These are the 12 best deer feeder reviews.
You can put these game feeders out for weeks, use corn or protein to attract some whitetails.
I'm an avid hunter who has researched a bunch of different brands to help you find the top automatic deer feeder.
And I found Moultrie 30 Gallon Spin Cast Deer Feeder Tripod is the best overall on the market.
Every feeder has its pros and cons, so I picked top brands from different categories, from basic to professional.
Now let dive into it:
Best Deer Feeders On the Market:
12 Best Deer Feeder Reviews
Best Gravity Deer Feeder
Products | Capacity |
---|---|
Moultrie Feed Station | Gravity Feeder | 40 lbs |
Redneck Outdoors T-Post Gravity Feeder | 80 lbs |
Boss Buck Gravity Feeder | 350 lbs |
Banks Outdoors Gravity and Game Hunting Feeders | 300 lbs |
Moultrie Feed Station Gravity Feeder
The Moultrie gravity deer feeder is by far one of the top rated deer feeders we have come across.
It’s excellent, and it does a fantastic job of feeding your wild babies!
We liked this gravity feeder because it’s easy to use, even if it is your first time.
What we like:
It’s lightweight and has no moving parts to confuse you, and it comes with a timer and a battery for the ultimate convenience!
To use it, you need to mount it to a tree - which is a breeze.
What’s more, it has an adjustable strap so you can use it on any tree, whatever floats your boat. It’s easy to assemble, as well, but the parts are a little flimsy.
You can also screw this gravity feeder to a T-post if that seems like a better option.
All in all, this is a basic, affordable, low-priced option for beginners in the deer-feeding world.
What we don’t like:
What we didn’t like very much is the lid because raccoons can get it, so you will need to use the bungee cords included to secure it.
Squirrels can also ruin the lid! And it is not great, so it sometimes doesn’t fit.
That means that the feed can get soaked and make the feed inaccessible to deer, so you should contemplate adding a carport.
Besides that, it’s a pretty small capacity which is only suitable for basic setup.
Pros:
Cons:
Rednek Redneck Outdoors T-Post Gravity Feeder
If you are looking for a long-term feeder for your deer, this is perhaps the best option for you.
The Rednek gravity feeder is made of a rather heavy-duty material called polyethylene.
That makes the gravity feeder able to withstand all kinds of weather, even the most challenging conditions.
Furthermore, this feeder has a medium capacity of 80 lbs, so you can easily feed your deer for a few days without refills.
What we like:
We liked how easy it is to remove the cover to fill the feeder up with feed.
Moreover, the feeder is easy to mount to a tree using the top and bottom straps. Unfortunately, the straps are not included in the package.
Another way to mount this gravity feeder is to a T-post, which is also rather convenient.
What we don’t like:
What we don’t like about this feeder is that the T-post is not included in the package when you purchase the feeder, and it should have been.
Besides that, a squirrel can chew on the top lid.
Meaning, squirrels can leave a hole in the lid, exposing the feed to the elements, soaking the corn or other feed.
Pros:
Cons:
Boss Buck Gravity Feeder
Some people are looking to feed their deer a protein mix for various reasons, one of them being the healthiest option.
So, for those of us, we have found the Boss Buck Gravity Feeder.
What we like:
This is a gravity feeder, and the first thing that comes to mind when we’re talking about this feeder is how easy it is to install.
The whole setup doesn’t take more than a few minutes, and this educational video can help you with that!
Moreover, the feeder is very user-friendly, so even if this is your first deer feeder, you will have no issues figuring it out.
This versatile feeder also has a huge capacity (350 lbs) for the feed, so you don’t have to refill all the time. However, you cannot prevent squirrels and raccoons without a varmint funnel.
Furthermore, it’s easy to transfer from gravity to an auto protein deer feeder.
Another great thing about this made-in-the-USA feeder is the custom design with:
It comes with round and galvanized legs, and you should put feet on them to prevent them from getting dirty.
