Walk into any hunting store and the feeder aisle can feel overwhelming. Tripod feeders, spin plate feeders, protein feeders, gravity feeders — they all work, but they work differently. Here's a plain-language breakdown to help you pick the right one for your property and hunting style.
Broadcast (Spin Plate) Feeders
A motor spins a plate that throws corn or pellets outward in a wide pattern on a timer. This is the most popular feeder type in Texas for a reason: it creates reliable deer movement at predictable times, making it ideal for hunting over.
Best for: Hunting over a feed site, patterning deer during season, and running corn or blended feed mixes.
Pros:
- Timer control means you set the feeding window to match your hunt times
- Scattered feed keeps multiple deer at the site longer
- Works with corn, pellets, or blended mixes
- Most models are easy to fill and maintain
Cons:
- Motor and timer require occasional maintenance and battery replacement
- Corn on the ground can attract hogs and varmints
Gravity Feeders
No motor, no timer, no batteries. Feed drops by gravity as deer eat from ports or a trough. Simple and low-maintenance.
Best for: Off-season supplemental feeding, keeping feed available 24/7, and areas where electricity or battery maintenance is a pain.
Pros:
- Zero mechanical parts to fail
- No batteries or timers to maintain
- Lower upfront cost
Cons:
- No timing control — deer (and hogs) feed any time
- Can waste feed in wet conditions if not covered
- Less effective for hunting a specific time window
Protein Feeders
Protein feeders dispense pelletized protein feed (typically 16–20% protein) on demand or on a timer. They're the backbone of a serious deer management program, used primarily from January through August when bucks are growing antlers and does are nursing fawns.
Best for: Year-round herd management, growing bigger antlers, and improving overall herd health on managed properties.
Pros:
- Delivers the nutrition that actually grows antlers and body mass
- Deer self-regulate — they eat what they need
- Can be combined with corn feeders for a complete program
Cons:
- Protein pellets cost more per pound than corn
- Less effective as a hunting attractant during season
Which Feeder Should You Buy?
Quick decision guide:
- Hunting season (now through December): Broadcast feeder with corn and a supplement mix
- Off-season management program: Protein feeder, or both a protein and broadcast feeder
- Remote location with zero maintenance access: Gravity feeder with corn or cottonseed
- Best of both worlds: Run a broadcast feeder for season hunting, add a protein feeder in January
Don't Forget Feeder Parts & Accessories
A feeder is only as good as its parts. Keep a motor, timer, and spin plate on hand so a malfunction mid-season doesn't cost you a hunt. We stock replacement parts for the most common feeder brands:
→ Deer Feeder Parts & Accessories
Shop All Feeders
Browse our full lineup of broadcast, gravity, and protein feeders:
And pair your feeder with the right feed: