How to Choose a Deer Feeder: The Complete Buying Guide
Choosing a deer feeder isn't just about finding a hopper that holds corn.
The right feeder depends on what you're feeding, how many animals you're feeding, how often you visit your property, the wildlife and livestock you're dealing with, and how much maintenance you want to do once the feeder is in the field.
All Seasons Feeders has been building wildlife feeding equipment since 1987. In fact, the need for a better deer feeder is the reason our company exists in the first place.
This guide walks through what we've learned over the years and how we'd help a customer choose the right feeder for their property.
Start With the Goal: What Are You Feeding?
Before choosing a feeder, decide what you're trying to accomplish.
Corn, protein and cottonseed can all be part of a deer-management program, but they serve different purposes and require different feeding systems.
Corn Feeders — Attraction and Timed Feeding
Corn is commonly used to attract deer to a feeding area and encourage activity at predictable times.
Most corn feeders use a timer-controlled broadcast system that throws corn onto the ground at scheduled times. This gives you control over both when the feeder runs and approximately how much corn is distributed.
For many hunting properties, we recommend starting with two scheduled feedings per day—one in the morning and another before dusk—and adjusting the duration based on deer traffic.
Protein Feeders — Supplemental Nutrition
Protein feeding serves a different purpose.
Rather than broadcasting a limited amount of feed at specific times, protein is commonly offered through a trough-style gravity feeder. Baffles regulate the flow while allowing deer to access supplemental protein throughout the day.
All Seasons Feeders also offers timed protein feeders for properties that want more control over when protein is available and how much is distributed.
Cottonseed Feeders — Another Protein Option
Whole cottonseed is another high-protein supplemental feed used in deer-management programs.
Because cottonseed doesn't flow and feed exactly like pellets or corn, purpose-built cottonseed feeders are designed specifically to handle it.
Do You Need Corn or Protein?
You don't necessarily have to choose one or the other.
Corn and protein can serve different roles within the same deer-management program. Many properties place a protein feeder in the same general feeding area as a timed corn feeder.
The corn helps establish predictable activity around the feeding area, while the protein feeder provides access to supplemental nutrition.
Traditional Deer Feeder or Stand & Fill®?
Traditional elevated deer feeders have been around for generations. They still work, they're typically available at a lower price point, and some customers simply prefer the design they're accustomed to using.
But when customers ask us which design we recommend, our answer is Stand & Fill®.
All Seasons Feeders developed Stand & Fill® to solve problems we experienced with traditional elevated feeders.
Instead of lifting heavy bags of corn overhead while standing on a ladder, Stand & Fill® brings the fill point down to ground level. Eliminating traditional pipe legs also means you're not standing underneath hundreds of pounds of corn while filling or servicing the feeder.
The low-profile design makes the feeder easier to fill, check, clean, maintain and relocate while offering substantial protection against the realities of ranch and lease use.
Traditional feeders still have their place—particularly when lower upfront cost or personal preference is the deciding factor.
But if you're asking us what we'd put on our own property, Stand & Fill® is where we'd start.
Want to understand why we designed it this way? Read our Complete Guide to Stand & Fill® Deer Feeders.
How Much Feeder Capacity Do You Need?
One of the most important decisions when buying a deer feeder is capacity.
And interestingly enough, capacity is part of the reason All Seasons Feeders exists.
The Problem That Started All Seasons Feeders
Before All Seasons Feeders became a business, founder Burnell Gates had a problem.
When traveling to Mexico to hunt, he needed a feeder that could hold enough corn to continue feeding while he was away. The deer feeders available at the time simply didn't provide the capacity he wanted.
So he built a bigger one.
That unusually large-capacity feeder solved the problem—and eventually helped launch All Seasons Feeders.
Decades later, the same principle still guides how we recommend feeder capacity:
Your feeder needs to hold enough feed to last until you can get back to the property.
Don't Choose Capacity Based on Acreage Alone
A larger ranch doesn't automatically require a larger feeder, and a smaller property doesn't necessarily need a small one.
