Best Deer Feeders (2026): 7 Picks From $30 to 600 lb
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A deer feeder doesn't make deer appear out of nowhere, but in the places where it's legal, it can help you see which deer are using your property and keep them on it. The right feeder depends on what you feed, how often you can get back to refill it, and whether you want a timer or a simple gravity tube.
We ranked seven feeders that Sportsman's Warehouse had in stock and ready to ship to your home on October 5, 2026, from a $30 tree-mount tube to a 600 lb Boss Buck. Every price comes from the live listing that day and every spec from the maker or the listing. This is a research guide, not a hands-on test, and before anything else, check that feeding deer is legal where you hunt.
The short answer
For most hunters, the Moultrie 200 lb Deer Feeder Standard is the one to start with. Our picks:
- Best overall: Moultrie 200 lb Standard, about $100. Check price at Sportsman's Warehouse →
- Best gravity / protein: Moultrie 250 lb Gravity, about $160. Check price at Sportsman's Warehouse →
- Most timer control: American Hunter XDE-Pro, about $140. Check price at Sportsman's Warehouse →
- Lowest price: Wildgame Treehugger, about $30. Check price at Sportsman's Warehouse →
- Biggest capacity: Boss Buck 600 lb, about $660 plus freight. Check price at Sportsman's Warehouse →
Prices checked October 5, 2026 at Sportsman's Warehouse, before tax. Batteries and feed are extra.
Check your state's feeding and baiting rules first
Feeding deer is legal in some states and illegal or restricted in others. Some states ban feeding deer altogether, often to slow the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD). Others let you feed but not hunt over bait, or limit when, where and how much you can put out, sometimes county by county. Rules change from year to year.
Before you buy a feeder, read your state wildlife agency's current regulations for the county you hunt. Nothing in this guide is legal advice.
How we chose
Nobody at OSS America set up these feeders for this guide. We started with what hunters are searching for this month. Google's related searches for "deer feeder" are led by "moultrie deer feeder," followed by "deer corn feeder," "best deer feeder," "deer feeder battery" and "deer feeder timer," and "automatic deer feeder with timer" more than doubled. Then we looked at every deer feeder on Sportsman's Warehouse and kept only the ones that were in stock and eligible to ship to a home address on October 5, 2026.
That cut a lot. The Moultrie 325 Gravity, Boss Buck 200 Post and 600 Sled, American Hunter XD-Pro, and Wildgame Evolution 30 and Quick Set 270 were all out of stock, and the Boss Buck 350 was in stock but not available to ship. For the rest, we took specs from Moultrie and Boss Buck's own sites, and from the Sportsman's listings where the maker's site wouldn't load (American Hunter, Wildgame) or we couldn't find one (Tectonic). We compared capacity, feed type (spin, gravity, protein), timer control, power, setup and price, and we quote Sportsman's shopper ratings only as what they are: a handful of reviews.
All seven at a glance
| # | Feeder | Type | Capacity | Timer / power | Price | $ per lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Moultrie 200 lb Standard | Tripod spin feeder (broadcast) | 200 lb | Bluetooth, 4 feeds/day; AA | $99.99 | $0.50 |
| #2 | Moultrie 250 lb Gravity | Tripod gravity feeder (no electronics) | 250 lb | None (no power) | $159.99 | $0.64 |
| #3 | American Hunter XDE-Pro 30 gal | Tripod spin feeder (broadcast) | 30 gal (about 180 lb of corn, est.) | LCD, 16 feeds/day; 6V | $139.99 | $0.78* |
| #4 | Wildgame Treehugger 100 lb | Tree-mount gravity feeder | 100 lb | None (no power) | $29.99 | $0.30 |
| #5 | Moultrie 40 lb Hanging | Hanging spin feeder (broadcast) | 40 lb | Bluetooth, 4 feeds/day; AA | $79.99 | $2.00 |
| #6 | Boss Buck 600 lb Protein | Gravity protein feeder, 4 ports | 600 lb corn (about 500 lb large protein pellets) | None (no power) | $659.99 | $1.10 |
| #7 | Tectonic Daytime Deadfall | Ground feeder shaped like a fallen log | 350 lb | None (no power) | $599.99 | $1.71 |
Prices from sportsmans.com, in stock and eligible to ship to home, checked October 5, 2026, before tax. *American Hunter lists 30 gallons; the pounds are our estimate for shelled corn. Boss Buck 600 adds a $250 freight charge at checkout. Batteries and feed not included.
