
Many hunters opt to paint their deer feeders, but opinions vary on whether it is necessary or beneficial. Some hunters paint their feeders to make them less visible to vandals and thieves, while others do it to make them more aesthetically pleasing. Painting feeders can also help to prevent rust and increase their longevity. However, some hunters believe that feeders should not be painted as the paint may be unsafe for deer to consume, and metal feeders can get hot and be uncomfortable for the deer. Additionally, some hunters opt for alternative methods such as using a feeder made from PVC pipe or coating the feeder in a food-safe resin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of painting deer feeders | To hide from vandals and thieves, not deer |
| Paint type | Exterior UV house paint, oil-based Rustoleum brush, olive drab spray paint, Ospho Rust Converter, Rust Stop, galvanized paint |
| Paint application | Small coats, 3-4 coats, light sanding before painting, wire wheel to get to bare metal |
| Paint colour | Camouflage, International Orange |
| Other methods to hide deer feeders | Using a Four Poster feeder, coating in "food-safe" resin |
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What You'll Learn
- Hunters paint their deer feeders to prevent rust and increase longevity
- Some hunters paint their feeders in camouflage to hide them from vandals and thieves
- A Four Poster deer feeder is used to eradicate ticks
- It is important to ensure that the paint used on a feeder is safe for wildlife
- Some people opt for plastic or glass feeders instead of metal ones to avoid rust

Hunters paint their deer feeders to prevent rust and increase longevity
Hunters paint their deer feeders for a variety of reasons, including preventing rust, increasing longevity, camouflage, and even decoration.
Preventing Rust and Increasing Longevity
Hunters often paint their deer feeders to prevent rust and increase longevity. Rust is a common issue with metal feeders, and paint can provide a protective layer that helps to prevent rust from forming. Some hunters recommend using a rust converter or rust stop product before painting to ensure the feeder is rust-free. Painting deer feeders can also help them last longer by protecting the metal from the elements and preventing fading. Hunters should use several small coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry for a few minutes in between.
Camouflage and Concealment
Some hunters paint their deer feeders with camouflage patterns to help them blend in with the surrounding environment. This can make the feeders less visible to both deer and potential vandals or thieves. Additionally, some hunters may paint their feeders with bright colours to make them easier to spot, especially in the early morning or at dusk.
Decoration
In some cases, hunters may paint their deer feeders simply for aesthetic reasons or to express their creativity. Painting feeders can be a way to personalise them and make them more visually appealing.
Considerations
When painting a deer feeder, it is important to use the right type of paint. Some hunters recommend using an exterior UV paint to protect the feeder from the sun's rays, which can cause fading and deterioration. Oil-based paints are also mentioned as a good option for longevity, as they may last for up to 6-7 years without needing to be redone. It is also important to properly prepare the surface of the feeder before painting, which may include sanding or wire brushing to remove any existing rust or chipped paint.
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Some hunters paint their feeders in camouflage to hide them from vandals and thieves
Hunters use deer feeders to lure deer to a particular spot. However, these feeders can also attract thieves, vandals, and animals like coons and crows. To prevent theft and vandalism, some hunters paint their feeders in camouflage. This makes the feeders harder to spot, especially for trespassers and thieves.
One hunter suggests painting the upper foot or so of the feeder International Orange to make it more visible in the early morning. This approach is intended to make the feeder easier to spot, rather than camouflage it.
Some hunters opt for hanging feeders to prevent coons from accessing them. Others suggest using galvanized feeders to avoid rust. However, some hunters choose to paint their feeders in camouflage patterns to make them less conspicuous. This involves using a variety of colours, such as light green, dark green, brown, grey, and black, to blend in with the surrounding environment.
Hunters who choose to paint their feeders in camouflage aim to make them less noticeable to potential thieves and vandals. By blending the feeder into the surrounding environment, it becomes more challenging for unwanted visitors to locate and target the feeder. This tactic is employed to deter theft and vandalism, ensuring the feeder remains secure and functional for its intended purpose of attracting deer.
In addition to camouflage paint, some hunters take additional measures to protect their deer feeders from theft and vandalism. This includes locking down the feeders, using chains instead of ropes to hang them, and placing them on private land. By combining camouflage paint with other security measures, hunters aim to create a more effective deterrent against potential thieves and vandals.
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A Four Poster deer feeder is used to eradicate ticks
Deer feeders are often painted to prevent rusting and to hide them from vandals and thieves. Some hunters also paint their feeders to make them easier to spot.
