Deer feeders are a major part of many hunters’ and land managers’ management plans. This isn’t a new technology, but it is a significant part of modern hunting and wildlife management efforts. Fortunately, even though these have been around for decades, brands continue to bring innovation to the forefront. I went to an industry Trade Show and spent a day perusing all the best deer feeders. Many of which I’ve taken out and tested for myself.
Here’s what I’ve seen and experienced in the best deer feeders in this guide.
Best Deer Feeders: Our Expert Picks
I rank my top picks for the best deer feeders here so you can quickly skim the article and find what you’re looking for:
- Best Deer Feeder Overall: Boss Buck Stand and Fill Feeder
- Best Automatic Deer Feeder: Capsule CAP-200, CAP-400, and CAP-500
- Best Tripod Deer Feeder: Moultrie 30-Gallon Tripod Deer Feeder
- Best Auger Deer Feeder: Moultrie Auger Feeder 300-Pound
- Best Solar Deer Feeder: Back Forty 600 Pound Stand and Fill
- Best Skid Deer Feeder: Radix Hunting Virtus 6
- Best Gravity Deer Feeder & Best Corn Deer Feeder: Boss Buck 1,200-Pound Feeder
- Best Hanging Deer Feeder: Moultrie All-In-One Hanging Deer Feeder
Best Deer Feeder Overall: Boss Buck Stand and Fill Feeder
The Boss Buck Stand and Fill Feeder is a great option for hunters. It features a durable powder-coated steel hopper, powder-coated steel sleds with anchor holes, heavy-duty 12-volt feeder kit, and secure latch lid. The feed dispersion system works well when properly adjusted. I’ve found the spin plate and diverter plate create a good spread pattern, though in very windy conditions you’ll still get some feed wastage – that’s just the nature of any broadcast feeder.
The programmable timer, with its 16 adjustable slots and 2 Quick Set programs, is simple to use. It took some experimentation to find the optimal settings for my hunting area, but once dialed in, it’s been consistent. The 12V system paired with the solar panel has been mostly reliable, though I did have to clean the solar panel a few times to maintain efficiency.
It comes in two size options, including 300- and 600-pound offerings. The 300-pound model is 30.5x37x66 inches, and the 600-pound feeder is 48x42x74 inches.
Best Automatic Deer Feeder: Capsule CAP-200, CAP-400, and CAP-500
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The Capsule CAP series feeder is a large, productive, durable, yet lightweight feeder. It’s also animal-resistant and helps manage feedings. Set it and forget it. It’s the original sit-and-fill feeder. It holds up to 200, 400, or 500 pounds of feed (depending on the model) and comes with an integrated base. This feeder series is among the world’s safest game feeders.
Best Tripod Deer Feeder: Moultrie 30-Gallon Tripod Deer Feeder
I’ve always liked the Moultrie 30-gallon tripod deer feeder for its no-nonsense approach. It has a 200-pound feed capacity, which means fewer trips to refill and more time focusing on my hunt. I also like the gravity-fed design that doesn’t require batteries because I’ve had too many electronic feeders fail when I needed them most.
You can put this feeder together in minutes without any tools, and the gravity feeder kit twists on and off so easily that I can refill it quickly, even wearing gloves in cold weather. I’ve found it handles protein pellets exceptionally well, which can’t be said for every model I’ve tested in my search for the best tripod deer feeder on the market.
I’ve left mine out through all four seasons, and the UV-resistant tapered polymer hopper has protected my feed against everything from scorching summer heat to winter storms. It’s still looking almost new after some use and abuse.
Best Auger Deer Feeder: Moultrie Auger Feeder 300-Pound
The Moultrie Auger Feeder offers a 300- or 450-pound capacity to deer hunters and land managers. The Auger Feeder stands on powder-coated metal construction, which protects against weather elements and varmint damage. It’s made to utilize most feed types that wildlife managers implement. It’s powered by a sturdy 12-volt motor, which requires one 12-volt, 7Ah battery (not included). The feed is dispensed through a stainless-steel auger to eliminate worries of corrosion, and it can deliver feed to a trough or to the ground. It’s easy to manage, thanks to a programmable digital timer that allows scheduling up to 10 daily feed times for 1-60 seconds on low, medium, or high spin cast settings. Select specific days of the week. It includes a test function, and legs can be adjusted to two different settings. The internal hopper funnel ensures all feed is dispensed.
Best Solar Powered Deer Feeder: Back Forty 600-Pound Stand and Fill
The Back Forty 600-pound Stand and Fill is a large feeder and sports a 600-pound feed capacity. It has an assembled size of 45x44x66 inches. The Stand and Fill runs on a large 12-volt motor. It comes with double varmint guard plates. It also features a 6-volt digital timer with three motor speeds that can dispense feed up to eight times per day at 1-30 seconds each time. A 12-volt solar panel with stainless-steel flex conduit powers it. The digital timer is stored in a built-in compartment. The motor is built in, but the battery box is detachable. Open and close the hopper with a tension hook-and-latch lid system. It weighs approximately 140 pounds.