Think about three things:
How many animals are feeding?
How much feed are you distributing?
How long will it be before you refill the feeder?
The more wildlife using the feeder—and the longer the time between visits—the more valuable additional capacity becomes.
300 lb — Smaller or Lower-Traffic Feeding Areas
Around 300 lbs can work well for smaller properties, backyard feeding areas, lower wildlife traffic or locations that can be refilled frequently.
600 lb — The Sweet Spot for Most Deer Leases
For most customers looking for a deer feeder, 600 lbs is where we'd start.
It provides substantial capacity without becoming more feeder than the average hunting property needs.
That extra capacity also means fewer refill trips and more protection against running out of corn before you make it back to the lease.
1,000 lb+ — Heavy Traffic or Longer Time Between Visits
Larger capacities become increasingly useful when you're feeding more animals, experiencing heavy feeder traffic or managing properties you can't visit frequently.
For remote leases and larger feeding operations, the ability to hold considerably more feed can save trips and help prevent the feeder from running empty between visits.
600 lb Stand & Fill® vs. EZ 600: Which Should You Buy?
For many customers, the decision eventually comes down to two feeders:
600 lb Stand & Fill® or EZ 600.
Both give you approximately 600 lbs of capacity and ground-level filling, but they're designed for different customers and price points.
Choose the EZ 600 If Lower Upfront Cost Is the Priority
The EZ 600 provides large-capacity, ground-level feeding in a simplified package.
It uses our EZ Timer, which carries a one-year warranty, and the feeder battery is purchased separately.
The EZ 600 also uses our Quad Cast spinner plate, which provides a different approach to protecting the spinner and eliminates the need for the larger spinner cage used on the Stand & Fill®.
For customers who want straightforward functionality and 600-lb capacity while keeping their initial investment lower, the EZ 600 is a strong option.
Choose the 600 lb Stand & Fill® for Our Recommended Heavy-Duty Setup
If budget allows, the 600 lb Stand & Fill® is our recommendation for most deer leases.
The feeder is fully built and welded, comes with the feeder battery, and uses THE TIMER—our best-selling feeder timer backed by a five-year warranty.
THE TIMER also contains an internal backup battery that retains programmed feed times if power from the main feeder battery is interrupted.
You're paying more upfront, but you're getting our heavier-duty construction, premium timer and a more complete feeder setup designed for long-term ranch and lease use.
Our Recommendation
If keeping the initial price down is most important:
Start with the EZ 600.
If you're looking for the feeder we'd recommend as the long-term setup for most deer leases:
Choose the 600 lb Stand & Fill®.
Don't Compare Deer Feeders on Price Alone
Two deer feeders with similar capacities can be very different pieces of equipment.
When comparing feeders, look beyond the number on the price tag.
Look at How the Feeder Is Built
Our premium All Seasons Feeders models are fully built and welded together before reaching the customer.
That means you're purchasing a finished piece of equipment rather than assembling the main feeder structure yourself once it arrives.
Construction matters when equipment is expected to spend years outside around wildlife, livestock and weather.
Look at the Timer
The timer is one of the most important components on an automatic deer feeder.
Our premium broadcast feeders use THE TIMER, backed by a five-year warranty and equipped with an internal backup battery that helps retain your programmed feeding schedule if the main feeder battery loses power or becomes disconnected.
Our value-oriented EZ feeders use the more economical EZ Timer, which carries a one-year warranty and does not include the same internal battery backup.
Neither choice is right for every customer. The important thing is understanding what you're getting for the price.
Look at What's Included
A lower advertised feeder price doesn't always mean a lower total setup cost.
Check whether the battery, solar panel, timer, spinner components and other equipment required to operate the feeder are included or need to be purchased separately.
When comparing two feeders, compare the complete working setup, not just the hopper price.
Buying Cheap Can Cost More Later
We've seen this happen plenty of times.
A customer chooses another feeder primarily because of the lower initial price. Later, they're replacing the timer, motor, spinner assembly or other components—and sometimes those replacement components end up coming from All Seasons Feeders anyway.
