The Best Deer Feeder to Bring Them to You [2020 Updated List]
You’d think that the best deer feeder is one that simply brings the deer in for feeding. Surprisingly, there are various feeders available on the market that seem to offer features and benefits unique to particular uses. So, whether you’re a hunter looking to lure the deer in, or you’re a landowner drawing up a vital deer management plan, chances are you’re wondering which is the best deer feeder for you.
To entry-level hunters and animal enthusiasts alike, feeding deer seems innocent enough. However, state legislators are increasingly passing laws to restrict or prohibit the use of deer feeders.
In fact, as one Merril man found out, fines over $15,000 and even the possibility of jail time could be on the horizon for those not complying with state wildlife laws.
So, when it comes to the best deer feeder options, doing the right research is critical.
Contents
Comparison Table
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Product |
Information |
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| Texas Hunter Stand & Fill | Info |
| American Hunter Feeder Max Digital | Info |
| Banks Outdoors Feed Bank | Info |
| Redneck Outdoors | Info |
| Moultrie Feed Station | Info |
| Moultrie Pro Magnum | Info |
What Is a Deer Feeder?
In essence, a deer feeder is a tool which supplies feed to deer or wildlife. Traditionally, the most common feed choice is corn mixture, which is cheap and readily available. While this is simple enough, they also have different applications depending on the purpose.Hunters often look for the best deer feeder to bait or lure game on their hunting properties. Hunters can lure deer in with feed over extended periods, which attracts more herds and large bucks for hunting.However, they aren’t only for hunting. Commonly, deer managers, states, and landowners implement supplemental feeding programs to keep deer healthy in the harsher Winter months.Essentially, these programs use the best deer feeder options to supplement vital nutrients that may be missing from a deer’s diet at certain times of the year.
Is It Illegal to Feed Deer?
In essence, a deer feeder is a tool which supplies feed to deer or wildlife. Traditionally, the most common feed choice is corn mixture, which is cheap and readily available. While this is simple enough, they also have different applications depending on the purpose.
Hunters often look for the best deer feeder to bait or lure game on their hunting properties. Hunters can lure deer in with feed over extended periods, which attracts more herds and large bucks for hunting.
However, they aren’t only for hunting. Commonly, deer managers, states, and landowners implement supplemental feeding programs to keep deer healthy in the harsher Winter months.
Essentially, these programs use the best deer feeder options to supplement vital nutrients that may be missing from a deer’s diet at certain times of the year.
Chronic Wasting Disease
The risk of chronic wasting disease is an influential factor in shaping deer feeding legislation. This is a disease that is active in all deer species and causes rapid brain degeneration and weight loss.
While the disease spreads from deer to deer by direct contact, it can also spread by contact with contaminated surfaces or materials.
Therefore, deer feeders can expose uninfected herds to the terrible disease through sharing the feed with infected deer.
How we reviewed the best deer feeder options
In order to create our list of the best deer feeder options, we utilized professional research, comparing customer reviews and product specifications and features. We considered factors including price, capacity, ease of use, timing and feeding features, as well as mounting methods.
We compared the available market options and determined crucial pros and cons for each to help you find the best deer feeder for you.
All of the best deer feeder options are available for purchase on Amazon.
The best deer feeder choices to keep deer coming
So, you’ve checked your local state and county legislation, and you’re ready to start baiting deer?
Let’s dive straight into our list of the best deer feeder choices to keep the deer coming.
TEXAS HUNTER STAND AND FILL
To kick off our list of the best deer feeder selections, we considered the Texas Hunter Stand and Fill feeder. This product features a raised four-leg design and a 300-pound capacity.
This feeder is made from galvanized steel and includes a spinner plate, inbuilt 12-volt timer, and easy to read feed level.
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AMERICAN HUNTER FEEDER MAX DIGITAL
The American Hunter Feeder Max digital spin feeder is another excellent option for hunters looking for a feed-casting system. Unlike traditional hopper and funnel feeders, this system allows hunters to cast seed in the surrounding vicinity. It features a bowl-shaped feeder design and includes a digital timer which can throw feed up to eight times per day.
This is an excellent option for hunters who are looking for a simple and cost-effective solution that brings in deer. Customers mention that it is easy to install, has all the settings needed, and works as intended. It has settings for feed rate, distance, and frequency.
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BANKS OUTDOORS FEED BANK
The Banks Outdoors Feed Bank is a high-quality gravity feeder which hunters and deer managers can mount on posts or trees.
It has a 40-pound feed capacity, adjustable feeding ports, and is very easy to use as it has no mechanical or electronic parts like other feeders.
If you’re looking for a no-frills approach to creating a deer management plan, then using a single or multiple Feed Banks is an efficient solution.
The single-post mounting style also doesn’t affect or disturb antler growth, which is a common concern for many wildlife enthusiasts when looking for the best deer feeder.
Customers also tend to love this design because it doesn’t require any batteries or solar panel installations. As a result, it’s easy to install and maintain.
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REDNECK OUTDOORS
Another great bar-mounted deer feeder option is the Redneck Outdoors T-post feeder. This design is very similar to the Banks Outdoors variant; however, it features a single feeder chute with a larger, 80-pound capacity.
It is also constructed using high-quality all-weather polyethylene material.
Customers who want a high-capacity bar-mounted gravity feeder typically consider this the best deer feeder for their needs. They mention that due to its versatile t-post mount, hunters can easily position the feeder at an adequate height to prevent raccoons and squirrels.
The design is also easy to fill and install, and can even be fixed using a quick ratchet strap.
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MOULTRIE FEED STATION
When it comes to wildlife accessories, Moultrie is one of the best deer feeder manufacturers operating in the market.
Moultrie’s Feed Station is another bar-mounted option that’s very popular due to durability and cost-effectiveness.
This one is a direct competitor to the gravity feeder offered by Banks Outdoors, offering a similar 40-pound capacity, but with a single-chute feeder.
Customer’s looking for the feeder that works without the bells and whistles tend to love the Feed Station.
This one is easy to set up, and hunters can mount it to any bar, fence or pole. Many customers have noted that this feeder lasts much longer than other metal variants.
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MOULTRIE PRO MAGNUM HANGING DEER FEEDER
Moultrie produce many variants which cater to the needs of many hunters and wildlife enthusiasts.
The Pro Magnum is an excellent choice for a hanging deer feeder with a full-metal housing and durable spin plate and varmint guard.
Hunters who purchased the Pro Magnum hanging feeder are happy with the versatility of the hanging mount system, which works with both wire and rope. The large 30-gallon capacity also means hunters won’t have to keep refilling it as often.
In terms of battery and connectivity, the Pro Magnum also includes all ports and systems to set up appropriate timing schedules and attach solar panels.
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More than Just Baiting Deer: Using the Best Deer Feeders Responsibly
When it comes to choosing the best deer feeder for your needs, hunters will need to consider the terrain, local legislation, and the goal for feeding. While it might be easy just to set up a feeder and watch the deer come flocking, hunters must be responsible for their baiting.
All hunters know that nature calls the shots. Influencing natural feeding patterns should always be done responsibly. Make sure to keep the best interests of both the deer and future herds in mind.
What have your experiences been with deer feeders? Do you have any other recommendations for the best deer feeder? Let us know in the comments below.
My articles appear in Marketing Edge Magazine, on Gizmogrind, and with various Medium publications. But one thing hasn’t changed in all of my life: no matter where I was or what I was doing. I’ve always loved to be outdoors.
A man needs nothing more than a good flannel shirt, a well-worn pair of jeans, and comfortable hiking boots. I don’t go for all the fancy luxury stuff. Suits are uncomfortable and shaving sucks.