See More Wildlife - Try A Wildlife Feeder by Spinpro

If you want to attract wildlife to an area on a regular basis for viewing or hunting, try using a wildlife feeder. A wildlife feeder automatically spreads feed on the ground from an attached container. Deer, turkey, and other animals soon become aware that a limited amount of feed will be available at a certain time, and begin to visit that site on a regular basis at a time determined by you. This is not only convenient, but also keeps the area undisturbed and free of human scent.

If a "feed pile" is used instead of an automatic feeder, many animals will feed only at night (out of sight) when they feel safer. Wildlife feeder users will tell you that when the amount of feed in an area is limited, wildlife will actually run to the feeder when they hear it activate. This is especially true when snow is on the ground and feed availability is on a first-come basis. During the deer hunting season when the does gather at the feeder, the bucks are generally not far behind. These wildlife feeders can also be used to spread "pellets" over a fishpond, or feed chickens, turkeys, or pheasants in a contained environment.

Although there are several variations, wildlife feeders are generally available in two types. These are the photocell and programmable timer feeders. A 6 or 12-volt battery powers a motor that "spins" the feed out of the feeder at a high rate of speed. The amount of feed that the feeder spreads depends on how long the spinner plate spins. Since very little power is required when the spinner plate is not operating, the battery in the feeder may last up to 3 months depending on usage, temperature, and the battery type. Cold temperatures are the main factor that shortens battery life.

A photocell type feeder activates by sensing sunlight and will feed at sunrise and/or sunset only. These are often called "dusk/dawn" feeders. As the sunrise and sunset times change, so does the time the feeder activates. This time will also change depending on if it is a sunny or cloudy day. The time of day the unit activates is not adjustable but the length of time the spinner plate operates is, on most models.

A programmable feeder is similar to your alarm clock. A clock keeps track of the time of day, and you can "program" the exact hour and minute the feeder activates. Most programmable feeders allow you select individual days and multiple feed times each day. These feeders normally have two batteries. One large 6-volt lantern battery powers the motor, and a smaller battery powers the clock. The clock battery generally lasts more than a year. This allows the user to change the motor battery without having to reset the clock and re-program the feed times, a feature you will appreciate.

The feed used is generally whole or cracked corn, a variety of seeds, or processed feed pellets. Feed must be kept dry to prevent it from molding, freezing, and clogging the feeder. Corn should be clean and free of cobs and stalks. Some processed pellets absorb humidity, stick together, and will clog the funnel on top of the spinner plate, so you might want to use them carefully or mix them with some other feed. Molasses covered feeds should be avoided for the same reason. Some powdered forms of attractant can also be mixed with the feed as long as they remain dry.

Feed containers can be as small as a 5-gallon pail that will hold about 30 pounds of shelled corn, to a 55-gallon drum that will hold more than 300 pounds. In areas where bears are present, it is recommended that the feeder be mounted on a cable at least eight feet above the ground. Getting a 300-pound container eight feet above the ground can be very difficult and dangerous, so take the necessary precautions if you go this route. A block and tackle pulley system is worth the money for this task. Don't allow a dusk/dawn feed container to swing or twist since this can falsely activate the light sensor.

It is not necessary to scatter a lot of feed to attract wildlife; it just needs to be available on a regular basis. Most feeders spread less than 2 gallons of feed, even at the highest settings, and spread it over an area larger than 400 square feet. This is well within the feeding or bating limitations in most states, but check your local regulations before using any feeder. Feed scattered in deep grass or snow will soon be discovered so don't think a pile is required. I personally make a 6-gallon bucket (40 pounds) of corn last more than a week by feeding only once in the morning. This seems to work just fine and I found that the feeder quickly paid for itself in the cost of saved feed.

Bears, raccoons, and squirrels have a lot of time in your absence to find a way to get to the feed container and ruin your feeder. Bears have been known to break even the strongest tripod feeder holders. Raccoons and squirrels can climb most support ropes and chew their way to the feed. A screen mesh cover may be the best solution for this problem.

Since the feeder motor "spins" the feed out at a high rate of speed, always wear safety glasses when around the feeder to prevent eye injury. Keep your fingers away from the spinner plate; it's just looking for a fingertip to nip! And of course, never walk under a suspended feeder for obvious reasons.

Feeders provide a more natural way for wildlife to browse for food and minimize contact on the same food source. If you are using one for viewing or hunting, you will enjoy an increase in the amount of wildlife in the area.