Deer hunting feeders can be automatic (dispense deer protein food or corn at certain times of the day), gravity fed (e.g. Stump feeders), hanging from a tree or tripod or simple DIY homemade deer feeders made from PVC, etc.
Automatic Deer Feeders
Automatic deer feeders consist of a barrel that holds the feed (e.g. deer protein, corn). This feed is then funnelled into a seperate feeding bin (at certain times of the day), then a spinning plate spreads the feed. This ensures clog free, reliable operation.
Automatic deer feeders are very well constructed, include batteries to power the feeder motor and can be setup with a solar panel to provide battery charging for extra reliability.
Automatic feeders can be programmed to disperse feed at sunrise and sunset, and also the amount of feed. Obviously, you get what you pay for. Automatic deer feeders are the ultimate in attracting deer and keeping them in your area.
Gravity Fed Deer Feeders
Gravity fed deer feeders look like an old stump, and typically hold from 50-100lb of feed (fed from the top), with a small opening at the bottom to allow the feed to trickle out.
Gravity deer feeders are cheap, so you could setup several in your hunting area to keep deer coming back. They also blend into the environment, looking more natural.
Using gravity deer feeders in areas where hogs and bears are prolific is not a good idea. Why? Because such animals can easily destroy such feeders, thus eating all the feed in just hours.
Hanging Deer Feeders
Hanging deer feeders are those hung from trees or a tripod. The advantage is clear. Such feeders are off the ground and away from unwanted animals, and moving the feeder is easy.
Loading your hanging deer feeder might prove difficult if on your own. Some models have stairs and a standing platform to make loading feed easier. Again, you get what you pay for.
How To Make Deer Feeders (Home Made Deer Feeders)
Building your own deer feeder? You should check out the many deer feeder plans available on the Internet. Do a google search for deer feeder plans.
