A huge capacity for feed
- Durable polyethylene is UV-stabilized and will not break down
Cons
- Requires an 8’ 4×4 for mounting
What You Should Consider with Your Feeder
As you can see from the options above, there are many types of feeders on the market today. They are from different brands, and they work differently from one another. The two basic types of feeders are gravity and programmable. This is one of the first decisions that you will have to make. You will find that the gravity feeders will generally require less maintenance, although many of the new-quality programmable feeders can work very well with little worry. Ultimately, it’s a matter of how you want to feed and your budget. Just choose the best one you can.
It is also important that you consider the capacity of the feeder. If you have a property where you know – or hope – there will be a large number of deer, you will likely want to have a large capacity feeder. In addition to the capacity, you will want to check the types of feed that can be used. You want to be sure that it will be feed that you believe deer in your area will want to have, and that will be healthy for them. Keep in mind that you don’t always want to feed corn exclusively, as it’s not as healthy for the deer as other options you could provide.
You will want to make sure that you are choosing the best gravity feeder or programmable feeder on a timer for your needs. Consider all of their features, including their durability, material, capacity, the type of feeder, and ease of use.
Why Should You Use a Deer Feeder?
Using a deer feeder can provide many benefits. It helps to make sure that the deer have a quality food source in the area, which can help to keep them larger and healthier. This is something the deer will appreciate and something your dinner table will appreciate later.
If you have a large piece of property, a deer feeder is a great way to entice them onto your property. Keep in mind that most states will not allow feeding on public property, but they will allow the feed to be used on private property – although some might only allow it out of season. If you have space, it can be much easier to draw the deer to you than go to them.
Using a deer feeder can also help you to learn more about the population of deer in the area. Over the years, you will be able to watch as the population changes, and it can provide you with more insight into the ecosystem in your area. It can also allow you to observe the behavior of the deer while they feed.
Where Should I Put My Deer Feeder?
It is very important to find the best spot for your feeder, but this can sometimes be difficult. What you want to do is look at the land and the areas where deer are most likely to visit. You will also want to make sure that you are not putting the feeder out into the open, such as a field. This is because deer will often avoid these feeders, as they might not feel comfortable. Instead, you should look for an area that can provide them with cover, and that can provide them with more of a feeling of safety. Just a short distance into the woods can work well.
Keep in mind that the deer might not take to your feeder right away. They tend to be skittish, and it might take them a month or more before they approach the feeder and start feeding. Give it some time before you give up on a location and move the feeder.
What Time Should I Set My Deer Feeder?
When you opt for a timer feeder that you can program, you want to make sure that you are feeding at the right times. Typically, this means you want to have it set to go off and feed around an hour or so after first light and again about an hour to two hours before dark. If you notice that deer in your area move and feed at other times of the day, as well, you might want to add another feeding time during the day. Find the number of times a day that works best.
With a gravity deer feeder, you don’t have to worry about this, since gravity will take care of the work for you.
What If You Aren’t a Hunter?
Perhaps you aren’t a hunter, you simply want to look at wildlife and maybe take some photos. You can still use feeders, which can help to attract deer. Whether it’s a hanging deer feeder, a tripod, or one mounted to a post or a tree, they will start to attract wildlife. It’s a great opportunity to observe and take photos.
The best hanging deer feeder, tripod gravity deer feeder, and other feeders can provide you with a lot of entertainment.
How to Take Care of the Feeder
Most of the feeders are very easy to take care of once you have them set up and running. However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t check on them from time to time. You will want to make sure that they are not getting clogged, that the timer is working, and that the mechanical parts are all continuing to work properly. Gravity feeders tend to be easier to maintain, but there is a chance for them to get clogged on occasion.
It is important that you check on batteries for the programmable feeders, and that you check on the amount of feed that you have in the feeder. While these tend to be stable, some of the options on tripods could be knocked over by deer, or other animals, such as a bear that might be trying to get to the feed. Check on them occasionally to make sure they are in good working order. Overall, though, the maintenance tends to be minimal.
Find Your Feeder Today
As you can see, there are some great reasons to start using deer feeders. They can make a big difference for hunters, but they can also be a nice option for those who might want to bring in the deer to photograph them and to ensure that they have food during harsh times. There are some great feeder options available that should work well for just about any setup or need that you might have. Go through the list and find the solutions that are going to work the best for you.