The Ultimate Guide to Raccoon-Proof Deer Feeders

One problem you might encounter when using a gravity feeder to feed deer is raccoons stealing your feed. When raccoons eat the feed, they waste the expensive food you've put out for the deer. What you may not know is that raccoons are persistent and intelligent creatures. They can chew through parts of the feeder, causing costly damage. When they spill feed on the ground, it attracts more animals and contaminates the food supply.

The presence of raccoons near the feeder can make deer hesitant to approach. Raccoons may also agitate the deer, causing stress to the herd. When different animals congregate around feeders, both raccoons and deer can spread diseases to each other as well as to other wildlife.

There are several steps you can take to prevent raccoons from getting to your deer feed. Here are some of the most effective methods for deterring these unwanted visitors.

Physical Barriers That Stop Raccoons from Climbing

One of the easiest ways to protect your feeder is to make it difficult for raccoons to climb it. You can install a large metal baffle on the pole that's too wide for raccoons to get around. A single baffle can protect multiple feeders if they share a pole system.

Another option is to wrap each feeder leg with a PVC pipe at least six inches in diameter. The pipes should not be fixed to the ground, so they can spin freely. This makes it nearly impossible for raccoons to get a grip.

You can also attach carpet tack strips to each leg using zip ties. The sharp tacks make the legs hard to climb, though this method may not be effective on its own. Another alternative is coating the feeder legs with Vaseline or axle grease, making them too slippery for raccoons to climb.

Natural Raccoon Deterrents Using Scents and Spices

In addition to physical modifications, there are natural ways to deter raccoons. Did you know raccoons hate the smell of cayenne pepper? Sprinkling pepper around the base of the feeder can help keep them away. Other effective spices include black pepper and cinnamon. You can also create a deterrent spray using water, hot sauce, and strong scents such as garlic or vinegar. Apply this mixture around the feeder area to discourage raccoons from approaching.

Using Electric Fences Safely Around Deer Feeders

For a more extreme solution, consider installing an electric fence. Just make sure the fence is low enough that deer can easily step over it without needing to jump.

Raccoons climbing your feeder and eating your deer feed can cause a variety of problems. They waste your money, spread disease, and scare away deer. To keep them away, consider modifications like PVC pipes, tack strips, or metal baffles. Natural scent deterrents such as peppers and spices can also be effective. If necessary, use an electric fence, but do so with caution.