Deer Feeder Helper Blog

Using solar chargers on deer feeder timer batteries have been quite common in the recent past 10 years or so. Rightfully so in my mind, as they remove one more possibility of your feeder not working properly as it should one day. We all want or feeders working 100%, especially after that long drive to the deer lease during rut. Solar panels are changing quite readily just as other technology is. Panels of the past used to work approx. 7 years before the sun would fade the plastic prohibiting the sun rays from during their job. Solar panels today require less surface area and can function quite well in shaded areas. We recently tested one in a building with only a north opening exposing daylight and the panel functioned perfectly. Mounting the panels has changed significantly also. Gone are the days of mounting the panel to the feed barrel or to a feeder leg. Now, the secret is directly mounting the panel to the timer housing, on the side or even directly underneath. One study done by a friends son’s science class experiment showed the panel mounted underneath the housing facing the ground actually outperformed the side mounted version. Mounting directly to the housing eliminates any loose wiring which can become disconnected by our popular foes called the raccoon. This technique is also very user friendly if you’re using the feeder helpers on your units, as now everything is right there together, one clean package. One can also mount the panel directly to the feeder helper, if so, always mount the panel to bottom portion on the latch side. This allows for the deer feeder helper to be completely separated in two and also will not interfere with the operation of the feeder helper such when you open it for feeder maintenance.

The Deer Feeder Helper was originated and developed by avid outdoorsman and whitetail deer hunter Chris Nicholes, who after years of experience of working and dealing with deer feeders and the problems he encountered with their use, decided they’re must be a better way to maintain these useful but troublesome products. He wanted a way in which a hunter could more effectively and efficiently correct problems often encountered using these devices. Understanding these devices are subject to harsh environments including clogs, mechanical and electronic failures, varmints and livestock issues, and end-user’s desires to occasionally empty feeders, designed and developed the Deer Feeder Helper. Mounted between the feeder barrel and the timer mechanism, one can now simply shut off the flow of corn using the innovative control valve, unlatch the dual lockable draw latches, along with the hinges, perform numerous task not possible ever before. Monumental problems are now reduced to simple tasks, saving the hunters countless amounts of time and frustration. Priced at 39.95, and corn currently priced at 6.50 a bag, one can easily see where this product can pay for itself in no time, not counting the time savings in dealing with most, if not all, of the feeder issues so commonly found when using feeders. Remove clogs instantly and swap timers in seconds, one can spend more time hunting.

For those chosing to build pens around their deer feeders, which I do strongly recommend. As these feed pens keep out feral hogs and livestock, which are notorious for destroying feeders and ruining countless hunts due to their presence, and if built properly will have no negative impact on the whitetail’s visit.

First, I now believe one should not skimp on using sub-standard materails such as light weight hog wire or other simliar products as feral hogs can easily negotiate this material. I would buy or other try to acquire between 110′-130′ of hog or cattle panels, 36″s tall. I like buying 16 foot long 36″ hog panels. They sell 20′ panels but don’t transport nearly as easy. Anything shorter than 36 inches will not keep the cows out, I have seen the larger hogs climb pens that were 30 inches tall. Hogs can climb, I sometimes believe they are related to raccoons, as they are nearly impossible to remedy at times. However, pens to tall will make the deer reluctant to jump into, including mature bucks. Though we all know they are certainly capable of jumping 6-8 foot high fences, they will simply not do it as a norm. As stated earlier, 110′ is the minimum, anything smaller will have a negative impact on the deer using it. With the help of a friend, I would stand and connect all the panels together using a somewhat sturdy wire. I found that electric fenceing wire works great as it is quite sturdy and does not rust. Once thet panels are erected and where they need to be in a circular fashion, I would now drive 5′ t-post at each panel joint, on the inside of the fence. You may or may not want to add additional t-post in the center of each panel, 16′ panels do not neccessarily need them, however they can be added later if a problem arises. 5′ t-post also allows a strand of barbed wire to be added if you discover cows are jumping in. Some breeds of cows jump better than others, if your ranch has these types of cows, adding a strand of barbed wire 8″-12″ above the panel will resolve the problem. Adding a gate is as simple as adding an additional two t-post either side where you desire the gate, securing the panels to the t-post, cutting the panels, and using the panel itself to make the hinges. Be careful not to make your gate to wide as the wider they are, the more flexible they become allowing hogs to push underneath quite easily. Deer feeder pens are not free nor do they install themselves, however they provide a great insurance policy towards your investment and helps ensure a successful hunt on your next adventure, the whole reason you put the feeder there in the first place. Happy hunting, Chris

