How to Quiet a Deer Feeder

If you want to be able to get the best results, you need to understand how to quiet a deer feeder. Deer develop patterns when they come to your food plots or feeders. Consider the bottlenecks and feeding paths that deer use to get from one feeding area to the next.

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It’s also important to set several stands or blinds, each eight to ten yards off the trail and facing away from the direction of anticipated approach. Be sure to use natural cover, and always remain silent.

Self-made barrel feeders for deer

You can easily build your own deer feeder by using a 55-gallon drum. It will hold approximately 800 pounds of food and is easy to move. The 55-gallon drum feeder comes with four 12-inch drywall mud trays and easy-to-use straps to keep it in place. The barrel is not only easy to move, but it won’t rust or corrode either.

For self-made deer feeders, you need to make sure they are not too tall. This is because you will be lifting a 40 or 50-pound bag of corn from a bucket to feed the deer. Another important tip is to choose pipe with a threaded end. Using elbows and “T”-shaped pieces with threads on the ends will work perfectly. Then, you can attach a cap.

Gravity-feed and spincast feeders

There are several types of quiet deer feeders. There are timed feeders and gravity-feed feeders. Timed feeders generally feature one or two feed chutes, though the number is up to you. Some have special timed release mechanisms, such as sunrise/sunset dispersal. Other quiet deer feeders feature a timer, so they can dispense food at different times throughout the day.

When comparing spincast and gravity feeders, there are a number of benefits and disadvantages. Spincast feeders generally have better durability than gravity feeders. While spincast feeders require batteries, gravity feeders do not. These feeders also typically do not require a battery, although you may want to purchase a feeder with a battery life indicator. The spincast feeders are a great choice if you are concerned about attracting raccoons or squirrels.

Varmint guards on deer feeders

It can be a challenge to keep non-deer animals from eating from a deer feeder. Many deer feeders are equipped with varmint protection, such as sharp teeth on the legs or a mesh cage around the trough. You may also want to consider a deer feeder that features a timer. A timer can be helpful in making your deer feeder more quiet, and the alarm can be turned off by a switch.

Some of the best products are designed to withstand the harshest of environments. You can install a deer feeder that is resistant to extreme weather, and it will be virtually silent once it has been installed. Varmints are the primary cause of feeder failure, and they can damage the entire feeder and its components. The feeder itself can become damaged by grime or insects, and can even lead to a breakdown. To avoid this issue, you can keep a rag and wasp/hornet spray on hand. This is especially helpful if you hunt in arid terrain where tracking whitetails is difficult.

Weight of unit

The weight of a unit for a quiet deer feeder can vary greatly. Many models require a battery source for operation. Some feeders use larger batteries while others utilize smaller ones. On Time and Moultrie brands typically require AA-sized batteries. The following weight ranges are typical for each type of quiet deer feeder:

The base weight of a feeder without feed is its overall weight. Obviously, the base weight will affect its ability to be moved around. Lightweight feeders are generally made from plastic or polymer materials. While these materials are relatively durable, they are not strong enough to withstand chewing from pests. Raccoons, squirrels, and bears can all chew through plastic feeders. This weight difference should be considered when choosing a quiet deer feeder.

Placement

The place where you place your deer feeder is crucial. Place it where deer prefer to graze, preferably in an open field. Make sure that the area surrounding your feeder does not have any tree cover or sharp rocks. Deer also prefer areas that are quiet and secluded. For this reason, you must position your stand so that it does not disturb the deer when they are in the area.

For best results, place the feeder near natural cover, such as thick branches or large trees. Woodpeckers prefer dense branches. Platform feeders are best placed in areas where they feed naturally. Also, keep in mind that feeders near brush piles can provide resting cover for ground-dwelling birds. If you want to attract deer in a quiet area, consider placing the feeder near an ag field or a large oak tree.

Safety concerns

When installing a quietening deer feeder, you need to be careful not to create an unnecessary disturbance. Deer are very sensitive animals and react negatively to anything that is different than what they are accustomed to. This includes objects in pens, low sun, bad weather and loud noises. Handling deer is very stressful and requires patience and safety equipment. Noise may cause deer stress and lead to injuries.

When placing the deer feeder, place it in an area where the deer are not as likely to notice it. Place the feeder close to nearby windows but further away than 10 feet. Feeders placed too close to windows can cause injury and may be tipped over by a deer, and if you’re feeding a large group of deer, breaking the group is a good idea.