What we don’t like:
What we didn’t like is that the legs aren’t very stable, and there is no option to make the legs infinite.
Besides that, you can not prevent squirrels without installing varmint funnel, like this one:
Pros:
Cons:
Banks Outdoors Gravity Fed Deer and Game Hunting Feeders
Some of us are looking for a gravity feeder, but not for deer exclusively, but other game types. For them, the Banks Outdoors has the perfect option for a feeder!
What we like:
The most important thing about this feeder is its huge capacity (300 lbs), so you don’t have to go to the feeder all the time.
Another great point is the damage-free rack, so you don’t have to worry whether the visiting deer will damage the feeder with their antlers.
What we liked is the extensive manual that explains in detail:
Do note that you need to set up 4.5’+ to prevent the hog.
There are no moving parts in this installment, so you don’t have to worry about hardware failure.
Generally speaking, this feeder is good value for money.
It’s made of heavy-duty plastic, so it’s built to last you a good while, and it responds well to all kinds of weather.
What we don’t like:
However, there are two latches, and they aren’t too good at withstanding wind.
Besides that, do note that you might need to add a sleeve to prevent coon.
Pros:
Cons:
Best Hanging Deer Feeders:
Products | Capacity | Feeding times | Feeding length |
---|---|---|---|
Moultrie All-in-One Hanging Deer Feeder | 5 gal (40 lbs) | 4 times/ day | 1 - 20 seconds |
American Hunter Digital Hanging Feeder | 5 gal (40 lbs) | 16 times/day | 1 - 30 seconds |
Wildgame Innovations Pail Feeder | 6.5 gal (50 lbs) | 2 times/ day | 1 - 20 seconds |
Moultrie All-In-One 5-Gallon Hanging Deer Feeder
Sometimes, you are looking for a hanging feeder that does it all. But, the truth is, nobody wants a deer feeder that is a hassle but having one that makes life easier is just the best!
Moultrie recognized that, and thus they created this all-in-one 5-gallon hanging feeder. The first thing we noticed is how portable it is.
What we like:
It’s super lightweight so that anyone can carry it, and it’s super simple to hang the feeder on a tree if that is what you want.
The feeder comes almost pre-assembled, so the whole setup shouldn’t take over 10 minutes.
That is why this feeder comes with solar panel connectors for a panel that charges the battery, making your work the easiest it could be!
However, the solar panel is not included in the package.
The feeder is made of a heavy-duty material so it ought to last you a long, long time - something we liked very much.
It even has a wind-resistant metal spin plate and a built-in funnel to prevent clogs.
It even has a digital timer with various programs:
Do note that the top lid can be a bit difficult to open.
What we don’t like:
Changing the battery, especially with hanging feeders, can be a pain because the battery can be hard to access.
Pros:
Cons:
American Hunter 5-Galon Digital Hanging Bucket Feeder
What we like:
When we’re talking about the American Hunter digital feeder, the first thing that comes to mind is the long battery.
The battery holds up to 4 fantastic months and all that with 4 AA batteries! Great, right?
The manufacturer and we recommend that you use standard corn when using the American Hunter feeder.
That will prevent occasional clogs, which can happen if you don’t clean the feeder often enough.
This digital feeder is great so that you can save your bait costs.
The setup is pretty easy - you can do it in under 10 minutes. In addition, the digital options are very user-friendly, so it’s simple to set up the feeding times, the duration, and so on.
You can set how many times a day the deer are getting feed and the time.
However, you cannot set the days of the week, and we certainly didn’t like that because that feature would have made it even better.
What we don’t like:
What we don’t like is that you cannot prevent squirrels from getting in.
We recommend that you cut a piece of plywood and place it on top to cover it and prevent the squirrels from getting in!
Pros:
Cons:
Wildgame Innovation Pail Feeder
Let’s face it, some of the feeders don’t offer the least bit of security from critters and their mouths.