Deer hunting, I feel is a wonderful journey without a final destination in mind. This does not mean we should not set and have goals for ourselves. Mine, and many other deer managers, seek mature animals for the harvesting. If you desire to chase that mature whitetail, one must chose and pursue that class of animal on the right acreage. Currently I share hunting rights with 17 other competent, proven hunters who also have the same goals in mind. Mature bucks are very common, shooting 9 or 10 year old bucks is a frequent sight. Of course not all of them sport the wall hanger type racks, nor do we want that. Hunting and chasing that elusive trophy buck is half the fun. Harvesting cull and management type bucksis also part of the plan and is expected of each hunter to contribute to the quality deer management plan by removing these undersirables. Another route I often participate in the is the Texas Parks and Wildlife Lottery Hunts. Some are better than others, but fortunately you can chose which wildlife management area you want to hunt and which time of the season is your choice. The State of Texas manages these hunting area, some more aggresive than others. I seek the areas that only allow bucks meeting certain criteria to be taken, such as 1 buck with outside spread past the ears. I also only pick the dates that don’t coincide with a full or new moon, as the times have proven mostly unfruitful in my hunting past. Another option is to use an outfitter or hunting service. Outfitters are charged with completing all the neccesary logistics, including finding the right animal for you so you have a successful hunting experience. Not all outfitters are created equal and use one without first getting some references. The other option is to use a hunting service that finds the right outfitter for you who has the type of animals you want to chase. These hunting services check the references for you and will only offer quality experiences as there name and reputation is on the line with each hunt booked. YourHuntFinder.com comes to mind if one is seeking a reputable service. As with anything, there is always more than one way to skin a cat. I recommend you chose the right place carefully, knowing that nothing in this world is perfect, but starting your hunt on the wrong place will certainly dampen the journey for which we all seek.

Good Luck, Chris Nicholes

I bought a beer stand already set-up on the my new lease some 6 years ago, it had been standing for probably 15 years. It is a 4′x6′ box on a metal 12′ tower. The hunting area never turned out to be what I was hoping it would be, and I was certainly dreading the move even though I knew it was time for a change. After considerable thought, I decided to make an A-frame, 16′ tall out of 4″x4″s , connected together with a 1″ all thread plus nuts with a pulley on top to act as a guide. I utilized a sturdy 100′ cable through the pulley, anchored one to the stand, the other to a small 4 wheel mule. I placed my 16′ trailer where the stand should land and nest. Unearthed the feet. We then wrapped a 50′ flat rope strap around the box and manually pulled to initiate the tilt, letting the mule catch and slowly lower the deer stand in a controlled manner. It came down without a hitch. We then trailered the large blind to my new deer hunting area, breaking the ladder apart in the process due to the fact we didn’t strap it together as we should have. Once at my new deer hunting meca, we off loaded and erected the exact same way. We guy wired to the ground once it was leveled, and low and behold it all worked to perfection. It was alot of worked but could not have gone any better. I was quite bothered before and during that I had missed something and someone could possibly get hurt or the 600.00 stand could get destroyed in the process. Anyone considering moving a large deer stand should give my A-frame ideal some thought. The 4″x4″ will now be used for other things and the 50.00’s worth of hardware will be saved for future moves. Hopefully, my next deer season proves fruitful after such a move. I’m a firm believer”if it ain’t broke don’t fix it”, however, sometimes it’s time for a change. Wish me luck for next deer season.

Happy hunting. Chris Nicholes

Well turkey season is upon us for those residing above I-90. We ventured out west to San Angelo this past opening weekend and had a good hunt. Not the best but certainly not the worst. Cold when we arrived and sunburned when we left. One of my favorite hunting buddies was stoked by his first successful turkey kill ever, by 10 a.m. , nothing could bring him down. What a treat to share an experience like that with one of your friends. Throughout the weekend, another 4 birds meet their destination, 2 snuck out the back door due to misplaced shots. Oh well, they had fun trying. The turkey toms were responding to calls, but it was a challenge, and you had better be prepared to alter your tactics quickly if you wanted to be successful. Sunday brought the winds, which by no means helps the turkey callers, but persistant deligence can pay off as 2 hunters proved their capabilities by succeeding on a challenging day. Between removing some turkeys and 3 feral hogs, we were able to move my 2 ton deer blind and feeders. What a mess. Fortunately I showed up with some quality help who gave unselfishly with lots of blood and sweat. I couldn’t have done it without them. They know they will always have a place to pursue their turkey and deer adventures in the future. I feel it’s really quite simple, we take care of each other. Happy turkey hunting.