The 5 Best Deer Feeders You Can Buy Today

Hunting in the United States goes beyond grabbing your weapon and heading for the woods. Instead, it’s highly regulated, with varying rules and peculiarities across the 50 states. 

The use of deer feeders is controversial, just like many issues related to this wildlife species. Deer feeding and baiting are illegal in some states, such as Alaska, Colorado, and Illinois. However, Kansas, New Jersey, and Utah are some states that allow deer feeding and baiting.

The argument for artificial deer feeding is that it serves as a supplementary food source for the game species, especially during the winter, with reduced access to natural food. Those against it, though, cite the increased risk of disease transmission, artificial population growth, a decline in the wildness of deer, and a possible increase in human-deer clashes as some of their reasons. 

Check the set rules in your state, regardless of the part of the divide you belong to.

If allowed in your area and if you decide to get one, different deer feeders are available on the market, from gravity feeders to high-capacity, electronic ones.

The best part, though? 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

Moultrie 30-Gallon Deer Feeder Elite II Tripod, Pro Hunter II Feeder Kit and Adjustable Height Legs

• Holds more than 150 pounds of corn.
• Offers flexible setups for 5.5-, 7-, or 8-feet fill height.
• A battery-powered deer feeder.

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The Moultrie Deer Feeder Elite II is our pick for the best overall deer feeder category. Not only does the Elite II feeder have a ton of great features, but it’s also reasonably priced.

It’s constructed with a durable, heavy-duty polymer hopper that can support up to 200 pounds of feed. Further, its sturdy steel legs, which are 5.5, 7, or 8 feet long, allow various height adjustments. Even more so, it’s powered by a rechargeable battery and has a battery indicator.

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

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

Moreover, the plastic feeder doesn’t rust like metal. It’s not critters-proof, however. 

A user has had this feeder for over a year and hasn’t had issues with it. He used coffee grounds to keep the critters away. 

Moultrie Deer Feeder Elite II Pros and Cons

Best Automatic Feeder: All About AntlerZ Deer Feeder 

Best Automatic Feeder

All About AntlerZ Deer Turkey Hunting Big Game 225lb Gravity Feeder

• Made of alloy steel.
• Weighs 59 pounds.
• A gravity feeder.

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AntlerZ’s steadiness is its unique selling proposition. The 59-pound automatic feeder is built with galvanized steel to prevent rust. Although heavier, the steel construction makes it far more durable than many plastic deer feeders.

The steel casing also makes it resistant to critters that can nibble through a plastic shell and prevents it from tipping over. 

It has four legs, wide feet, and a four-way feed station, which keeps it balanced on bumpy terrain. However, mature bucks with large racks may struggle to access the tiny feed openings.

The gravity-based structure of this feeder makes it simple to install and operate. In addition, its dual lid latches make it easy to refill while maintaining safety. Further, 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 shares his experience with the All AntlerZ Deer Feeder after using it for 6 months. “The deer finished the feed the very first time they sighted this feeder. I used to have issues with critters, but not anymore. The deer eat with no competition from other species.”

All About AntlerZ Deer Feeder Pros and Cons

Best Value for Money: Wildgame Innovations Tripod Deer Feeder

Best Value for Money

Wildgame Innovations Tri-Pod Deer Feeder, easy to use feeder with 4 feed times,Black

• Advertised as offering a quick, 15-minute setup.
• Holds up to 225 pounds in a poly-barrel design.
• Made of alloy steel.

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You won’t find an affordable 225-pound capacity feeder every day. However, the Wildgame Innovations Tripod feeder weighs only 37 pounds, works with a range of feeds, and is easy to set up.

Aside from the ease of use and fantastic price point, this feeder can withstand bad weather and a lot of shaking due to its durable construction and strong legs. The only downside is that the lid falls short of this quality because it can be difficult to get secure closure.

It measures 24 by 23 by 18 inches. Moreover, it has excellent programming and adjustment options. Each daily feed time can last for five, ten, fifteen, or twenty seconds, and you can configure up to four.

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

A proud Marylander bought this feeder to bait while deer hunting and was happy with the result. According to her, the digital timer is a great feature. 

Wildgame Innovations Tripod Deer Feeder Pros and Cons

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

Best T-Post Gravity Feeder

REDNEK Redneck Outdoors T-Post Gravity Feeder

• Adjustable height to bottom of feeding tube, offering a range of 34 to 60 inches.
• Cover removes easily for quick filling.
• Allows for capacity of up to 80 pounds.

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This 35 x 17 x 15 T-post gravity feeder from Rednek comes ready with its own post. This makes it easy to assemble in a discreet yet stable way for the benefit of the deer.

It features a weather-proof, durable polyethylene hopper. However, critters may chew through the thin parts of the material.

It’s perfect for sparsely vegetated areas, but you need a pole to mount your feeder. A single 4×5-inch feeding port feeds the deer using gravity.

It is obviously a little smaller than full tripod deer feeders. But the 80-pound capacity is sufficient to feed many deer without frequent refills. Its secure lid also makes it easy to refill.

A user and his partner are repeat customers of the Rednek T-post gravity feeder. “This works for us because we don’t visit our hunting camp often. We’re relieved we avoided buying a brand that would have cost a lot more money,” they enthuse. 

The Rednek Redneck Outdoors T-Post Gravity Feeder is a hunter’s go-to. A user shares his experience. “Currently, I have four. They are quite durable and designed such that the feed is kept dry. However, I used to have one close to a tree before a raccoon gnawed the lid. I solved the problem by placing a Rubbermaid box over the lid in the upside-down position.”

REDNEK Outdoors T-Post Gravity Feeder Pros and Cons

Best With Large Capacity: Texas Hunter 600-pound Xtreme Protein Deer Feeder

Best With Large Capacity

600lb. Xtreme Protein Feeder - Model XPF600

• Offers a massive 600-pound capacity.
• Six-inch feed ports with adjustable feed flow control.
• Cooler than steel, to keep feed fresh and dry.

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Yes, you read that right. This feeder is called extreme for a reason. It has an enormous, 600-pound capacity and four feed stations, which allow it to sustain a herd of deer for up to one year.

Texas Hunter left no stone unturned in the production of this feeder. The large size, color, 80-inch height, and adjustable feed flow all point to one thing: a comfortable feeding experience for the deer. All these features, however, come at a higher cost.

It’s made with UV inhibitors and will never rust, thus keeping the natural shine. In addition, installing many feeders will maximize the herd’s availability to feed and ensure their uniform growth.

The parallel skis at the bottom make it very solid, while also preventing it from being submerged in wet ground.

“I wanted an indestructible, non-tarnishing feeder to keep critters away and enable me to focus on other things. This came along as the solution to my problems,” a user said of the Texas Hunter 600-pound Xtreme deer feeder.

Texas Hunter 600-pound Xtreme Protein Deer Feeder Pros and Cons

Choosing The Best: What To Look For

Capacity

It’s necessary to consider the deer population and size of the property before choosing a deer feeder. For example, small deer feeders with constrained capacities would do for modest homes with backyard spots for deer. At the same time, high-capacity feeders can be used on large expanses of land.

Durability

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

Local laws

Deer feeding varies widely from state to state. While it’s often lawful to feed deer on private property, most states differ on the permissibility of baiting deer for hunting. 

Before installing a deer feeder, the best thing to do is to check relevant websites for information about the legality of deer feeding. 

Location

Deer feeders should be installed in areas with deer tracks or close to their preferred resting and drinking spots. This is because these are safe spaces for deer where they’re most likely to be drawn to available feed. 

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