That is why we fell in love with the Wildgame Innovation Pail feeder - because it offers so much for your deer.
What we like:
With the galvanized steel spinner plate, you can feed up to 30 deer - and isn’t that amazing?
If you decide to hang the feeder at 9+ feet, you will be sure that most bears and squirrels cannot get into it!
The pail design is super simple and easy to use, so it’s completely user-friendly, and the setup will take no more than 5 minutes!
The pail feeder is super lightweight and portable, so you can easily hang it and transport it manually to your hunting spot.
What we don’t like:
Do note that the instruction manual is not very clear and easy to understand, though.
The Real Tree Extra camo makes the bucket less visible to other animals, but the quality of the bucket is a little flimsy.
The motor can fail from time to time, so keep that in mind if you are serious about buying this feeder!
Pros:
Cons:
Best Tripod Deer Feeder
Products | Capacity | Feeding times | Feeding length |
---|---|---|---|
American Hunter 225 Lb Tripod Feeder | 225 lbs | 1-16 times | 1 - 30 seconds |
Moultrie 30 Gallon Spin Cast Deer Feeder Tripod | 200 lbs | 6 times | 1 - 20 seconds |
Wildgame Innovations Tri-Pod Deer Feeder | 225 lbs | 4 times | 5 - 20 seconds |
American Hunter 225-lb Tripod Feeder with Digital R-Kit Pro & Varmint Buster
Tripod feeders are convenient for many reasons, and many hunters do prefer these.
They are easy to move and transport, so if you decide that another spot will work better, you can always move it without breaking a sweat!
So, the American Hunter company created this versatile tripod feeder.
What we like:
It comes with adjustable 8-feet long legs, which you can prolong to get a wider broadcasting range or lower. So you can use it as a ground feeder! Isn’t that great?
It also comes with a locking lid mechanism to keep moisture out of the feed and make sure the deer get a premium quality meal.
Since it locks, you can be sure that other animals won’t get into it, but it’s still made of plastic, so it’s not entirely squirrel-free.
The feeder comes with a built-in varmint guard to protect the feed from critters.
It is relatively simple to set up and use, and it comes with a digital timer to manually set feeding time.
However, you might need to invest in a solar charger to make sure the battery is always full!
What we liked is that you can invest in accessories to the built-in wire plug, such as a remote control, solar panel, a varmint buster, and a LED light.
What we don’t like:
Also, the top lid can get dirt and water in it, so be careful when removing it, so you don’t get that water into the feed.
Besides that, it might be a pain if you fill up the deer feeder. You need to climb up a ladder which is quite risky.
Pros:
Cons:
Moultrie 30-Gallon Spin Cast Deer 200-lb Tripod Feeder
The Moultrie brand is undoubtedly in the Hall of Fame of electric deer feeders because of its top-quality parts. In addition, it comes with new technology making your life easier as a hunter!
What we like:
Anti Clog
First of all, it comes with backspin technology used for auto-fix jam. Of course, clogs can happen and can be a hassle to remove, but all that is a breeze with this technology!
Security
Security is important when it comes to feeding because you will need to protect the feed from other animals.
That is why this feeder comes with the quick-lock system in the kit, making it super simple to secure the lid, and the feeder is 5’5”.
To further ensure security, it comes with a varmint guard to keep out squirrels.
Dry lid
Moreover, the top lid doesn’t retain water, so you can be sure that your feed will be good and dry!
Additional attachment
What we liked is that the lid comes with 3 holes for screws so that you can install additional accessories, like a trail camera or a solar panel. However, do note that the battery is not included.
Also, the feeder kit enables you to add a remote control activator and a light hog.
There is an indicator to let you know how much feed you used, and the installment has locking legs.
The timer is easy to use, and the product is pretty easy to set up in 10 minutes or less, but the instructions for the panel are not great.
What we don’t like:
The top lid is plastic so squirrels can get in.
