Homemade PVC Deer Feeders

PVC deer feeders are the easiest type of feeder to build and set up, and a great way to attract any deer in the area. Whether you're using your deer feeder to attract deer for hunting (where it's legal) or just to catch a glimpse of the animals in the wild, a PVC feeder is a quick and easy way to get the deer to come to you.

Building your feeder

Four-inch PVC pipe is a perfect fit for deer feeders. Four-inch pipes are wide enough to hold plenty of feed, but narrow enough that the feed won't all dump out on the ground at once. Strap your 4- or 5-foot-long pipe against a tree, fencepost, or sturdy stump, with the bottom about 1 inch from the ground. For an extra touch, you can attach a 45-degree joint at the bottom of the pipe to direct the flow of the feed as it leaves the feeder.

Placing your feeder

The location of your feeder is crucial. The best spot for a feeder is close enough for it to be easily accessible to you; there's no sense in building a feeder 10 miles into the woods. But you don't want the feeder too close to your house, especially if you live in a residential area. Deer can easily get into your yard and garden as well as the yard and garden of any neighbors you may have. Try to find a balance: a place that's not too close to your house, but that's still near enough to take a peek at easily.

Using your feeder

When your feeder is set up properly in a good position, fill it. Deer are mainly browsers, preferring the leaves and shoots of trees to any food on the ground, but with the proper bait, you can reel them in. Carrots, apples and corn are reliable choices. Try to keep your feeder well stocked at all times. If the deer are used to the feeder being full, they are more likely to develop a habit of visiting, and you'll have a better chance of seeing them.

References

• Deer behavior