Some ultimately replace the feeder itself.
That doesn't mean every inexpensive feeder is a bad purchase. It means initial price shouldn't be the only factor in your decision.
Consider construction, components, warranty, replacement-part availability and how long you expect to own the equipment.
Sometimes spending more upfront means spending less time working on your feeder later.
What If You Have Cattle, Hogs or Other Large Animals?
Animals other than deer should absolutely influence your feeder decision.
Cattle and Hogs
For properties with cattle, hogs or significant varmint pressure, we'd recommend starting with the Stand & Fill® line.
Its low-profile construction eliminates the exposed pipe-leg setup found on traditional elevated feeders and provides substantial protection around critical feeding components.
Even with a heavy-duty feeder, we still recommend using a feed pen when cattle or hogs are present. Keeping large animals from getting directly against the feeder helps protect your equipment and keeps unwanted animals from consuming feed intended for deer.
Aoudad, Bears and Heavy Abuse
Some animals require another level of protection.
If you're operating in an area with aoudad, bears or other large animals capable of putting serious abuse on a feeder, we'd step up to the 1,000 lb HD Stand & Fill®.
That's the feeder we'd recommend when ordinary wildlife equipment isn't enough for the animals sharing the property.
Solar and Battery: Don't Skip Them
For an automatic deer feeder, we recommend a rechargeable battery and solar panel. Period.
The battery powers the feeder while the solar panel helps maintain the battery charge between visits.
That's especially important on leases and remote properties. The last thing you want is to arrive for a hunt and discover that your feeder hasn't been running because the battery died.
A dependable feeder needs a dependable power source.
Want More Control? Add FEEDCON®
Feeder management has come a long way since the first large-capacity feeder that started All Seasons Feeders.
For customers who want greater control and monitoring, FEEDCON® allows compatible feeder functions to be managed remotely.
That can be particularly useful for remote leases, ranches and multi-feeder operations where you can't physically check every feeder whenever you want.
Think about it this way:
Larger capacity helps your feed last between trips.
Solar helps keep your feeder powered between trips.
FEEDCON® gives you greater control when you're not at the property.
The goal is simple: your feeding program shouldn't require you to constantly be standing next to the feeder.
Where Should You Put a Deer Feeder?
The best feeder in the world won't help much if it's placed somewhere that's difficult for you—or the deer—to use.
Make Sure You Can Get to It
Remember that you'll eventually need to bring hundreds of pounds of feed to the feeder.
Choose a location you can reasonably access with your truck, UTV or other equipment, including during periods of less-than-perfect weather.
Start With Stable, Level Ground
Whenever possible, place your feeder on firm, reasonably level ground.
Avoid washes, steep slopes, areas prone to erosion and low spots where water regularly collects.
Give the Broadcast Pattern Room
A broadcast feeder needs enough open space around it to distribute corn effectively.
Nearby cover can help deer feel comfortable using the feeding area, but don't crowd the feeder so tightly with brush that it interferes with feed distribution or visibility.
Think About Your Blind
If the feeding area will be hunted, plan the feeder and blind together.
Consider expected deer movement, visibility, access and the distance between the feeder and hunting location before permanently establishing the site.
Monitor the Area With Trail Cameras
Trail cameras are one of the easiest ways to understand what's happening at your feeder when you're not there.
Monitor what animals are visiting, what times they're arriving and whether you're seeing increasing pressure from hogs, raccoons or other unwanted visitors.
Then adjust your feeding schedule, feed quantity or even feeder location based on what you're actually seeing.
How Often Should a Corn Feeder Run?
There isn't one timer setting that's right for every property.
For many deer-feeding locations, we recommend starting with two feedings per day—one in the morning and another before dusk.
Start with shorter run times and increase them as activity grows.
As a general rule of thumb on our broadcast feeders, approximately four seconds of run time distributes around one pound of corn, although actual output can vary depending on feeder setup, feed and field conditions.