Pros:
Cons:
Wildgame Innovations Tripod Deer Feeders
The Wildgame Innovations brought something entirely new to the market. This best deer feeder they made is so durable and of such quality that you should consider this one for your woods!
What we like:
We noticed that this deer feeder has a big capacity (225 lbs) for feed. The deer are guaranteed to have enough food for months, so you’re all set for a while!
What we liked the most about this fantastic, robust feeder are the heavy-duty coated legs.
They have 12 pieces that enable you to adjust the height by removing sections. But removing those sections isn’t too easy.
Another important thing is that the legs aren’t too strong, so if you have wild hogs around, you’d better put up a fence.
The setup is relatively easy, and it takes no more than 15 minutes of your time. In addition, the housing of the feeder is weather-resistant, so you won’t experience any issues when it’s raining.
What we don’t like:
However, the feeder can sometimes clog - so make sure to use dry corn for your deer. Also, the lid isn’t too great, so you might need to use a bungee cord to close it tightly.
There is a digital timer, and the durable steel spinner plate makes this feeder a great buy.
However, we didn’t like that the timer only offered 4 fixed times to feed the animals. Not too flexible, right?
Pros:
Cons:
Best Ground Deer Feeders:
Products | Capacity | Feeding times | Feeding length |
---|---|---|---|
Capsule Feeders | 100 - 800 lbs | 6 times | N/A |
Texas Hunter Hide-a-way Stand And Fill Deer Feeder | 300 lbs | 9 times | 1 - 60 seconds |
Capsule Game Feeders
Stand and fill deer feeders are closer to the ground, and they offer some perks other types of feeders simply don’t.
Capsule Feeders recognized the need for this fantastic piece and created one of the best ground feeders on the market!
What we like:
So, what makes this feeder stand out is that it’s rather safe and easy to fill up when it’s running low. You can fill it without a worry about climbing failure of any sorts!
This feeder was designed to have a very low center profile.
That means this feeder is not that easy to be knocked over by a bear or a hog, which is the case with tripod feeders.
The Capsule feeder is the best bang for the buck out there, and it’s a great alternative to gravity and tripod feeders.
In addition, you can pick out a size from 100 to 800 lbs capacity, which is amazing.
It also comes with an integrated solar panel and a metal fill cap.
So you don’t have to worry about running out of battery or whether some animals found their way inside - it’s entirely varmint proof!
What we liked is that the feeder is made out of roto-molded plastic. That means it’s lightweight and very durable, so the installment ought to last you many, many years.
What we don’t like:
What we didn’t like is that the product requires an additional 22,5” or a 24” truck tire, which isn’t included in the package.
Besides that, it’s quite a high price, which is more suitable for professionals.
Pros:
Cons:
Texas Hunter Products Hide-A-Way Directional Wildlife Feeder
As we have already mentioned, ground feeders are the most convenient feeders of them all. However, sometimes you just want to buy one product and be done with it.
And there you have it - the Wildlife SF300 feeder by Texas Hunter Products! It’s a reliable and hidden deer feeder, and it should last you for many years.
What we don’t like:
This feeder is very easy to fill on the spot, and it’s not difficult whatsoever. The feeder is made out of galvanized steel, so it’s completely varmint-proof.
You don’t need to worry about bears, and better yet - squirrels and raccoons. Since this feeder comes with two lockable lid latches, no uninvited animal will be able to eat your feed!
We also liked that the SF300 comes with a powerful centrifugal air blower system with a wedge-shaped pattern.
The package includes 4 stakes, which make the feeder stable on the ground, and windproof.
The SF300 comes with a 5-year limited warranty, which is excellent. However, we should expect more, considering the sky-high price tag this feeder comes with.
What’s more, the feeder is easy to program, and you can even attach an additional solar system, meaning you don’t have to check the battery ever.
What we don’t like:
What we didn’t like, though, is that the feeder isn’t 100% waterproof - so the feed can sog, unfortunately.