Tectonic Daytime Deadfall Feeder
The Daytime Deadfall Feeder by Tectonic gets its name rightfully — it feeds during the daytime. It offers a 350-pound capacity. The unique design trains deer to eat during the daytime. It also helps save money on “wasted” nighttime feeding. The timer is simple to operate and runs on a 12-volt battery (not included). Additionally, the two-flap-opening design helps position deer for broadside shot opportunities. It’s rain and weather-resistant and has a “natural” exterior look, thanks to the deadfall log appearance. For even more “camouflaging,” consider pulling fallen logs up to each end of it.
Best Skid Deer Feeder: Radix Hunting Virtus 6
The Radix Hunting Virtus 6 is a 600-pound-capacity feeder. It features a 12-volt battery with a motor, timer, and solar panel included. It’s approximately 5.25 feet tall. Furthermore, it features a skid design for easier mobility, a low-profile lid design for easier filling (with a locking feature — padlock not included), and comes with a fully powder-coated aluminum bin (inside and outside). Benefit from its heavy-duty spinner and cage. The feeder throws about 20-30 feet from the feeder in all directions.
Best Gravity Deer Feeder: Boss Buck 1,200-Pound Feeder
The Boss Buck 1,200 Pound Feeder is an excellent market offering for this year. In my opinion, this product is arguably the best high-capacity gravity feeder on the market. Set it for a 40-inch protein feed height or eye-level control box height for corn. This unit is moisture-resistant, and the feed ports have drain holes to disperse water. An internal cone shape dispenses feed in an even manner. A four-way inner sleeve allows for better control of feed flow. The hopper is 61 inches tall and 43 1/2 inches wide. The hopper weighs 60 pounds. It comes with all galvanized hardware. It holds up to 1,000 pounds of protein of 1,200 pounds of corn.
Best Hanging Deer Feeder: Moultrie All-in-One Hanging Deer Feeder
The Moultrie All-in-One 5 Gallon has become the best hanging deer feeder for smaller feeding stations. I appreciate how this 5-gallon collapsible bucket comes ready to use with absolutely no assembly; just hang it, fill it, and set the timer.
I can load this feeder with up to 30 pounds of feed, which lasts surprisingly long, and the integrated All-in-One Feeder Kit is what really won me over. I’ve had other hanging feeders that spray feed everywhere in the slightest breeze, but it has a metal spin plate that stands up to wind pretty well.
The flip-down digital timer lets me program up to 4 daily feeding times. I typically set mine for dawn and dusk with 10-second intervals, but you can customize yours from 1 to 20 seconds depending on how much feed you want to distribute.
The built-in funnel design has solved the clogging issues I experienced with other models—feed flows consistently without jamming. What I find most convenient is how the bucket collapses for storage when hunting season ends—it takes up barely any space in my garage until next season.
Best Deer Feeder Accessories
Feed Bank Mobile Base
Those looking for a viable feeder base can find it in the Feed Bank Mobile Base by Banks. This new system is ideal for those who mount their feeder using a 4×4. With this, transport your Feed Bank 150 or 300 feeder from one location to another. Simply fill the base with sand or water for stability.
Moultrie Bluetooth Pro Feeder Kit
Moultrie’s all-new Bluetooth Pro Feeder Kit does what it says—it operates via Bluetooth. It operates via the Moultrie Bluetooth timer app; no service plan is required. This pre-installed Moultrie Bluetooth timer comes on the best-selling Pro Hunter II feeder. Snap it onto your Quick-Lock-ready feeder.
Moultrie Lumen Photocell Feeder Kit
The Moultrie Lumen Photocell Feeder Kit is another great alternative option that’s different than other feeder kits. The dawn and dusk photocell timer utilize two feed times per day. It will spin just after sunrise and just before sunset. There are no needed adjustments for daylight savings or time of year. Feed times automatically adjust based on light levels. Of course, set feed dispense settings accordingly to 5, 10, 15, or 20 seconds. It works with all Quick-Lock hoppers (adaptor included).
Moultrie Ranch Series Dual Chute
An ideal feeder add-on, the Moultrie Ranch Series Dual Chute elevates your existing Moultrie feeder. It’s compatible with Ranch Series Auger feeders. It operates by separating feed output into two different chutes, which are adjustable 180 degrees. The chutes have extendable lengths. For the price, it offers greatly increased value to your feeder program.
Moultrie Ranch Series Axis Trough
Those who don’t want the feed to hit the ground might consider the Moultrie Ranch Series Axis Trough. Like the Dual Chute, it’s compatible with Ranch Series feeders. This rotating trough makes dumping unwanted feed easier. Pair it with an auger kit for automatic feeding or with a broadcast or gravity kit for supplemental feeding. It has large drain holes to prevent water from pooling in the trough. This trough has a 5-gallon volume capacity. You can mount up to two Axis Troughs on a single Ranch Series feeder.
