A wildlife feeder can be a simple way to establish a fixed and manageable feeding station in your hunting area. Instead of placing feed directly on the ground, dry feed is collected and partially protected from rain and moisture, while also making it easier to monitor how much feed is left.

A feeder can be used for roe deer and other deer species, and filled with, for example, corn, grain, or suitable feed pellets. This can be relevant for hunters and landowners who actively engage in wildlife management and desire a permanent feeding station that is easy to inspect and refill.

But where should a feeder be placed? What kind of feed can be used? How high should it be mounted? And what should one be aware of regarding moisture, hygiene, and maintenance?

Here, we review the most important considerations about feeders and wildlife feeding, providing you with a good starting point for establishing a functional feeding station on your hunting grounds.

What is a wildlife feeder?

A feeder is a container or feeding dispenser mounted in the terrain and filled with food for wildlife.

Its primary purpose is to keep the feed in one specific place and provide it with better protection from the weather than if it were simply spread directly on the ground.

There are many different designs. Some are homemade from wood or plastic, while others are made of metal and specifically designed for permanent outdoor use.

HuntersMarket's 25 kg capacity wildlife feeder, for example, is made of powder-coated steel and can be mounted on either a tree or a suitable post.

With space for approximately 25 kg of dry feed, it can hold a relatively large amount of feed at once.

Why use a feeder?

It is, of course, possible to simply scatter feed on the ground.

However, a feeder has several practical advantages.

Firstly, it provides a better way to keep dry feed away from direct precipitation and moist ground.

When corn, grain, or feed pellets lie directly on the ground, they are quickly affected by rain and moisture. A feeder can protect the feed better, thus making it easier to keep the feeding station under control.

Another advantage is that the feed is collected in one specific place.

This makes it easier to:

• monitor how much feed is consumed
• see if the site is being visited
• detect moist or spoiled feed
• refill without having to scatter feed over a larger area
• combine the feeding station with, for example, a trail camera.

A fixed location can also make it easier to track wildlife activity over a longer period.

Feeder for Roe Deer and Red Deer

A feeder can be used in areas where supplementary dry feed is desired for roe deer and other deer species, among others.

Which wildlife actually uses the feeding station naturally depends on the area, the population, and which animals already frequent the terrain.

It is therefore often advantageous to place the feeder in a location where there are already clear signs of activity.

This could be, for example:

• along a well-used game trail
• close to a forest edge
• near dense cover
• in a quiet part of the hunting ground
• at an existing feeding site.

One should not necessarily choose the location solely based on what is easiest for the hunter to access.

If the wildlife does not feel safe at the location, there is a risk that the feeder will only be used sporadically.

Where should a feeder be placed?

The best placement is typically a compromise between tranquility for the wildlife and accessibility for the person who needs to refill the feed.

The location should be quiet enough for animals to naturally stay there, but also practical enough for the feeder to be checked regularly.

An area at a forest edge, for example, can be ideal if wildlife already moves between the forest and open terrain.

Animals have the opportunity to quickly seek cover, and the feeding station can also be relatively easy to access.

The feeder can also be placed further inside the forest if there is a quiet area with regular activity.

The most important thing is to base it on the existing movement patterns of the wildlife.

Use tracks and trails to find the right location

Before installing a feeder, it pays to spend some time surveying the terrain.

Look for footprints, droppings, rub marks, distinct game trails, and other signs of regular activity.

There's rarely any reason to establish a feeding station in a completely random spot and then hope the wildlife finds it.

A more natural starting point is to place the feeder near an area where the animals already frequent.

If you have access to a trail camera, it can be a useful supplement. The camera can be used to see when the feeding station is visited, which animals come, and if activity changes over time.

What kind of feed can be used in a feeder?

HuntersMarket's 25 kg feeder is designed for dry feed.

This can include, for example:

• corn
• grain
• feed pellets
• other suitable dry feed mixes.

Common to all feed types is that they should be kept dry and in good condition.

A feeder should not be considered a container that is simply filled once and then forgotten for several months.

The feed should be checked regularly.

If it has become damp, clumped, or clearly spoiled, it should be removed rather than just covered with new feed.

Watch out for moisture and spoiled feed

Moisture is one of the biggest challenges with any outdoor feeding.

Even a feeder that protects against direct rain is still in an environment with high humidity, temperature changes, and precipitation.

It is therefore important to regularly check both the feed itself and the feeder.

HuntersMarket's model is designed with bottom grooves that help drain excess water away from the feeding area.

However, this does not change the fact that the feeding station should still be supervised.

Good wildlife management is not just about ensuring feed is available. It is also about ensuring that the feed offered is in proper condition.

What capacity should a feeder have?

This depends, among other things, on how many animals use the site, what kind of feed is used, and how often you can visit the hunting grounds.

