Customer Reviews

American Hunter 225 Pound Tripod Feeder with R-Kit

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We bought one 225 lb American Hunter feeder and five Moultrie 30 gallon Pro Magnum feeders. I bought the American Hunter to try something different before we committed everything to Moultrie Products, LLC. The American Hunter has been in the field for approximately 1 week.

Upon initial feeder setup, it is substantial and appears to be well made, even though it is Made in China. The timer is analog and it's feeding time trigger mechanism is activated by push pins. Yes, push pins. I installed the batteries, of which the analog timer AA battery is supplied with the feeder, but the 6 volt battery needed to run the feeder thrower is not. The feed thrower is rather weak and barely gets corn outside of the tripod legs. The feeder was setup and tested and left for a one week trial in the woods.

Upon arrival after one week, I discovered the feeder had not been operating. The 6 volt battery was not connected to the terminals. Remember it was field tested after the initial setup. The timer cover was removed and it was noted that the timer was operating correctly. A test was run and the feeder did not activate to distribute food. I removed the battery and rotated it to achieve a different connection. I then tested the feeder three times and put it back together. It was working properly upon my departure.

My initial assessment of this feeder is that it is OK and may do the job. I would spend the extra $40 and get the Moultrie 30 Pro Magnum to get a really good feeder. The Moultrie has a LCD digital timer, digital battery meter (of which you can set two 6 volt batteries to run in tandem, and throws corn approximately 25 feet). A much better buy.

Update: The analog timer on that came on my feeder was terrible. It would not throw half the time.

In late Dec 2008 I finally bought the digital timer feeder, by American Hunter, to replace the analog version that came with the feeder. The digital timer works much better but still does not come close to throwing corn and deer pellet feed near as far as the Moultrie. If you are dead set on an American Hunter, I would spring for the digital timer feeder. But if you are trying to get an idea what to buy, don't waste your money on this feeder.

FYI - I have also had problems with the corn and pellet feed becoming moist, spoiling and growing mold. It seems to build up moisture inside the barrel. I recommend places a board over the top of the barrel to keep rainfall from pooling and increasing the condensation in the barrel.