How to Use PVC Pipes on Deer Feeders' Legs

Whether for hunting or photography, feeders are great for bringing deer to you.

Using a deer feeder is a great an convenient way to attract a large number of deer to a particular area. However, most deer feeders have one drawback --- the legs tend to corrode out in the natural elements long before the working life of the feeder itself has expired. PVC is a great replacement or alternative to metal legs. Although the use of PVC does pose some difficulties, these are easily overcome.

Things You'll Need

• 3/4-inch PVC water pipe
• Tape measure
• Hacksaw
• Pipe joints, four-way with sides at 90 degrees
• Wood screws
• PVC adhesive

Instructions

1. Remove the legs on the feeder. Depending on the feeder and the level of corrosion present, this may require the use of a hacksaw. However, leave attached as much as possible of the joint where the legs fit; this will greatly simplify your attaching of the new legs.

2. Cut the PVC in 3- to 4-foot sections. The optimum height for most feeders to obtain the maximum spread of feed is 6 to 8 feet, so two-section legs of 6 to 8 feet are ideal. Make sure that the cuts are not too jagged, and are mostly flat. Perfectly level cuts are not necessary, but the flatter the cut, the better. Attach the pipe joints to one end of the PVC sections.

3. Fit the PVC into the leg joints on the feeder. If the joints are too small to accept the PVC, cut a notch out of the joint and fit it inside the PVC. After aligning the joints attached in step 2, use wood screws to attach the legs to the joint. Measure the distance between the pipe joint opening and add at least half an inch to each end to make sure the pieces will hold. Cut the PVC and attach it to the joints. According to your preference, you may apply the adhesive at this point, or when you arrive at the final location of the feeder.

4. Fit the second 3- to 4-foot section to the last open end of the fitting. If you have yet to do so, apply the fitting to the bottom of this section. Repeating the above step, measure the distance between the openings and add at least half an inch for a sure fit. Cut the PVC to fit, then attach it. Again, whether you choose to use the adhesive on this part is up to you, and depends largely on how you intend to get the feeder to its final location.

5. Once you get to the location where you want the feeder, apply any adhesive you have yet to apply and fit the pieces together. Make sure that all pieces fit tightly, and that the frame is not twisted. The open end on the bottom of the lowest PVC joints will act as a lightweight anchor, and will keep the frame stable.

Tips & Warnings

• The amount of PVC you will need depends on the kind of feeder you are using and how many legs it has.

• If you are using a heavyweight feeder, you may want to use larger-gauge PVC. These instructions will still apply, but you may not need to cut a notch in the feeder leg joint to make it fit inside the pipe.

• The necessity of painting the PVC to camouflage it is debatable, but it won't hurt. However, make sure the pain is dry before you try to place the feeder, to avoid both a mess and smells that will drive animals away.

• Working with any tools or materials carries an inherent danger of cutting or eye injury. Please take precautions to prevent injury.

• Most PVC adhesive is an inhalant hazard. Read the instructions closely and take precautions to avoid potentially serious injury.

• Before placing any feeder, check local laws regarding their use. Feeders are illegal in many states for any purpose, and in other states for hunting purposes, and may be illegal in certain municipalities or counties even in states where they are generally legal.

References

• Angeles Millwork and Lumber Co.: Working With Plastic Pipe
• Deer-Departed: Homade Deer Feeders
• DIY Hunting and Outdoors: Motorized Automatic Feeders for Deer, Turkey or Other Wildlife Attraction