Avoid scheduling feedings after dark when possible, as nighttime feeding can encourage more activity from hogs and raccoons.
Let the deer traffic tell you how much you need to feed.
One Simple Tip Before You Move Your Feeder
Secure the lid.
Seriously.
We've replaced plenty of feeder lids that disappeared somewhere between the ranch and the highway.
Before transporting or relocating a feeder, make sure the lid and any other loose components are properly secured.
It's a lot cheaper than buying another lid.
Just Tell Me Which Deer Feeder to Buy
If you have a typical deer lease and want a reliable feeder with enough capacity to reduce refill trips, we'd start at 600 lbs.
From there:
Want to keep the upfront cost lower?
Choose the EZ 600.
Want the setup we'd recommend for most customers?
Choose the 600 lb Stand & Fill®.
Have cattle or hog pressure?
Choose Stand & Fill® and consider protecting the feeding area with a feed pen.
Have aoudad, bears or serious large-animal abuse?
Step up to the 1,000 lb HD Stand & Fill®.
Need the feeder to last longer between visits?
Increase capacity.
Want remote management?
Add FEEDCON®.
Running an automatic feeder?
Use a rechargeable battery and solar panel.
That's how we'd help you make the decision if you called us.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Deer Feeder
What size deer feeder is best for most deer leases?
For most deer leases, we'd start with a 600-lb capacity. It offers enough feed storage to reduce refill trips without moving into the larger capacities needed for heavier feeding operations or long periods between property visits.
Is a 300 lb or 600 lb deer feeder better?
It depends on wildlife traffic and refill frequency.
A 300-lb feeder can work well for lower-traffic areas and properties that are visited frequently. A 600-lb feeder provides twice the capacity and is generally our preferred starting point for a typical deer lease.
Is a 1,000 lb deer feeder worth it?
It can be when you have heavy wildlife traffic or can't visit the property frequently.
The value of additional capacity isn't simply holding more corn. It's extending the amount of time the feeder can continue operating before someone needs to refill it.
What's the difference between a corn feeder and protein feeder?
Corn is commonly distributed by a timed broadcast feeder and is primarily used to attract deer and establish predictable feeding activity.
Protein feed is typically provided through gravity-fed troughs to give deer access to supplemental nutrition throughout the day, although timed protein-feeding systems are also available.
Can I use corn and protein feeders together?
Yes. Many properties use both because corn and protein serve different purposes within a deer-management program.
Should I buy an EZ 600 or 600 lb Stand & Fill®?
Choose the EZ 600 when lower upfront cost is the priority.
Choose the 600 lb Stand & Fill® when you want our recommended heavy-duty construction, THE TIMER with its five-year warranty and internal backup battery, and a more complete feeder setup.
Do I need a solar panel on my deer feeder?
We recommend one on automatic feeders.
A solar panel helps maintain the rechargeable feeder battery between property visits and reduces the chance of the feeder stopping because of a discharged battery.
What's the best deer feeder if I have cattle or hogs?
We recommend the Stand & Fill® line, combined with a feed pen when practical.
What deer feeder should I use around bears or aoudad?
For areas experiencing significant abuse from bears, aoudad or other large animals, we'd recommend the 1,000 lb HD Stand & Fill®.
What should I look for when comparing deer feeders?
Don't compare capacity and price alone.
Look at construction, assembly requirements, timer quality and warranty, power system, spinner protection, included components, replacement-part availability and the total cost of getting the feeder operational.
Choose a Feeder That Works When You're Not There
The problem that eventually started All Seasons Feeders was simple: we needed a deer feeder that could hold enough corn to keep feeding while we were away.
That idea still influences the way we build and recommend feeders today.
Enough capacity to make it between visits.
Reliable power to keep the feeder running.
Quality components that don't constantly need attention.
And equipment built around the realities of hunting, ranching and wildlife management.
Choose the feeder that fits your property, your animals and how you actually use your land.
Then spend less time messing with your feeder—and more time enjoying why you bought it in the first place.