Pros:
Cons:
Types Of Deer Corn Feeder
Gravity Feeders
You can fill the gravity deer feeders from the ground, so they are rather convenient as you don’t need a ladder or some steps.
They are made for pellets or kernel-type feeds like corn or protein mix. This type of deer feeder prevents all the moisture putting in the feed and keeps it dry for the deer.
Pros:
Cons:
Hanging Game Feeders
The hanging deer feeders are great for other reasons than gravity feeders. The hanging feeders are best for baiting the deer.
With a hanging deer feeder, you can bait the deer prior hunting season for a clear, ethical shot.
That is precisely the reason why the hunters opt for the hanging feeders.
Another reason is that these feeders are pretty simple to set up, and they usually come pre-assembled.
So, if you are looking for a place to lure the deer in, the best way to do that is with a hanging deer feeder!
Pros:
Cons:
Tripod Feeders
Tripod deer feeders are called this way because they have three legs they stand on. Meaning, these feeders take some time to be assembled.
However, they are super easy to install and take too much of your time.
Another great thing about them is that they can feed a lot of deer at the same time.
The fact that tripods are made of metal just makes them very durable, so tripods ought to last you a long time.
Pros:
Cons:
Ground Feeders
Ground deer feeders are perhaps the easiest to mount and set up - so the ground deer feeders are indeed hassle-free.
They don’t take a lot of time to set up, making them an excellent option for hunters in a time crunch.
The ground feeders are very convenient for the hunter, but they are not as efficient as other feeders.
Pros:
Cons:
What To Consider When Buying A Top Corn Feeders?
If you have no experience buying a deer feeder, you may be a little lost trying to figure out what you need. After all, there are so many things you need to consider before you buy it!
That is why we compiled a list of all the things you need to keep in mind. So, let’s get on it!
The Law Regulations
The number-one issue before you add a deer feeder to the cart is the law regulations in your area. Why so?
Believe it or not, baiting is illegal in many counties. In 2019, even 13 states across the US banned deer baiting.
Meaning, you can easily break the law if you decide to use a deer feeder to bait deer on your hunting trip.
What you will need to do before you opt for the purchase is ask the Conservation Officer in your area about baiting. Then, if it’s completely legal, you’re good to go!
Easy Installation
Like most things, you want to make sure that you’re buying something simply to install and operate.
Nobody wants to spend too much of their time setting up a deer feeder because it will take too much of their hunting time.
So, you will need to look for a feeder that will take no more than 15 minutes to set up.
Also, make sure that the feeder comes with clear instructions for the setup.
If there is no instruction manual or it’s not helpful, you will have a hard time installing the feeder!
Location
When you are considering a particular deer feeder, you need to keep in mind its weight. If your hunting spot is far away from the road, you will need to haul it manually.
Because of that, the deer feeder will need to be somewhat lightweight since you will need to carry it along with all your equipment.
If you can get to that spot with a vehicle, you can use a truck or an ATV to carry it, so it can even be a bit heavier.Weather Resistance
You will also need your feeder to be durable and weather resistant.
Deer feeders are exposed to all the elements and wild animals, meaning that poorly designed items will break down quickly.
You will need to look into solid, sturdy feeders that should last you at least 2 years before replacing them.
Otherwise, it’s just a waste of your money if you need to go out and buy a new one every couple of months!
Capacity
Capacity is just one of the things you need to keep in mind when buying the deer feeder.
You will need to look into larger models with a solid, large capacity to store the deer feed in.
A big enough feeder is necessary because you don’t want to fill up the feeder too often and go into the woods only to do just that.
All feeders have the capacity clearly stated in their specs, so make sure you look into it!
In my opinion, I prefer +200 lbs feeders to save me filling time.
Good Spin Plate
When we are talking about the spin plate, we talk about the materials the spin plate is made of.
So, you should look for steel plates because they are the most durable option.
Also, do note that other materials like plastic can be easier to clog, so looking for a steel base might be the most convenient and most durable option for you.
