How to Make an Automatic Deer Feeder

If you want to attract bucks and does, consider making an automatic deer feeder. Creating an automatic deer feeder will make the deer work for their food. People often set up deer feeders to keep the animals out of their gardens. Deer enjoy eating vegetables, berries, seeds and molasses. It is important to follow state laws when feeding wildlife. Deer may become dependent on your food, and they will not be able to hunt for themselves.

Things You'll Need

  • 5-gallon plastic bucket with secure lid
  • 36-inch dowel rod (1 inch wide)
  • Drill
  • Spade bit
  • Dremel tool
  • Sanding wheel
  • 5/16-inch braided nylon rope (3 inches)
  • Thread screw
  • Dry corn (deer feed)
  • Maple syrup
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Instructions

    • 1

      Drill a hole 1 inch in diameter centered in the bottom of the bucket.

    • 2

      Use a sanding wheel to make the hole 1 3/8 inch in diameter. The hole needs to be large enough for the corn to fall out, but you do not want the hole too large or all the corn will fall out at one time. You may have to test the deer feeder by slowly twisting the dowel rod after you insert it into the hole.

    • 3

      Place the 3-inch thread screw through the dowel rod. Iinsert the screw lengthwise to hold the dowel rod inside the bucket. Carefully insert one end of the dowel rod at a time to fit the end of the rod and the screw into the hole you drilled in the bucket's bottom.

    • 4

      Fill the bucket with dry corn feed. Place the lid securely on the bucket. You will need someone to help you hold the bucket since you already inserted the dowel rod into the bottom of your bucket.

    • 5

      Tie the nylon rope around the lid's handle. Throw the rope over a secure tree limb. Hoist the deer feeder up by pulling on the rope. Once the end of the dowel rod touches the ground, tie the rope securely around the tree limb.

    • 6

      Sprinkle corn on the ground and brush maple syrup on the dowel rod. This will attract deer to your feeder. When the deer touch or lick on the dowel rod, a small amount of corn will fall out at a time.