Choosing the Right Feeder: Spin-Cast or Gravity?

You’ve decided feeders are the right choice for your hunting needs. Great! Now, which type of feeder do you want: gravity or spin-cast?

Spin Feeders

Spin feeders are one of the most versatile feeder options available. Here's why:

Spin-cast feeders feature a battery-powered motor and most models feature a programmable timer for easy, dependable feeding. You have the ability to set the timer for up to six feedings per day, throwing feed for 1 to 20 seconds at a time. A programmable feeder not only releases a limited amount of feed per setting to help keep feed dry, but it can also help train wildlife to visit the feeder during daylight hours.

Conserves Feed

Another benefit to spin-cast feeders is that they conserve feed. Deer and other wildlife can only eat what has been dispensed, which makes feed last a lot longer.

Variety of Sizes and Options

Moultrie spin feeders come in variety of size depending on your needs. Feeders range in size from a simple 5-gallon feeder to a 30-gallon size to a 55-gallon Pro Magnum feeder, which holds 400 pounds of feed. There are plenty of other models available, too. Some have varmint guard protection, others have directional feeding capabilities.

Directional Feeding Abilities

Gravity Feeders

So, after reading about all of the benefits of a programmable spin-cast feeder, why would anyone want a gravity feeder? There are actually a number of good reasons to use a gravity feeder.

Simplicity

The first reason you may want a gravity feeder is for the simplicity. There are no moving parts, batteries or motors, so there’s nothing that can stop working.

No Limit In Feeding

Deer and wildlife can also come and go as they please, they want while at the feeder. This is essential when setting up a supplemental feeding program during the summer months. Land managers who feed deer high-protein feeds with minerals in them help bucks reach antler potential and does get the nutrients they need to grow developing fawns and produce milk. You don’t want to limit the amount of high-quality feed during the summer growing months, so your best option is a gravity-style feeder.

Variety of Sizes and Options

Moultrie offers a gravity Feed Station that will hold 40 pounds of feed and a Feed Station Pro that holds 80 pounds of feed. Both feeders strap directly to a tree. For big-time supplemental-feeding programs you can get 30 and 55-gallon Dinner Plate Feeders.

Moultrie Feeders Are Interchangeable

Quick-Lock technology allows motors to be moved from one feeder to another, prevents you from having to buy specific types of motor kits for certain feeders, and keeps you from abandoning older feeders.

With Moultrie’s Quick-Lock technology, you can easily transition your feeder from a spin-cast feeder to a directional feeder, or even to a dinner plate gravity feeder. Quick-Lock technology is tool free, making it easier to get in and out of the woods. Just insert the kit into the Quick-Lock adapter, twist and lock. It’s as simple as that. All Moultrie Feeders are interchangeable, with the exception of the Feed Station feeders.

There is an extensive number of deer feeders to choose from, and finding the kind that works best for your purposes includes analyzing a variety of factors. Because automatic feeders dispense feed throughout the day, they condition deer to move during daylight hours. 

This conditioning is crucial during hunting season since legal hunting time is during daylight hours. In addition to hunting, wildlife feeders are also useful for wildlife photographers. When animals are eating, they are often more focused on the food than what's going on in their surroundings, and this can help photographers take close-up shots.

For hunting or to take impressive photos, understanding the types of feeders available will allow you to choose the kind that's right for you and your needs.

WHAT TYPES OF DEER FEEDERS SCARE DEER?

Because not all spin feeders blend in with the natural surroundings, you may wonder if even their existence will scare deer away. Although these feeders seem like they have the potential to scare deer, they actually attract them. Deer — from big bucks to does — learn the spin feeders are a reliable food source and will readily eat from them. 

Spin feeders are a popular type of deer feeder, and they come in multiple designs. This feeder is especially useful because they control the amount of food that a deer receives at once. 

Deer will begin to associate the spin feeders with food and eat from them regularly, so you can set the schedule of when they eat. The main types of spin feeders include:

• Tripod mounted spin feeders: These spin feeders stand on three legs and can easily be adjusted to customize the time and amount of food it dispenses to deer.
• Hanging automatic spin feeders: Unlike tripod spinning feeders, these are hung from trees, and they can also disperse feed at specified time allotments and amounts.

Other types of feeders, such as gravity feeders and directional feeders, do not tend to scare deer, either. 

Choosing from any of these deer feeding options can help condition deer to eat at a certain time and can improve your chances of photographing or hunting deer in your area. 

CHECK OUT MOULTRIE'S DEER FEEDERS

Whether you're looking for an advanced automatic feeder or a simpler model, you can find it in our collection. At Moultrie, we offer a variety of deer feeders, such as:

• Hanging: Because this type of feeder is off the ground, other wildlife cannot destroy them.
• Gravity: This type of deer feeder is lightweight and easy to use.
• Directional: With directional feeders, you can dispense food in specific areas.
• Tripod: This kind of feeder is a great low-maintenance option that is still effective.

To improve your hunting or wildlife photography this season, browse our collection of deer feeders today!

*Last Updated 10/12/2021