How to read the chart: the simple tripod spin feeders and gravity tubes give you the most hopper for the money, from about 30 to 80 cents a pound. The Moultrie 200 lb Standard stands out because it's that cheap per pound and comes with a Bluetooth timer. Prices jump per pound once you pay for something special: a hanging metal bucket (Moultrie 40 lb), a big rotomolded protein hopper with freight shipping (Boss Buck), or a log-shaped ground feeder (Tectonic).
The 7 best deer feeders, ranked
Moultrie 200lb Deer Feeder Standard
Best deer feeder overall
Sportsman's Warehouse: about $100 · Capacity: 200 lb · Timer: Bluetooth, up to 4 feeds a day
Moultrie is the name most people type into Google when they shop for a feeder, and the 200 lb Deer Feeder Standard shows why. For about $100 you get a complete tripod spin feeder: a 200 lb plastic hopper, powder-coated steel legs, and Moultrie's ALL-IN-ONE II feeder kit already on the bottom. Set it up, fill it with corn and it throws feed in a full circle at the times you choose.
The timer is the part that matters most to people searching "deer feeder timer" right now. Moultrie lists up to 4 feed times a day, each 1 to 20 seconds long. You can program it at the feeder, or from your phone over Bluetooth with the Moultrie app (no subscription) while you're within range, so you don't have to walk right up to the feeder and leave scent every time you change the schedule. Pair it with a Moultrie EDGE 3 cellular camera and Moultrie says you can adjust it remotely.
Power is simple: 4 AA batteries, or 8 for a longer run, and Moultrie says 8 AAs last all season. The 5.5-foot fill height means no ladder. On October 5, 2026, it was in stock at Sportsman's Warehouse for $99.99 and eligible for free shipping to your home, with 4.0 of 5 from 43 Sportsman's reviews.
One note: the Sportsman's listing says "holds up to 200 pounds" in one line and "up to 250 pounds" in another. Moultrie's own spec sheet says 200 lb, so that's the number we use.
| Capacity | 200 lb (Moultrie spec) |
| Type | Tripod spin feeder, 360-degree broadcast |
| Feeder kit | ALL-IN-ONE II, Quick-Lock compatible |
| Timer | 0 to 4 feeds a day, 1 to 20 seconds; Bluetooth app |
| Power | 4 AA (8 AA for extended run), not included |
| Fill height | 5.5 ft, 6 leg sections |
| Warranty | 1 year (Moultrie) |
Pros
- + Lowest cost per pound of any spin feeder here
- + Phone programming over Bluetooth with no subscription
- + Runs on AA batteries, no 6V battery to charge
- + Best-reviewed feeder in this guide on Sportsman's (43 reviews)
Cons
- − Plastic hopper, not steel
- − 4 feed times a day max; some timers allow 16
- − Batteries not included
Moultrie 250lb Gravity Deer Feeder
Best gravity feeder for protein and corn
Sportsman's Warehouse: about $160 · Capacity: 250 lb · Power: none needed
A gravity feeder has no motor, no timer and no battery. Feed sits in the hopper and drops into the ports as deer eat it. That makes it the right tool for protein pellets, which many managers feed in spring and summer, and it means there's nothing electronic to fail when you can't get back to the feeder for a few weeks.
Moultrie's 250 lb Gravity Deer Feeder holds 250 lb, stands on six steel leg sections with a 6-foot fill height, and uses a twist-lock lid that comes off completely for filling. Moultrie says it works for protein in the spring and corn in the fall, and it's Quick-Lock compatible, so you can swap a Moultrie spin kit onto the same hopper later if you want timed feeding.
It was $159.99 at Sportsman's Warehouse on October 5, in stock and eligible for free shipping to your home (3.9 of 5 from 13 Sportsman's reviews). The trade-off: deer, hogs and raccoons can empty a gravity feeder as fast as they like.
| Capacity | 250 lb (Moultrie spec) |
| Type | Tripod gravity feeder |
| Power | None |
| Fill height | 6 ft, 6 steel leg sections |
| Lid | Twist-lock, fully removable |
| Operating temp | 14°F to 140°F |
| Warranty | 1 year (Moultrie) |
Pros
- + No batteries, motor or timer to fail
- + Good for protein pellets as well as corn
- + Quick-Lock lets you add a spin kit later
- + 50 lb more capacity than the Standard
Cons
- − No control over how fast feed goes out
- − Costs about $60 more than the 200 lb spin feeder
- − Plastic hopper
American Hunter XDE-Pro With Nesting Hopper 30 Gallon Feeder
Best timer for frequent feedings
Sportsman's Warehouse: about $140 · Capacity: 30 gallons · Timer: up to 16 feeds a day
If "automatic deer feeder with timer" is what brought you here (that search more than doubled this month), the American Hunter XDE-Pro gives you the most control over the schedule. Sportsman's lists a digital timer with a large LCD screen, two "Q-Set" preset programs for quick setup, and custom settings for 1 to 16 feedings a day with each run set anywhere from 1 to 60 seconds. That's four times as many daily feed times as the Moultrie kits allow.