Moultrie Varmint Deterrent
Coming Soon
The Moultrie Varmint Deterrent is a universal feeder accessory that helps prevent varmints from climbing feeders. It includes three PVC caps, mounting brackets, round-leg adapters, and square-leg adaptors. It’s compatible with most feeder legs. Required 4-inch PVC pipes sold separately.
How We Test Our Deer Feeders
My testing process focuses on the factors that matter most to hunters and wildlife managers. I start by evaluating assembly time and complexity – nobody wants to waste a hunting day struggling with complicated instructions. Next, I load each feeder with various types of feed (corn, protein pellets, and mixed blends) to test for flow consistency and clogging issues.
Durability testing is particularly important to me. I leave feeders exposed to the elements through multiple seasons, checking for UV damage, rust formation, and structural integrity. I also assess each feeder’s resistance to wildlife tampering – raccoons and bears can destroy a poorly designed unit in minutes.
For automatic feeders, I test battery life in various weather conditions and evaluate the reliability of timers and motors. I record feed dispersal patterns to determine the effective coverage area and measure actual feed usage against manufacturer claims.
My recommendations come from direct experience with each product, not just technical specifications.
Choosing the Right Types of Deer Feeders
When selecting the best deer feeder, your first decision is which type best suits your needs:
Gravity Feeders: I prefer these for their simplicity and reliability. With no motors or batteries to fail, they provide a consistent feed supply with minimal maintenance. These are also some of the best protein feeders for deer where constant access to feed is beneficial. The downside is that wildlife can feed anytime, potentially creating less predictable hunting scenarios.
Automatic/Timed Feeders: These give you precise control over when feed is dispersed. Timed feeders are exceptionally useful for establishing feeding patterns that align with legal hunting hours. They’re also more efficient with feed usage, but they require regular battery monitoring and occasional maintenance.
Hanging Feeders: These compact units are perfect for hunters with limited space or those who need portability. I appreciate their versatility – they can be hung from sturdy branches or mounted on posts. Their smaller capacity means more frequent refills, but they’re easy to relocate as deer patterns shift.
Tripod Feeders: These freestanding units provide stability and larger capacity. I recommend tripod models for serious food plot supplementation or properties where you plan to maintain a permanent feeding station.
Reasons to Buy a Deer Feeder
Feeders come with pros and cons. But those who’ve settled on a feeder should know the benefits of using one. Here are seven reasons to buy a deer feeder this hunting season.
- Improved Game Management
Feeders are useful tools for improving game management efforts. Without questions, feeders can influence how deer use a property. This impacts overall management and hunting efforts.
- Monitoring Herd Health
Monitoring herd health involves numerous things, including gauging the deer density, buck-to-doe ratio, buck age structure, and more. Furthermore, it helps place deer in front of trail cameras to observe for disease presence, injury issues, and more.
- Taking Herd Inventory
Taking an accurate herd inventory is an ideal step in the process for determining what target bucks are on the landscape. A feeder can help get trail camera photos and videos of most bucks in the area that might be available to hunt during the season.
- Boosting Herd Nutrition
Some people feed a variety of things via feeders. Feeders can be used to dispense minerals, vitamins, protein supplements, and general feed. Therefore, in situations where health-related pros outweigh health-related cons, feeders can be used to boost herd nutrition.
- Watching Wildlife
Wildlife watchers will love the added benefits of a feeder. It helps place deer out in the open, where they can see and enjoy their local deer herd.
- Increasing Hunting Chances
Without a doubt, a feeder can help a deer hunter fill their tags. Some mature bucks respond differently to feeders than others, but these can be useful for luring bucks and does alike into range for potential shot opportunities.
- Centralizing Dropped Shed Antlers
Shed hunting is taking the outdoor world by storm. Even non-hunters enjoy shed hunting. A good feeder and feeding program can help centralize dropped shed antlers for recovery.
I’ve watched deer interact with dozens of feeders, and I can confidently say two models stand above the rest. For hunters looking for the best overall option, I consistently recommend the Boss Buck Stand and Fill Feeder. Its powder-coated steel hopper and sleds with anchor holes have proven incredibly durable in my testing. I’ve had mine withstand everything from torrential downpours to curious bears, and the secure latch lid has kept raccoons at bay. The flexibility to choose between 300- and 600-pound capacities means you can match it perfectly to your property size.
For those managing larger properties or looking for precise feed control, I’ve found nothing beats the Moultrie Auger Feeder. I’ve tested both the 300- and 450-pound models extensively, and the programmable digital timer that handles up to 10 feed times daily is a game-changer for creating consistent deer patterns. What impressed me most was the stainless-steel auger that never corroded even after multiple seasons and the ability to adjust leg heights to accommodate different terrain.
The best deer feeders aren’t necessarily the most expensive or feature-packed – they’re the ones that reliably attract deer when and where you want them while requiring minimal attention from you. I’ve learned through plenty of trial and error that durability and simplicity often outweigh fancy features that can fail when you need them most.
When choosing your feeder, consider your specific hunting strategy, property layout, and how much time you can realistically dedicate to maintenance.
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