A small feeder is easier to manage but naturally requires more frequent refilling.

A larger feeder allows for more feed to be added at once.

HuntersMarket's feeder has a capacity of approximately 25 kg.

This makes the model suitable for hunters who want a relatively large container without the construction becoming unwieldy.

The advantage of a 25 kg capacity is, in particular, that you don't necessarily have to drive to the hunting grounds just to replenish small amounts of feed all the time.

How long 25 kg lasts, of course, depends on the activity at the site.

Less disturbance in the hunting area

There can also be an indirect advantage to having a larger feed capacity.

The less often you need to visit the feeding station, the less human activity you create around it.

In hunting areas, this can be an advantage.

Frequent visits mean sound, movement, and human scent in the area.

If the feeder can hold a larger amount of feed, it can therefore allow for longer intervals between refills – provided, of course, that the condition of the feed is still adequately monitored.

Especially if there's a trail camera at the feeding station, you can get a good insight into the activity without constantly approaching the actual site.

Powder-coated steel feeder

A feeder remains outdoors all year round, or at least for long periods.

Material choice is therefore of great importance.

HuntersMarket's model is made of powder-coated steel.

Powder coating provides the steel with a protective surface and makes the construction suitable for outdoor use.

The black finish also has the advantage that the feeder appears relatively discreet in the terrain.

It's not necessarily crucial for a feeder to be completely camouflaged, but a neutral and dark product often blends more naturally into the forest environment than very light or brightly colored solutions.

Removable lid makes refilling easier

When a feeder is to be used for an extended period, ease of operation is important.

If it's difficult to open, each refill becomes unnecessarily time-consuming.

On HuntersMarket's feeder for roe deer and other deer, the lid is removable and secured with a thumbscrew.

This means the container can be quickly opened in the field without a complicated locking mechanism.

This is especially practical when carrying a bag of feed and perhaps working with gloves on.

Mounting on tree or post

The feeder can be mounted on either a tree or a suitable post.

Both solutions can be good.

A tree is naturally the easiest option if there is a suitable tree exactly where the feeding station is to be located.

A post, on the other hand, provides greater freedom to choose the precise placement yourself.

This can be relevant in open areas or places where existing trees are not suitably located.

Regardless of the mounting method, the construction should be stable.

A feeder with many kilograms of feed has significant weight, so the base and fastening must be able to support the load.

HuntersMarket's model is delivered unassembled and is mounted on site or prepared before transport to the hunting grounds.

How high should a feeder be mounted?

There isn't necessarily one specific mounting height that suits all situations.

The height should be adapted to the type of wildlife the feeder is primarily intended for and the specific construction.

When the target is roe deer or other deer species, the feed must naturally be easily accessible to the animals.

At the same time, the structure must be placed so that there is adequate clear space around it.

Before final fastening, it can therefore be a good idea to hold the feeder against the tree or post and visually assess the height in relation to the wildlife that will use it.

Do not establish the feeding station in the midst of human activity

Wildlife quickly learns whether an area is quiet.

A feeder right next to a frequently used forest road, a house, or an area with constant human activity will therefore not always be the best solution.

This doesn't mean the feeder necessarily needs to be hidden deep within the most inaccessible part of the hunting grounds.

But the placement should allow animals to use the area relatively undisturbed.

A good principle is to choose a location where:

wildlife already frequents, there is cover nearby, and human traffic is limited.

Combine the feeder with a trail camera

A fixed feeding station and a trail camera work exceptionally well together.

The feeder provides a fixed observation point.

The trail camera reveals what is happening there.

It can show, among other things:

• which species visit the feeder
• how many animals come
• when activity is highest during the day
• if specific individuals return
• how quickly the feed is consumed.

This way, you can get significantly more out of the feeding station than just observing that the feed is disappearing.

If the feeder is located in a hunting area, this information can also provide a better insight into the general movements and routines of the wildlife.

Use the feeder for observation – not just feeding

A fixed feeding station can be an interesting observation point over a longer period.

For example, one can monitor the development of the population throughout the year and see changes in which animals visit the area.

A trail camera can make it possible to observe the same location for many months.

This provides a different picture of the hunting ground than isolated observations from hunting.

The feeding station can thus also become a tool to better understand the wildlife and the hunting area.

Hygiene around the feeding station

When animals gather in a limited area, hygiene should always be a consideration.

Food scraps and moisture should not be allowed to accumulate.

Therefore, regularly check the area around the feeder.

If there is old or spoiled feed, it should be removed.

The feeder itself may also need cleaning.

How often depends on the use and conditions, but the principle is simple:

The feeding station must be kept clean and in proper condition.

It is better to remove old feed and start fresh than just pour fresh feed on top.

Feeder or automatic feed spreader?

A feeder and a motorized feed spreader do not completely solve the same task.

A simple feeder makes feed available from a fixed container.