The kit comes with a 30-gallon nesting hopper and three 8-foot sectional heavy-duty metal legs. It runs on a 6-volt battery; Sportsman's recommends the DE-30045 battery, which is not included, so budget for one (and a charger or solar panel). American Hunter lists capacity in gallons, not pounds. Using the standard weight of shelled corn (56 lb per bushel, about 9.3 gallons), 30 gallons works out to roughly 180 lb of corn. That's our estimate, not a maker number.
It was $139.99 at Sportsman's Warehouse on October 5, in stock and eligible for free shipping to your home. It had no Sportsman's reviews yet, and we couldn't load American Hunter's own product page that day, so the specs here come from the Sportsman's listing.
| Capacity | 30 gallons (about 180 lb corn, our estimate) |
| Type | Tripod spin feeder, nesting hopper |
| Timer | Digital LCD, 1 to 16 feeds a day, 1 to 60 seconds, 2 presets |
| Power | 6V battery (DE-30045 recommended), not included |
| Legs | Three 8 ft sectional metal legs |
| Model | AH-225XDE |
Pros
- + Up to 16 feedings a day, 1 to 60 seconds each
- + Easy-read LCD screen and two presets
- + Tall 8 ft sectional metal legs
- + Under $150 for the complete feeder
Cons
- − 6V battery not included
- − Capacity listed only in gallons
- − No reviews yet on Sportsman's
Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100lbs Feeder
Best budget feeder
Sportsman's Warehouse: about $30 · Capacity: 100 lb · Mount: straps to a tree
For about $30 the Wildgame Innovations Treehugger is the cheapest way to start feeding. It's a tall PVC gravity tube in TruBark HD camo that straps to a tree trunk with integrated straps and a heavy-duty buckle. Sportsman's lists a 100 lb capacity, a weatherproof sliding cover, and says it can hold corn, attractants, protein, minerals or a mix. Feed refills the tray as deer eat it.
Wildgame pitches it for spots a tripod won't fit and for testing a new location before you commit to a bigger feeder. At about 30 cents per pound of capacity, it's the lowest here.
It was in stock at Sportsman's Warehouse on October 5 (free shipping on orders over $75), with 3.0 of 5 from 4 Sportsman's reviews. Keep expectations in line with the price: there's no timer, no varmint guard and no metal anywhere, so squirrels, raccoons and hogs get the same access as deer.
| Capacity | 100 lb (Sportsman's listing) |
| Type | Tree-mount gravity feeder |
| Material | PVC, TruBark HD camo |
| Mounting | Integrated straps and heavy-duty buckle |
| Feed | Corn, attractants, protein, mineral |
| Power | None |
Pros
- + Cheapest feeder here by far
- + Lowest cost per pound of capacity
- + Fits spots where a tripod won't
- + Light and easy to move
Cons
- − No timer or varmint protection
- − PVC isn't as tough as a metal hopper
- − Only 4 reviews on Sportsman's (3.0 of 5)
Moultrie 40lb Hanging Feeder
Best hanging feeder
Sportsman's Warehouse: about $80 · Capacity: 40 lb · Timer: Bluetooth, up to 4 feeds a day
The Moultrie 40lb Hanging Feeder is a metal bucket with the same ALL-IN-ONE II spin kit on the bottom as the 200 lb Standard. You hang it from a limb, a pole or a cable instead of standing it on legs, which helps on uneven ground, in tight cover, or anywhere you only need a small supplemental feeder.
Moultrie lists a 40 lb capacity, a corrosion-resistant metal bucket and lid, Bluetooth control from the Moultrie app, estimated feed-level reporting, three spin speeds (Hi, Med, Low), a metal spin plate, up to 4 feeds a day of 1 to 20 seconds each, and 4 AA batteries (8 for extended run). The Sportsman's listing says 1 to 60 seconds per feed; Moultrie's spec sheet says 1 to 20, and we go with the maker.