Battery
The battery is also something you need to look at.
First of all, looking at the right type of battery and how long it can last.
Some deer feeders come with batteries not included, so you will need to be careful picking out the battery for your feeder.
Another thing you should keep in mind is whether the battery can be charged via a solar charger.
That is more convenient because you won’t need to replace or charge the battery right there in the woods - it can charge for free with solar power!
Varmint Guard
Buying a deer feeder with a varmint guard is unnecessary, but that doesn’t make it any less important.
Various varmints can get in your feeder and eat the feed meant for deer you want to hunt.
Having a varmint guard means, in essence, that the feed will exclusively go to deer.
Top Rated Feeder Brands
That might make the deer feeder slightly more expensive, but some other brands can be just as good. These top brands are guaranteed to give you satisfaction and quality!
Warranty
Warranty is one of the things you need to look for when buying anything and everything. But, contrary to that, many people forget to look at the warranty and make the first mistake.
You don’t want to buy something only to find it has a 1-month warranty or that the company has a no-returns policy.
Whatever you buy, you may find that it doesn’t quite work for you - and it will be good to know you can send it back if it happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Well, many variables make this question near impossible to answer. You can set the feeder according to your liking, so it can throw as much or as little as you want it.
However, keep in mind that if you set the feeder too light, birds will get most of the feed, or the first deer that comes in will eat the whole thing, leaving nothing for the rest.
If the property has a fair amount of deer, you will need to feed them at least 5 lbs each day, but say 10 lbs would be a far better choice.
You can split that amount between morning and evening, or you can feed them all of it at once.
The very first thing you need to do is select a prime location where the deer often go through.
First, you should use corn in the feeder, and to do that, scatter a bag of corn around the feeder once you set it up.
Then, use the corn for a while to get the deer used to come to the feeder.
Then, add pellets gradually to the mix with corn until you finally start using pellets alone, without the corn, and voila!
Ideally speaking, it would be best to have a battery with a solar charger because it’s most convenient and costs less.
Also, you wouldn’t have to worry whether the battery still has juice or not.
If your battery doesn’t have the solar charger option, you should invest in a double battery. That way, you can replace the one running low and charge it at home at your convenience.
Well, if you opted for the hanging deer feeder, you did great! However, it might be confusing as to where you should hang it and how high.
The truth is, you can hang it anywhere where it seems convenient enough for the deer to come and feed themselves from it.
As for the height, you should aim to hang it above 9 ft, or other animals can get in the feeder and eat them all.
The best way to do that is to sprinkle pepper all over the ground around the feeder and in the nearby area because bears hate pepper.
Another thing you can do is use vinegar or ammonia in the area because the sensitive nose of the bears will make them avoid that area.
What you should do is get a grease gun and grease the legs of the feeder.
It is fairly easy to do, and it will keep away the raccoons and tree rats. They will be unable to climb the feeder and eat the deer treats.
Deer are day animals, meaning they are likely resting during the night and awake during daylight hours.
That means deer will eat during daylight hours, so you should set the deer feeder accordingly.
Our official recommendation is that you set the deer feeder 30 minutes before sunrise for the first meal.
For the second meal, set the deer feeder 1 hour before sunset to make sure your deer are looked after!
There are various options that all work great for the deer feeder. We have already said that you should attract the deer with corn.
Then, you can gradually start giving them the standard commercial pellets, along with corn or not.
Other things that work just great are soybeans, peanuts, and even protein mix. You can do all of those things or just one - they are all great nutrition.
So, find a place near bed and water because that is where their natural habitat is.
Look at the path they take and find a place that has enough space for the deer feeder - and set up the feeder and fill it up!
Bottom Line
Best deer feeder can save your bait cost with less filling effort and last for years.
If you don't have problems with squirrels, raccoons, or bears in your area, then Moultrie 30 Gallon Spin Cast Deer Feeder Tripod might be a good choice for you.