Al, drive TPosts parallel to each feeder leg and wire them to the leg in several places. Place them at the same angle as the leg. I haven't had a torn up feeder since I started doing that. With 3 posts in the ground they can't get the leverage to tip it over. They destroyed 2 of mine before I learned that trick.
Another redneck feeder: Use a piece of 4 inch or so PVC and put hardware cloth(wire) over the bottom. Lap it up over sides and screw it in place. The ones I've built are 3 or 4 ft long. Slice a "hole", using either a chain saw or other saw, about 3 or 4 inches up from the bottom. Cut about 40 to 50% through the pipe. Use a torch to heat the PVC right above the slice. Get it hot enough that it becomes flexible. Use a stick or piece of pipe to push the almost melted PVC inward about 1.5 to 2 inches. Hold it until the PVC again hardens. Fill with corn and put a coffee can or something on top and hang from a tree. The deer can nibble corn from it. You will get a little water but most of it drains out the bottom wire. Don't neglect the lid or squirrels can get in but not get out. That stinks. Actually use a heavy enough bucket that the squirrels and coons can't remove it. If you want to really do it right, use a threaded top and cap. I prefer heavy PVC so the squirrels can't gnaw through it.
If a coon or something tears up the bottom wire, I have also resorted to expanded metal for the bottom.
BTW, when hog or deer hunting, don't ever use "Sweet Feed" in any kind of feeder. The deer, coons and hogs love it but the wasps will go nuts for it. It also rots and becomes a heckuva mess.
Last edited by Dave Davidson1; 09/11/12 09:25 AM.
