Simple Gravity Deer Feeder

Intro: Simple Gravity Deer Feeder

This is a simple way to draw deer into you backyard or woods.
The way this works is, you fill the feeder with corn or some kind of deer food. The food will start to come out of the bottom of the feeder, but is stopped after it makes a little pile on the ground that causes resistance. As the deer eat, more food comes out of the pipe because of the lack of resistance.
We just put this out today, so I hope to have some deer pics to add later.

STEP 1: Materials Needed

We got a 10 foot piece of pvc DS 3" diameter pipe and cut it into two 4 1/2 foot pieces, two 90° elbows, and two 3" caps. This makes two feeders.
You'll also need a hacksaw and some kind of knife for cleaning up the edges.

STEP 2: Mark and Cut

Mark at 4 1/2 feet or if you want it longer do so, then cut it, and take your knife and clean up the edges.

STEP 3: Cap and Elbow

Put on your elbow first and push firmly onto pipe.
Find a nice tree or put up a post to secure the feeder to, leaving it about an inch off the ground. This allows the food to come out a little more than if it's right on the ground. If you have it to high the food will all empty out.
We tied ours on with rope so it can be moved if we wanted to.
Put on the cap just enough as to not get knocked off, but not so much that it gets stuck on. You can add an eye bolt or some kind of handle if you want to the cap for easier removal. Now sit back and enjoy your deer watching!

Posted: There will be other animals eating at this feeder. If this is a concern for you, I would recommend finding a different design or putting up signs stating this is a deer only feeder! :)

Comments

[sergeypavelco777]

seems interesting

[tb55chevy]

I built a similar one from 6" Drain pipe and it necked to 4" then after the 90 I went out 18" with a strait piece and capped it then I cut off the top half between the cap and 90 drilled holes in the bottom to drain the water and made for a nice neat and cleaner feeder, inside before inserting the straight 18" piece I used a drain insert and removed two of the cross bars and cut the thickness down on the insert to just the thickness of the cross bars, slipped it in then glued the straight pipe in. With this modification 40lbs of corn lasts about a week to week and a half now. It is a Great simple design!

[FoxysMyGirl]

I have one of these on my property and the deer do eat from it but so do the raccoons and unfortunately the feral hogs got to it and knocked it loose on the tree but it is a great project. It is best suited for a neighborhood/area with deer and not feral hogs. I hope you have no hogs.

[pjharristx]

My thoughts were, what would keep the squirrels from eating all the food? In my area, the deer feeders you buy have built-in 'varmint' spinners. Just curious

[jdavis8]

Yes, there will be other animals eating from this feeder. I don't feel the squirrels will be emptying the feeder though. This is going to be used in an area that does get hunted. I made this as a simple deer feeder for those who don't want to spend a lot of time making one. Attachments can be added to help with this or like the comment below mentions.

[somewhiteguy]

Be careful with a general feeder like this. If there are feral hogs in your area, you will attract them as well and it's very difficult to get rid of them.

Adding a funnel or sealed hopper on top will give you more time between fillings and easier fillings as well.

[jdavis8]

Thanks for the input.