A Four Poster deer feeder is a device used to eradicate ticks. It is T-shaped, with the stem of the T pointing upwards, containing corn storage, and the arms of the T acting as feeding stations. Paint rollers are attached to each corner of the feeder and are filled with a tick-killing pesticide, such as cattle dip or permethrin. As deer feed, the rollers apply the pesticide to their necks and heads, where most ticks are found. This device has been shown to effectively reduce tick numbers and the incidence of Lyme disease in residential areas.
The Four Poster feeder is designed to be used in the spring when ticks are starting to emerge, and bucks do not have antlers. It is most effective when deployed for at least two years. The use of this device is particularly important in areas where white-tailed deer are prevalent, as they are a key host for black-legged and lone star ticks, which can carry Lyme disease.
To enhance the effectiveness of the Four Poster feeder, researchers have implemented additional measures such as rodent bait boxes, GPS collars to track deer movements, and the use of tick-killing medicine-laced seed pods. These combined strategies help to reduce tick infestations and protect deer and other host animals from tick-borne pathogens.
Overall, the Four Poster deer feeder is a valuable tool in the ongoing efforts to control tick populations and mitigate the risk of tick-borne diseases, especially in areas with a high prevalence of Lyme disease.
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It is important to ensure that the paint used on a feeder is safe for wildlife
Many people choose to paint their deer feeders. Some do it to make the feeders easier to spot, while others do it to hide them from vandals and thieves. Some people also paint feeders to make them last longer. However, it is important to ensure that the paint used on a feeder is safe for wildlife.
When choosing a paint for your deer feeder, it is crucial to select a product that is non-toxic and safe for animals. Some paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which release fumes that can be harmful to animals when inhaled. Even after the paint has dried, it can still pose a risk to wildlife if ingested. Therefore, it is essential to opt for a paint that is specifically designed to be pet-safe or wildlife-safe.
To find wildlife-safe paint, you may need to carefully examine the ingredients listed on the product. Some paints, such as The Real Milk Paint, are known to be pet-safe and VOC-free. They offer a range of colours that can make your feeder aesthetically pleasing while also being safe for the deer and other wildlife in the area. Additionally, quick-drying formulas can be advantageous to minimise the time wildlife is exposed to fumes.
It is also worth noting that some paints can be harmful to humans, so it is recommended to keep yourself and your pets away from the paint and its fumes during the painting process. Once the paint has dried, you can allow wildlife to come into contact with the feeder without worrying about any potential harm.
By taking these precautions and choosing the right type of paint, you can ensure that your deer feeder is both functional and safe for the surrounding wildlife.
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Some people opt for plastic or glass feeders instead of metal ones to avoid rust
Metal deer feeders are prone to rusting, especially around the welded seams, feeder legs, and hood hinges. This rust can be harmful to deer, so it is important to address it. Some people opt for plastic or glass feeders instead of metal ones to avoid this issue altogether. Plastic feeders are durable and can withstand being dropped without breaking. Glass feeders are also a good option, although they may be harder to find and may be smaller in size.
If you choose to go with a metal feeder, there are ways to prevent and treat rust. One method is to regularly clean and rotate your feeders, allowing them to dry out completely before refilling. This helps prevent not only rust but also mould, mildew, and degradation. Another approach is to use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove the rust, wipe the area with a clean, dry cloth, and then apply several coats of paint. It is recommended to use a rust-resistant paint like Rustoleum, which can be brushed or sprayed on. You can also use a rust converter or primer before painting to ensure better protection.
While some people opt for plastic or glass feeders to avoid the hassle of dealing with rust, metal feeders can be maintained and treated to prolong their lifespan. Proper care and maintenance of metal feeders can help ensure they remain safe for deer and are cost-effective for their owners.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to coat or paint the inside of a deer feeder. While some people have used paint to coat the outside of their feeders, there is a risk that paint inside the feeder could be harmful to the deer.
Some people coat or paint their deer feeders to prevent rust, improve longevity, or camouflage the feeder from vandals and thieves.
If you are going to paint your deer feeder, it is recommended to use an oil-based brush paint, such as Rustoleum, or a spray paint like olive drab.
To paint a deer feeder, you should first lightly sand or wire brush any rust or chipped paint down to the bare metal. Then, wipe the area with a clean, dry cloth and apply several small coats of paint, letting it dry a few minutes between coats.
Yes, some people use galvanized feeders or feeders made from PVC pipe, which are less susceptible to rust and do not require painting.











































