Make a Deer Feeder

by EncasedDeath

48K5811

Intro: Make a Deer Feeder

This Instructable will teach you how to make a deer feeder using pvc pipe. My family loves the outdoors and they suggested that I post an Instructable on how to make a deer feeder. It can also feed many other animals that eat grain. This is a very simple project that takes only about ten minutes and a few dollars.

STEP 1: Materials

The materials that are needed are
1) 2 inch diameter (smaller sizes will also work) pvc pipe (any length should work)
2) Hacksaw or PVC cutter
3) metal wire, rope, or string
4) two 2 inch pvc pipe caps
5) pvc glue
5) tape measure
6) marker
7) horse feed or corn
8) tree or post

STEP 2: Cut Pvc Pipe

Cut your 2 inch diameter pvc pipe to your desired length. Measure the pipe to the length you want and mark with a marker. Use the hacksaw to cut through the pipe at the line you marked.

I cut mine to about 30.5 inches.

STEP 3: Glue on a Cap

Now glue on the cap using the pvc glue, glue it to the end that will be the bottom. The pipe should only have a cap glued on at one end.

STEP 4: Cut the Opening

Now you need to saw out the opening that lets the food fall out. To do this you need to put a mark at the spot you want to be the bottom of the opening. This should be about 1" from the glued cap. Use the hacksaw to cut through the line about half way through the pipe.
Next, cut diagonally from about an inch above the original cut until meeting the first cut. You should now remove the wedge shape piece of pipe. This serves as the opening for the food to fall out. This is difficult to explain so look at the pictures if you are confused.

STEP 5: Put on Tree or Post

Now put the feeder on the tree or pole. Locate it that can be easily viewed from your house. You should wrap the wire, string or rope you are using around the tree or pole and around the feeder tightly so it doesn't fall off. Tie or the rope, string or wire. This should be done like its done in the picture.

STEP 6: Food

Now put the horse feed or corn into the feeder through the top of the pipe. When all the feed you want is in you need to put the second cap on top of it. Do not glue the top cap so you can refill it later.
You are now done with the deer feeder. This feeder could also be used for ducks, geese, chickens, racoons, opussums or any other wildlife.

11 Comments

KKT1 8 years ago

ive made lots of these and mine were very similar except for top I used a screw on end cap and the bottom I used a "u" piece glued on so that the whole thing looked like a giant candy cane...it was gravity fed so as the deer would eat the feed from the top of the "u" it would simply fill back up. I also added a "screw on" end cap on the "u" end as well . made for easy transporting to the woods..

jking vincent 12 years ago

i dont hunt, but my hub does. i'm gonna make a few for Christmas presents this year. I was wondering if it is illegal to hunt at a feeder, and, can you lure more deer by spraying the doe pee around the feeders a few feet away.

1flyby1 14 years ago

First I would recommend 4in. pipe. An easier bottom on this would be a 'Y' PIPE. ONE SIDE COMES OFF ON A 45DEG. ANGLE. Cap the bottom, but drill holes for drainage. The food gets eaten out of the pipe instead of spilling out. After setting this out, be on the lookout for 9lb. squirrels.

biffula 12 years ago

I use 4-6" pipe. Then you can really load them up without having to reload too often. Also, if you want to keep the other vamints from eating the feed, cut holes in the top end on opposite sides and run a chain through then hang them from a tree branch so that the bottom of the feeder is about 3-4 feet off the ground. High enough for deer, but too high for other creatures. Squirrels cant get at it either. PVC pipe makes great feeders!

Hoosiergoober 13 years ago

Built 6 of these and had my trail cams on them...got a bunch of really great pics of deer and other aminals around them. Thanks

ramatern 13 years ago

Don't leave those wires around the tree too long!

EncasedDeath 13 years ago

yeah the tree grows around it

carlos66ba 14 years ago

In many places (most) deer are a pest! Don't feed them in those areas...

EncasedDeath 14 years ago

yes, but they are not pests in my area

Kozz 14 years ago

Nicely done! For anyone who wants to attempt this, you should familiarize yourself with any laws governing the feeding of wildlife.

Particularly in Wisconsin and during the hunting seasons there are limits to the quantity of food, the type of feeder (gravity-fed) and your location (such as CWD eradication zones) and vicinity to roads or buildings.

Additionally depending on what's in the feeder, it's possible a black bear may get impatient and attempt to tear the entire pipe from the tree. I've seen black bears tear down multiple birdfeeders containing sunflower and thistle (if you can believe it, he must have been hungry).