An automatic feed spreader, on the other hand, can be designed to dispense specific amounts of feed at specific times.

Which solution is best depends on the purpose.

For a simple feeding station for roe deer and other deer species, a regular feeder can be a robust and uncomplicated solution.

There is no motor, timer, or advanced electronics to set up.

You fill it with dry feed, check it continuously, and ensure the feeder is in good order.

Feeder during winter

Winter is a period when many begin to think more about wildlife's access to food.

At the same time, it is precisely in winter that the feeder is exposed to harsh conditions.

Rain, snow, frost, and fluctuating temperatures place demands on both the construction and supervision.

It is therefore important not to assume that the feed automatically stays dry and usable just because it is in a feeder.

Check it regularly.

Frost followed by thaw, for example, can create moisture and condensation.

The robust construction can protect the feed better than open feeding, but continuous supervision is still necessary.

How to get started with a feeder

If you want to establish a new feeding station, the process can be kept relatively simple.

Start by identifying a quiet area where roe deer or other deer species already frequent.

Then choose a suitable tree or set up a stable post.

Mount the feeder at an appropriate height and ensure it is firmly secured.

Then fill it with a small amount of suitable dry feed to begin with.

It may be advantageous not to immediately fill the container completely if you don't yet know if the site will be used.

Check the site after some time.

If there is clear activity, you can gradually add more and begin to track consumption.

A trail camera can make this process significantly more informative.

The most common mistakes when using a feeder

The feeder itself is simple, but some mistakes can reduce its effectiveness.

The location is chosen based on the hunter – not the wildlife

It's convenient to have a feeder right by the car, but if the area isn't used by wildlife, it doesn't help much.

Base your decision on tracks, trails, and existing activity.

The feed is not checked

25 kg capacity doesn't mean you can fill the container and forget about it.

The condition of the feed must still be checked.

New feed is poured on top of spoiled feed

If there is damp or spoiled feed, it should be removed first.

The mounting is unstable

A full metal feeder is heavy.

Therefore, ensure solid fastening.

The site is visited unnecessarily often

In a hunting area, one should also avoid more human activity around the feeding station than necessary.

Plan refilling and checks appropriately.

Which feeder should you choose?

The right feeder depends on the type of wildlife you wish to feed, how often you can attend to the site, and what type of feed you want to use.

For roe deer and other deer species, a simple and robust construction can be advantageous.

HuntersMarket's 25 kg wildlife feeder is made specifically for this type of use and features:

• a capacity of approximately 25 kg
• construction in powder-coated steel
• suitability for corn, grain, and feed pellets
• a removable lid with a thumbscrew
• bottom grooves for draining excess water
• the option for mounting on a tree or post
• a black and relatively discreet finish.

It is thus an uncomplicated solution for the hunter or landowner who desires a fixed feeding station without electronics or complicated functions.

Frequently asked questions about wildlife feeders

What is a feeder?

A feeder is a container for feed that is set up or mounted in the terrain. It keeps the feed collected and can provide better protection against rain and moisture than feed lying directly on the ground.

Which wildlife can use a feeder?

HuntersMarket's model is suitable for, among others, roe deer and other deer species.

What can you put in a feeding station?

The model is designed for dry feed such as corn, grain, and feed pellets.

How much can HuntersMarket's feeding station hold?

It has a capacity of approximately 25 kg of dry feed.

Where should a feeding station be placed?

A quiet place where game already roams is a good starting point. At the same time, the location should be accessible enough for the feed to be checked and refilled.

Can the feeding station be mounted on a tree?

Yes. HuntersMarket's model can be mounted on a tree or a suitable post.

Can the feed get wet?

A feeding station offers better protection against precipitation than open feeding, but it is still outdoors. The condition of the feed should therefore be checked regularly, and damp or spoiled feed should be removed.

Is the feeding station made of metal?

Yes. HuntersMarket's model is made of powder-coated steel for outdoor use.

Can a trail camera be placed at the feeding station?

Yes. A permanent feeding spot is an ideal location for a trail camera, as it allows you to monitor which animals visit the site and when the activity occurs.

A simple tool for a more manageable feeding spot

A feeding station does not need to be technically advanced to be useful.

A robust container that can hold an appropriate amount of dry feed, better protect it from the weather, and make refilling and checking easier, practically solves the most important tasks.

The biggest difference is often made by the placement and ongoing maintenance.

Find a quiet place where game already goes. Use suitable and fresh dry feed. Regularly check both the feed and the area around the feeding station. And consider using a trail camera to monitor activity.

This way, the feeding station becomes more than just a container of corn.

It becomes a fixed and manageable part of managing the hunting ground.

If you want a robust model with large capacity, you can see HuntersMarket's 25 kg feeding station for roe deer and red deer in powder-coated steel here:

View the feeding station at HuntersMarket →