The 5 Best Deer Feeders You Can Buy Today

Hunting in America is more than just grabbing your weapon and heading out to the woods. Instead, it's highly regulated, with different rules and features across the 50 states.

The use of deer feeders is controversial, as are many issues associated with this wildlife species. Feeding and baiting deer is illegal in some states, such as Alaska, Colorado, and Illinois. However, Kansas, New Jersey and Utah are some of the states that allow feeding deer and bait.

The rationale for hand-fed deer is that it can serve as a supplemental food source for prey, especially in winter when access to natural food is reduced. Opponents, though, cite increased risk of disease transmission, human-caused population growth, declining deer ferality, and a potential increase in human-deer conflict as some of their reasons.

Check your state's established rules, no matter which divide you fall under.

If your area allows it and you decide to purchase one, there are different deer feeders available on the market, ranging from gravity feeders to high-volume electronic feeders.

But what's the best part? You don't have to find them yourself. Instead, we researched and found the best deer feeders you can buy today.

Best Overall: Moultrie Deer Feeder Elite II

best overall

The Moultrie Deer Feeder Elite II is our pick for the best overall deer feeder in its category. Not only does the Elite II feeder have many great features, but it's also very reasonably priced.

It is constructed of a durable heavy duty polymer hopper that can support up to 200 lbs of feed. Plus, its sturdy steel legs (5.5, 7, or 8 feet long) allow for a variety of height adjustments. What's more, it is powered by a rechargeable battery and has a battery indicator light.

The 24.25 x 18.5 x 25 Moultrie Deer Feeder also comes with the Pro II Hunter Feeder Kit, feed level estimator, metal swivel plate, ABS plastic housing and external power port.

The programmable timer on the Pro Hunter II can schedule up to ten feeding cycles per day, each lasting from 1 to 60 seconds. Feed will be automatically dispensed from the feeder kit at your preset time and amount.

Plus, plastic feeders won't rust like metal. However, it is not bioresistant.

One user has had the feeder for over a year and has had no issues. He uses coffee grounds to repel critters.

Moultrie Deer Feeder Elite II Pros and Cons

Best Automatic Feeder: All About AntlerZ Deer Feeder

best automatic feeder

The stability of AntlerZ is its unique selling proposition. The 59-pound automatic feeder is made of galvanized steel to resist rust. Although heavier, the steel construction makes it more durable than many plastic deer feeders.

The steel casing also makes it resistant to small animals that can bite through the plastic casing and keeps it from tipping over.

It has four legs, wide feet, and a four-way feed station for balance on rough terrain. However, adult bucks with large racks may have difficulty accessing tiny feed openings.

The feeder's gravity-based construction makes it easy to install and operate. Plus, its dual lid latches make it easy to refill while keeping it secure. Additionally, other optional items include a spin cast box, a 6-volt or 12-volt solar panel, and a 4-piece foot kit (not included).

A user shared his experience after using the All AntlerZ deer feeder for 6 months. "The deer eat up the first time they see this feeder. I used to have issues with critters, but not anymore. The deer eat without competition from other species."

All About the Pros and Cons of the AntlerZ Deer Feeder

Great value for money: Wildgame Innovations Tripod Deer Feeder

best value for money

You won't find an affordable 225-pound capacity feeder every day. However, the Wildgame Innovations Tripod Feeder weighs only 37 pounds, fits a wide variety of feeders, and is easy to set up.

In addition to being easy to use and affordable, this feeder can withstand rough weather and lots of shaking thanks to its durable construction and sturdy legs. The only downside is that the lid is not of this quality as it is difficult to close securely.

It measures 24 x 23 x 18 inches. Plus, it has excellent programming and tweaking options. Each daily feeding can last five, ten, fifteen or twenty seconds, and you can configure up to four.

With this, you can predict the movement of deer and modify the amount of food you offer them as the seasons change.

A proud Marylander purchased this feeder as bait while hunting deer and was pleased with the results. According to her, the digital timer is a great feature.

Pros and Cons of the Wildgame Innovations Tripod Deer Feeder

Best T-Column Gravity Feeder: REDNEK Redneck Outdoors T-Column Gravity Feeder

Best T-Pillar Gravity Feeder

This 35 x 17 x 15 T-Column Gravity Feeder from Rednek comes with its own post. This allows for easy assembly in a discreet and stable manner for the benefit of the deer.

It features a weatherproof, durable polyethylene hopper. However, small animals may chew through thin sections of the material.

It's great for areas with sparse vegetation, but you'll need a pole to mount the feeder. A 4×5 inch feeding port uses gravity to feed deer.

It's obviously a little smaller than a full tripod deer feeder. But the 80 lb capacity is enough to feed many deer without frequent refills. Its secure lid also makes refilling easy.

The user and his partners are repeat customers of Rednek T-pillar gravity feeders. "It works for us because we don't go to our hunting camps very often. We feel relieved because we avoid buying a brand that would cost more," they enthused.

The Rednek Redneck Outdoors T-Post Gravity Feeder is the hunter's first choice. A user shared his experience. "Currently, I have four. They are very durable and well designed to keep the feed dry. However, I once had one close to a tree before a raccoon chewed off the cover. Putting it upside down on the lid solves the problem."

Pros and Cons of REDNEK Outdoor T-Pillar Gravity Feeders

Best for Large Capacity: Texas Hunter 600-Lb Xtreme Protein Deer Feeder

best for large capacity

Yes, you read that right. This feeder is called extreme for a reason. With its massive 600-pound capacity and four feed stations, it can feed a herd of deer for up to a year.

No expense was spared in the production of this feeder by Texas Hunter. The generous size, color, 80-inch height, and adjustable feed flow all point to one thing: a comfortable feeding experience for deer. However, all of these features come at a higher cost.

It's made with UV inhibitors that will never rust, thus maintaining its natural luster. Additionally, installing multiple feeders will maximize the herd's feed intake and ensure their uniform growth.

The parallel skis on the bottom make it very sturdy while also preventing it from being submerged on wet ground.

"I wanted a feeder that was indestructible and wouldn't tarnish and kept critters out of my way so I could focus on other things. This solved my problem," one user said of the Texas Hunter 600lb Xtreme Deer Feeder Said when eating utensils.

Pros and Cons of the Texas Hunter 600lb Xtreme Protein Deer Feeder

Choosing the best: what to look for

capacity

Before choosing a deer feeder, it is necessary to consider the number of deer and the size of the property. For example, a small deer feeder with limited capacity is suitable for ordinary households with deer farms in the backyard. At the same time, large-capacity feeders can be used on large areas of land.

durability

Make sure to choose a product with waterproof and weather-resistant materials. Suitable options include galvanized steel, metal, PVC vinyl, and thick polyethylene plastic.

local law

Deer husbandry varies by state. While it's generally legal to feed deer on private property, most states are divided on whether to allow deer as game.

Before installing a deer feeder, it's a good idea to check the relevant websites for information about the legality of feeding deer.

Place

Deer feeders should be installed in areas where there are deer tracks or close to their favorite resting and drinking spots. This is because these are safe spaces for deer, who are most likely to be attracted to the available feed.

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