How to Make an Electric Automatic Deer Feeder

One simple way to find deer during the hunting season is to provide food for the deer to eat. A simple automatic deer feeder releases a preset amount of food at different times to keep the deer coming back. Commercial automatic feeders are expensive and cost hundreds of dollars. A homemade deer feeder requires only a timer/feeder and a few basic materials that can be found at the local hardware store.

Things You'll Need

  • 55-gallon drum
  • Automatic timer/feeder
  • Drill
  • Wrenches
  • Leg supports
  • Steel rods
  • Paint
  • Corn
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Select a 55-gallon drum that has a removable lid on top. These lids will allow easy access to add more feed to the drum later while protecting the feed from the elements while it is still in the drum.

    • 2

      Turn the barrel over so that the bottom of the barrel is on top.

    • 3

      Drill a 1-inch hole into the center of the barrel. This hole is where the feed will drain from the barrel. The size of the hole may need to be adjusted if the feed does not flow out of the barrel smoothly.

    • 4

      Place the automatic timer and feed apparatus onto the bottom of the barrel. Mark where the holes need to be drilled to connect the timer to the barrel. Automatic timers/feeders can be purchased at sporting goods shops.

    • 5

      Drill all holes into the bottom of the barrel and install the timer/feeder to the bottom of the barrel following the manufacturer's instructions.

    • 6

      Attach three leg supports around the bottom of the barrel. The supports will hold the iron legs, creating a tripod to support the feeder in the air.

    • 7

      Paint the barrel and legs of the feeder natural colors so they blend in better with in environment. Use colors such as greens and browns to create a camouflage-type pattern.

    • 8

      Set up the barrel on its tripod before adding feed to the barrel. Adjust the timer on the automatic feeder.