DIY Gravity PVC Deer Feeder Ideas

Hunting
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Introduction

I’ve been looking into gravity PVC deer feeders for my hunting setup and I’m curious to get some feedback or reviews from anyone who has built one. I’ve seen a lot of DIY guides out there but I’m particularly interested in practical advice and tips from those who have actually tried using these feeders in the field.

Materials Required

To start off, I believe the basic materials for constructing a gravity PVC deer feeder typically include:

  • PVC pipes: Commonly used diameters are 4" or 6".
  • End caps: These will close off the ends of the pipes.
  • Bungs or plugs: To control the flow of feed.
  • Feed: Whether it’s corn, pellets, or protein blocks, what do you prefer?

Construction Tips

From what I’ve gathered, here are some construction tips:

  • Make sure the feed can flow freely; the dimensions of the holes where the feed exits are crucial.
  • Consider the height of the feeder; deer are creatures of habit and height can affect accessibility.
  • Use a funnel system to guide the feed from the pipe into a more accessible area.

Effectiveness Compared to Traditional Feeders

I would also love to know how effective you’ve found PVC feeders compared to traditional wooden deer feeders. Do you believe they are better at attracting deer? Are they easier to refill or maintain?

Closing Thoughts

If anyone has feedback or has built a gravity PVC deer feeder, I’d appreciate hearing your experiences, construction tips, or any modifications you’ve made to improve effectiveness. Let’s discuss how this DIY approach compares to pre-made solutions in terms of cost, durability, and attraction rates.

Looking forward to your insights!

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I’m currently designing a PVC deer feeder and I’m curious about the ideal size. How big do you think it should be to attract more deer?

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I’ve found that a feeder around 4 feet tall with a base of at least 2 feet across works great. The size helps keep the feed secure and designed for their comfort!

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From my experience, the shape of the feeder can really influence deer interaction. Round or oval shapes seem to be more inviting than square ones.

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Exactly, and I think a wider base stabilizes the feeder better during windy conditions, which is crucial in some areas!

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I built one with an adjustable feed opening, and I’ve noticed it affects how quickly the deer find food. Have any of you tried variable openings?

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Adjustable openings sound interesting! Did you find a specific size that worked best in your area for attracting deer?

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I usually keep the opening around 3 inches but it varies based on the feed type. My deer love corn, so it works perfectly!

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Interesting! Have you noticed a difference in how many deer you attract compared to a larger opening?

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Larger openings can lead to feed wastage. However, my bigger concern is keeping the rain out. A slight overhang on the top can make a huge difference!

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I totally agree! A well-designed roof can keep feed dry and fresh, which is better for attracting deer when they’re hungry.

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I’m still trying to figure out the best shape. Any preferences between rectangular versus round for the feeders? My last one was quite wobbly!

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Round has been a winner in terms of stability for me. Less wobbling means more time for the deer to feed.

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Wobbling definitely ruins the feeding experience! Structurally, I tried adding braces to my feeder’s base, and it helped a lot.

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That’s a solid idea! Braces can certainly prevent wobbling. I might try that on my next build and share the results!

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When using PVC, remember flexibility is key. A bit of give in the material helps with stability during windy days. Anyone else had success with flexible designs?

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I’ve been using PVC for my feeders for a couple of years now. They hold up well against weather, but the sun can be tough on them, leading to some brittleness over time. Regular maintenance helps extend their life.

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That’s good to know, todd24! It sounds like applying a UV protectant might help. Any other maintenance tips?

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I’ve found that a coating of paint can help protect the PVC. Just make sure it’s non-toxic and safe for animals. It can give you an extra layer of weather resistance.

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That’s a great idea, melissa29. I hadn’t considered painting it. Is there a particular kind of paint you recommend?