It was $79.99 at Sportsman's Warehouse on October 5, in stock with free shipping. It's the most expensive feeder here per pound of capacity, at about $2 a pound, and its 8 Sportsman's reviews average 2.6 of 5, the lowest score in this guide. Buy it for where it hangs, not for how much it holds.
| Capacity | 40 lb (Moultrie spec) |
| Type | Hanging spin feeder, 360-degree broadcast |
| Hopper | Green metal bucket and lid |
| Timer | 0 to 4 feeds a day, 1 to 20 seconds; Bluetooth; feed-level estimate |
| Power | 4 AA (8 AA for extended run), not included |
| Warranty | 1 year (Moultrie) |
Pros
- + Hangs anywhere: no level ground needed
- + Metal bucket and lid
- + Same Bluetooth timer as the bigger Moultrie
- + Feed-level estimate in the app
Cons
- − Highest cost per pound of capacity here
- − Only 40 lb, so frequent refills
- − Mixed reviews on Sportsman's (2.6 of 5 from 8)
Boss Buck 600lbs Protein Feeder
Biggest capacity
Sportsman's Warehouse: about $660 plus a $250 freight charge · Capacity: 600 lb corn (about 500 lb protein)
If you're feeding a lot of deer across a long season, refill trips are the real cost. The Boss Buck 600 lb Protein Feeder holds about 600 lb of corn or about 500 lb of large protein pellets, according to Boss Buck, so you can go a long time between fills. The rotomolded HDPE hopper is UV-protected, and Boss Buck says it won't rot, rust or leak.
Feed drops through Boss Buck's patented protein/gravity head: four ports, each 4 inches across and 8 inches long, angled at 10 degrees with a 1-inch overhang and a drain hole to shed rain. Boss Buck lists 84-inch legs, 81 inches from the ground to the lid, 42 inches to the feed ports, galvanized hardware, and an oversized double-walled lid meant to cut condensation. It's made in the USA, and it can be converted to a spin feeder with a 12V kit that's sold separately.
On October 5 it was $659.99 at Sportsman's Warehouse and in stock, but it ships by freight (LTL) with a $250 additional shipping charge, so plan on about $910 delivered before tax. Boss Buck's own site listed the 600 lb feeder from $769.99 the same day, depending on options. Boss Buck also warns that running salt-based feeds through its electronic control system voids the parts warranty.
| Capacity | ~600 lb corn, ~500 lb large protein pellets (Boss Buck) |
| Type | Gravity protein feeder, 4 ports |
| Hopper | Rotomolded HDPE, UV-protected |
| Height | 81 in to lid, 42 in to the ports, 84 in legs |
| Footprint | Feeder 44 x 44 x 43 in; inside leg spread 40 in |
| Shipping | LTL freight, $250 added charge at Sportsman's |
| Made in | USA |
Pros
- + Holds 3 times what the Moultrie Standard holds
- + Plastic hopper won't rust
- + Adjustable flow for protein or corn
- + Converts to a spin feeder later
Cons
- − $250 freight charge on top of the price
- − Large, heavy setup
- − No reviews on the Sportsman's listing
Tectonic Daytime Deadfall Feeder
Most natural-looking feeder
Sportsman's Warehouse: about $600 · Capacity: 350 lb · Size: 33 x 28 x 32 in
The Tectonic Daytime Deadfall Feeder looks nothing like a tripod. It's a ground feeder molded to look like a section of fallen log, with a lid you open and close by hand. Tectonic's pitch, quoted on the Sportsman's listing, is to "make nocturnal deer more huntable": you open the feeder when you want deer to eat and close it when you don't, rather than leaving feed out all night.
Sportsman's lists a 350 lb capacity, weather- and rain-resistant construction, a design that "cuts down on waste feed," quick assembly and dimensions of 33 inches long, 28 inches wide and 32 inches tall. We couldn't find a maker website for Tectonic, so these specs come from the Sportsman's listing.
At $599.99 (in stock with free shipping on October 5) it's one of the two priciest feeders here, and at about $1.71 per pound of capacity it's not a value pick. You're paying for the low, natural profile and the open/close control. It had no Sportsman's reviews yet. Before you buy it, check your state's rules: if feeding deer is restricted where you hunt, a feeder you open and close by hand doesn't change that.
| Capacity | 350 lb (Sportsman's listing) |
| Type | Ground feeder shaped like a fallen log |
| Size | 33 x 28 x 32 in |
| Control | Open/close lid by hand |
| Power | None |
| Reviews | None yet on Sportsman's |
Pros
- + Blends in like a fallen log
- + You decide when it's open
- + Rain-resistant, built to cut wasted feed
- + No batteries to replace
Cons
- − About $600 for 350 lb of capacity
- − You have to visit it to open and close it
- − Specs only from the retailer listing; no reviews yet
Which should you buy?
