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In Texas, we have the option to legally put out corn for wildlife…while beneficial, in a highly pressured area: 1) big deer aren’t coming to a loud feeder in day light areas and 2) we’d much prefer to provide nutrition (as well as some other preferred deer foods) via a food plot.
All that being said, we do find it beneficial to strategically use corn as part of our strategy in our food plots. One way we do this is to ditch the loud automatic feeders in favor of more discrete gravity feeders…especially to bridge the gap between growing seasons.
I’ll be putting together a post on how we build our latest hidey-hole food plot, but wanted to give some quick instructions on making a gravity feeder on a budget.
Make A Gravity Feeder
Traditionally, we’ve made our gravity feeders out of 4in SCH40 PVC, but that has become uneconomical given the current cost of SCH40 PVC. I’ve turned to now making the feeders with drain/sewer pipe…works nearly as well, but slightly smaller.
Materials Needed
- 4-in x 10-ft Sewer Drain PVC Pipe
- NDS 4-in L x 4-in W x 4-in dia Grate
- 4-in Dia 45-Degree PVC Sewer Drain Sewer Wye
- 4 In. PVC Drain Cap Solvent Fitting
- Oatey Handy Pack 8-fl oz Purple and Clear PVC Cement and Primer
Step 1: Cut the Main Section of Sewer Pipe
I’m working with some leftover pipe so I chose to combine two sections, but if not, just cut yourself a length of drain pipe (this will hold the corn) that meets the needs of the area you plan to hang it.
I typically cut a 5-6ft section.
Step 2: Build A Drain
Historically, we installed a drain in the bottom of the pipe. These drains can be expensive so I opted to drill holes in a 4in” cap to cut down on extra fittings.
Step 3: Attach the Drain to the V Fitting
Glue a small section of sewer pipe to the bottom of the v fitting. This will allow us to attach the cap to the V fitting.
I had some large bolts lying around so I opted to run a large bolt through the pipe and cap (rather than glue it in case I need to do some clean out. Any bolt you have that can pass through both the pipe and cap will do.
Step 4: Attach the Main Pipe
Glue the main pipe into the top of the V section.
Step 5: Make an End Cap
Its important to have a sturdy top cap to keep the raccoons out. Historically, we used a threaded cap, but those are pretty pricey.
Similar to the bottom, I opted to drill a hole through the pipe and an end cap and secure with a bolt I had on hand.
Step 6: Paint the Pipe
This isn’t a required step, but when I go into the woods, I want everything to look natural so I opt spray paint the pipe black.
Step 7: Ratchet Strap It
To attach the pipe, ratchet strap it to a tree. We use to use zip ties, but the raccoons will eventually chew them through.
Fill It and Get To Work on a Food Plot
Once you have it strapped, fill it with corn and go to work on improving the area even more by adding a food plot.