A deer feeder can be expensive especially when you are looking for a high-quality one. On the other hand, you can choose to build your own. To give you some more information, a homemade deer feeder can be built in different sizes and shapes. When it comes to the cost, this depends on the quality of the materials used and the features built into the plan.
To give some idea of the kinds of features you can expect, these include: the capacity of the container, the programming functions, materials, etc. However, did you know that you can not only build one but also hang one yourself ?
To make this process easier, here are some free plans for a homemade deer feeder that are easy and fun to build. You’ll need to buy your own lumber and other materials listed.
Homemade Deer Feeder Plan: Wooden Cabin Style Plan
This cabin-style DIY deer feeder plan is ideal for people with some carpentry skills. To give you a time estimate, it will take about one to two days to build.
In order to make this style, here are the materials and cut sizes that you’ll need:
- 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber ( 10 ft. ), cut to 52” long each for the vertical posts
- 2 pieces of 2×6 ( 8 ft. ) – cut to 57″ long, 2 pieces – cut to 22 1/2″ long, 2 pieces; for the frame of the feeding tray
- Two pieces of 2×2 lumber ( 8 ft. ), cut 19 1/2″ long and 2 pieces cut 47″ long for the cleats that holds base of tray
- 1 -2×4 feet piece of ¾ pressure treated plywood, cut 22 1/2″x 47″ long for the panel or bottom of tray
- 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber ( 8 ft. ) cut into 48″ long each for the stakes (vertical part that will hold the roof )
- 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber cut 4 into 20″ long and 2 pieces at 23 1/4″ long for the base of rafters
- 10 pieces of 1×6 lumber ( 10ft. ) 60″ long for the roof covering
- 2.5 inch screws
- 1 ¼ inch screws
- 1 5/8 ” screws
- stain if you want to color the wood to blend into the area
- glue if you choose to add glue to ends and seams
Tools Needed
Of course, as with any kind of DIY project, you will need some handy tools. The specific tools you’ll need to make your homemade feeder are a hammer, tape measure, level, framing square, miter saw, sander, screwdriver, and drill. You should also wear safety gear like gloves and glasses for your own protection.
Once you have completed purchasing the materials and tools you need, follow the steps below.
Steps on How to Build a Deer Feeder
To give you some background, this cabin style homemade deer feeder can be either fixed in one place or transferred to different spots.
Step One:
Dig and Bury the 4x4s in 2’ holes into the ground for fixed legs of the feeder. Make sure that the legs are of equal distance and height with the use of a spirit level. Keep the posts secured into place by using dirt and gravel. Pack the material down well around each post to secure them into place.
Step Two:
Once the legs are built, work on the frame. Using the drill, drill 2.5” holes into the 2×6 lumber. Then, using a square, check the corners of the frame to ensure they are right angled. In addition, make sure that the frame is at flawless level to the frame. Then secure the edges and the components by locking them with the wood screws.
Step Three:
Fasten the 2×2 feed tray cleats on the frame interiors. After that, create pilot holes over the cleats to attach it to the frame using 2.5” screws.
Step Four:
Insert the ¾” plywood to the cleats or base of food tray. Once you have done this, secure it using 1 ¼” screws in the drilled pilot holes through the panel and cleats.
Step Five:
For the stakes ( 2 vertical uprights to hold the roof ), you need the two 2x4s, each top cut with 45 degree angle slats. Place each stake in the center of the sides of the frame. After that, attach them tightly by drilling holes and using screws through the frame and lumber. Then, attach additional diagonal braces if you are not confident of its steadiness.
Step Six:
For building the triangle rafters, cut the 2×4’s into 4 – 20″ long and 2 pieces at 23 1/4″ long for the base of rafters. Cut the 20″ pieces and put them together as a triangle shape. The 23 1/4 pieces are the base of those. Create pilot holes and secure the parts together using 2/4” screws.
Step Seven:
Attach the completed triangle rafters to the vertical stakes with the 2.5” screws.
Step Eight:
Then, add the 1×6 cedar slats to serve as the roofing of the deer feeder, and make sure they overlap at least 1″. You can use corrugated metal sheets or wood screws for the roof and/or secure them in place using galvanized nails.
As a final step to your homemade deer feeder plan, you can adjust the dimensions of the feeder according to your sizing needs. Make the surfaces smooth by rubbing them with 120-200 grit sandpaper for the best result.
Building a PVC Feeder from Pipes
You can also build a homemade deer feeder using PVC pipes. To do this you will need:
- 1 10’ long PVC pipe
- A Y coupler
- 1 10’ all around
- 2-4” caps
- 1-10 screws
- Spray paint
- PVC glue
Steps to Follow
Simply cut a small piece out of a 10’ long PVC pipe. Drill holes in this piece for drainage. Attach the longer pipe to a Y coupler. Then insert the drilled pipe to the smaller PVC pipe.
Cover the top of the pipe with an undrilled cap to prevent water from getting inside it. Then, place the assembled parts in your desired location. After that, you can attach it to the trees, posts, or fences to attract the deer.
With a PVC deer feeder, you can also paint the finished feeder with colors that blend with the nature. This is to keep out of sight from hunters and other animals.
Conclusion
Now you have a choice of either purchasing a feeder or building your own deer feeder. In case you decide not to create your own and want to upgrade your current store bought feeders, here are some examples of high-quality deer feeder attachments. Check out these articles on the Moultrie Pro Hunter Quick Lock Feeder Kit, JKL Outdoors Spyder Deer and Wildlife Gravity Feeder Attachment, and On Time 11113 Lifetime Elite Feeder Timer.
With the above mentioned build it yourself plans, you can save money and create your very own homemade deer feeder that perfectly suits your needs.