- You want one easy, affordable feeder with a timer: Moultrie 200 lb Standard.
- You feed protein, or you can't check batteries often: Moultrie 250 lb Gravity.
- You want many small feedings a day: American Hunter XDE-Pro (up to 16).
- You're on a tight budget or testing a new spot: Wildgame Treehugger.
- Your ground is steep, uneven or thick: Moultrie 40 lb Hanging Feeder.
- You feed a lot of deer and hate refill trips: Boss Buck 600 lb Protein.
- You want feed out only when you choose: Tectonic Daytime Deadfall.
What to look for in a deer feeder
- The law first. Feeding, baiting and hunting over feed are regulated state by state, and sometimes county by county. Some states ban feeding deer entirely. Read the current rules before you spend a dollar.
- Spin (broadcast) or gravity. A spin feeder throws a measured amount of corn on a schedule, so you control how much goes out and when. A gravity feeder lets deer eat whenever they want and is the usual choice for protein pellets. Many Moultrie and Boss Buck hoppers can be converted from one to the other.
- Capacity vs. refill trips. More capacity means fewer trips into your hunting area. A 200 to 250 lb feeder suits most small properties; 600 lb is for big feeding programs.
- Timer and power. AA-powered Moultrie kits are simple. Timers that take a 6V battery (like the American Hunter) usually allow more feedings and longer runs, but you'll need a battery, a charger or a solar panel. "Deer feeder battery" is one of the most-searched feeder topics for a reason: check what's included.
- Varmints. Raccoons, squirrels and hogs love corn. Metal hoppers, varmint guards and timed spin feeders waste less than an open gravity tube.
- Watch them, don't guess. A trail camera near the feeder tells you which deer are coming and when. Pair it with good glass from our hunting binoculars guide, and when the season opens, see our best deer hunting rifles and 25 hunting essentials.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best deer feeder for the money?
For most people, the Moultrie 200 lb Deer Feeder Standard: $99.99 at Sportsman's Warehouse on October 5, 2026, with a 200 lb hopper and a Bluetooth timer for about 50 cents per pound of capacity. If you only need a cheap gravity feeder, the Wildgame Treehugger was $29.99 for 100 lb.
Is it legal to use a deer feeder?
It depends on your state, and sometimes your county. Some states ban feeding deer outright, often because of chronic wasting disease; others allow feeding but not hunting over bait, or set limits on dates, distance and amounts. Check your state wildlife agency's current regulations before you set one up.
What's the difference between a spin feeder and a gravity feeder?
A spin (broadcast) feeder uses a battery-powered motor and timer to throw feed on a schedule, so you control how much goes out. A gravity feeder has no motor; feed drops into ports as deer eat. Gravity feeders are popular for protein pellets, and spin feeders for corn.
How many times a day should a deer feeder go off?
Many hunters run a feeder once or twice a day, often around dawn and late afternoon, and adjust from there based on trail camera photos. The Moultrie kits here allow up to 4 feed times a day; the American Hunter XDE-Pro allows up to 16.
What batteries do deer feeders use?
It varies. The Moultrie 200 lb Standard and 40 lb Hanging feeders run on 4 or 8 AA batteries, and Moultrie says 8 AAs last all season. The American Hunter XDE-Pro uses a 6-volt rechargeable battery (Sportsman's recommends the DE-30045), which isn't included. Gravity feeders need no power.
Can I buy a deer feeder online and have it shipped home?
Yes. All seven feeders here were in stock and eligible to ship to a home address at Sportsman's Warehouse on October 5, 2026. Most qualified for free shipping; the Boss Buck 600 ships by freight with a $250 added charge.
The bottom line
Start with the Moultrie 200 lb Deer Feeder Standard. It's cheap, it holds enough for most properties and its Bluetooth timer lets you change the schedule without tromping up to the feeder. Choose the Moultrie 250 lb Gravity for protein or a no-battery setup, and the American Hunter XDE-Pro if you want lots of small feedings a day. Whatever you pick, read your state's feeding and baiting rules first, and put a trail camera on it so you learn something from every pound of corn.
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