Are you looking to keep your hanging deer feeder in tip-top shape throughout the year? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Maintaining a hanging deer feeder requires attention to detail and some seasonal adjustments. By following these seasonal tips, you can ensure your feeder stays in excellent working condition and continues to attract deer to your property.
Understanding the Importance of Seasonal Maintenance
Keeping your hanging deer feeder well-maintained throughout the year is crucial for several reasons. Deer are creatures of habit, and providing them with a consistent food source can encourage them to return to your property regularly. Additionally, a well-maintained feeder minimizes the risk of mechanical failure, which can save you time and money in the long run.
Spring: Spring Cleaning and Reassessment
Inspect and Clean the Feeder
After a long winter, your first task should be to inspect and clean your feeder. Remove any debris or leftover feed from the feeder. A buildup of old feed can attract mold or pests, diminishing the quality of the feed and potentially harming the deer. Brands like Moultrie and American Hunter offer feeders that are designed for easy cleaning.
Check for Damage
Winter weather can take a toll on your deer feeder. Inspect the feeder, hanging mechanism, and support structures for any signs of damage such as rust, wear, or breakage. Repair or replace any damaged parts to ensure the feeder is safe and functional.
Refill with Fresh Feed
Spring is a time of renewal, and that should extend to your deer feed supply. Clear out old feed if you haven’t already and refill your feeder with fresh, high-quality feed. Brands like Boss Buck and On Time Wildlife Feeders provide excellent options for durable, dependable hanging feeders that make this task fairly straightforward.
Summer: Protecting and Monitoring
Shade Your Feeder
The summer sun can be brutal, especially if your feeder is in an open area. Place your feeder in a shaded spot to keep the feed fresh longer and to prevent overheating. Overheated feed can spoil or lose its nutritional value, affecting the deer that consume it.
Monitor Feed Levels
With warmer weather, the activity levels of deer are likely to change. Keep a close eye on feed levels and consumption patterns. Deer might visit less frequently during the hottest part of the day but be more active during the cooler morning and evening hours.
Pest Control
Summer can bring an increase in insect activity, which can affect your feeder. Make sure you clean around the feeder regularly and consider using non-toxic pest control methods to keep insects and rodents away. WILDGAME INNOVATIONS and SolutionsPatIQ offer high-quality feeders designed with effective pest control features.
Fall: Preparation for Peak Activity
Increase Feed Supply
Fall is a critical time as deer prepare for winter. Increase your feed supply to ensure that the deer have ample nutrition to build up their reserves. Gravity Fed and Keilyn are known for their large-capacity feeders, ideal for the increased demand during this season.
Regular Inspections
During the fall, your feeder is likely to see more usage. Conduct regular inspections to ensure everything is in working order. This is also a good time to tighten any bolts, check the hanging mechanism, and add additional support if necessary to handle the increased activity.
Camouflage and Concealment
Fall foliage changes could expose your feeder more than during other seasons. To avoid spooking the deer, take steps to better camouflage your feeder. This can involve adding some natural foliage around the feeder or using camouflage paint.
Winter: Weather-Proofing and Monitoring
Weatherproof Your Feeder
Winter weather can be harsh, with snow, ice, and cold temperatures. Ensure your feeder is weatherproofed to minimize the impact of the elements. Brands such as Highwild and KUMFJ offer durable, weather-resistant feeders that are built to last.
Regular Cleaning
Snow and ice can cause feed to become damp or frozen, potentially leading to mold. Regularly clean and check your feeder to ensure that the feeding mechanism is not clogged or damaged. This will help in maintaining the health and safety of your deer herd.
Use High-Calorie Feed
Deer need extra energy to withstand the cold winter months. Utilize high-calorie feeds to help deer maintain their energy levels. Keep an eye on the feed levels more frequently, as it might get consumed faster during colder months.
General Year-Round Tips
Keep a Maintenance Schedule
Create and adhere to a maintenance schedule for your deer feeder. This will ensure that you don’t miss any important maintenance tasks, whether it’s cleaning, refilling, or inspecting your feeder.
Invest in Quality Feeders
High-quality feeders from brands like WILDGAME INNOVATIONS, American Hunter, and Boss Buck may cost more upfront but will save you money and effort in the long run. These feeders are built to withstand weather conditions and regular use.
Secure Your Feeders
Make sure your feeder is securely mounted to avoid any accidents due to wind or animal tampering. Regularly check the stability and support structure of your feeder, especially after strong winds or storms.
Use Appropriate Feed
Ensure that the feed you’re using is appropriate for the deer in your area. Some types of feed are better suited for particular climates and seasons. Consult with local wildlife experts if you’re unsure what type of feed to use.
Monitor Wildlife Activity
Regularly observing the wildlife activity around your feeder can provide useful insights into its effectiveness. If you’re not attracting as many deer as expected, you might need to make adjustments to the feeder’s location or type of feed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Attracting Pests
If you’re finding pests at your feeder, you might need to take additional steps beyond regular cleaning. WILDGAME INNOVATIONS and SolutionsPatIQ provide feeders with built-in pest control options. Alternatively, using natural repellents around the feeder can also aid in keeping pests away.
Mechanical Failures
For mechanical issues, contact the manufacturer for specific troubleshooting tips. Brands like Moultrie and On Time Wildlife Feeders have excellent customer service that can guide you through common issues such as motor problems or timer failures.
Feed Spoilage
If you notice your feed is spoiling frequently, consider using weatherproof containers and cover the feeder to protect it from the elements. Ensure that any feed you use is stored in a cool, dry place before being added to the feeder.
Limited Deer Activity
If deer are not visiting your feeder as often, reconsider its placement. Deer prefer locations that offer cover and safety. Moving the feeder closer to a wooded area or along a natural deer path can increase your chances of frequent visits.
Overfeeding
Overfeeding can result in wasted feed and can attract unwanted animals. Regularly monitor deer activity and adjust the feed quantity accordingly. Less can sometimes be more, as long as the feed lasts between your scheduled visits.
Conclusion
Maintaining your hanging deer feeder seasonally ensures that it remains an effective and reliable tool for attracting deer. Whether it’s cleaning in the spring, pest control in the summer, increasing feed supply in the fall, or weatherproofing in the winter, each action plays a vital role in the overall success of your feeder. By following these detailed and practical tips, you can enjoy a thriving deer population on your property year-round.
