Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit Review

Let’s Talk About Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit

The Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit is a complete package designed to automate deer feeding, ensuring a consistent food supply and attracting game. Manufactured by Moultrie, this kit boasts a digital timer, adjustable funnel, and even an electric varmint guard, making it an appealing option for hunters aiming to improve their feeding strategies. The promise of a cake-free spinner plate and clog-busting BackSpin feature drew me in, as I’ve struggled with feeder reliability in the past.

For years, I’ve manually scattered feed at my hunting site, a time-consuming and inconsistent chore. I needed a reliable, programmable feeder that could handle various feed types and deter unwanted critters, saving me time and improving my chances of attracting deer. Upon unboxing the Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit, I was immediately impressed by the seemingly robust construction of the components, especially the motor housing and spinner plate. The digital timer appeared straightforward to program, and the adjustable funnel gave me confidence it could handle different feed sizes.

I considered the Wildgame Innovations Quick-Set 225 Digital Feeder and the Boss Buck All-In-One Feeder Kit. The Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit won because of its integrated varmint guard and the advertised BackSpin feature, which I hoped would minimize clogs. My initial excitement was tempered by the bare wires mentioned in a customer review, but I remained optimistic that the setup would be manageable with some ingenuity.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I deployed the Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit at my primary hunting location, a wooded area with moderate deer activity. I used a 30-gallon metal drum as the hopper and filled it with a mix of corn and protein pellets. Setting up the timer was intuitive, thanks to the extendable cord, which allowed me to program it without contorting myself.

The feeder performed adequately in its initial runs, dispensing feed as scheduled. However, even on a clear day, the feed tended to clump slightly due to moisture, impacting the consistency of dispersal. No issues were encountered initially, but I wondered how the “cake-free” spinner plate and “BackSpin” would hold up.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of operation, the Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit revealed both its strengths and weaknesses. The durability of the components proved adequate, although the plastic housing of the varmint guard showed minor scratches from raccoon activity. I was surprised at how quickly the battery level depleted, even with the advertised low-drain circuitry.

The claim of a “cake-free” spinner plate turned out to be overly optimistic, as feed often caked and clogged, particularly during periods of high humidity. While the BackSpin feature did occasionally dislodge minor clogs, it wasn’t a foolproof solution. Maintenance involved regularly checking the spinner plate and manually clearing obstructions, which defeated the purpose of automated feeding to some extent. Compared to my previous attempts at manual feeding, the Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit offered a degree of consistency, but the clogging issue remained a significant drawback.

Breaking Down the Features of Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit

Specifications

The Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit features a grey color scheme. It’s designed with an adjustable funnel to accommodate various feed types. It is manufactured by Moultrie.

The kit incorporates the BackSpin feature. It momentarily reverses the spin direction to clear clogs. The cake-free spinner plate design aims to minimize feed caking and reduce maintenance. The adjustable funnel optimizes feed flow for various types and sizes.

It includes an electric varmint guard with a safety switch and low-drain circuitry. The kit has a programmable digital timer on an extendable cord for scheduling up to six daily feed times. It utilizes the Quick-Lock system for mounting to a 30-gallon hopper. The Feed Level Estimator assists in monitoring feed usage.

It has an external power port for the Moultrie 6-Volt Deluxe Solar Panel or Feeder Power Panel. The kit requires one 6-volt battery, which is not included. A Battery Level indicator is present on the timer. These features collectively aim to provide reliable and efficient automated feeding.

Performance & Functionality

The Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit performs adequately in dispensing feed on a programmed schedule. However, its reliability is compromised by the frequent clogging of the spinner plate, especially with finer feeds or in humid conditions. The electric varmint guard effectively deters most raccoons, although persistent individuals may still manage to access the feed. The adjustability of the funnel is a strength, allowing customization for different feed types.

The main weakness is the clogging issue, which requires frequent maintenance and undermines the automation aspect. The battery life is also shorter than expected, necessitating frequent replacements. The kit meets basic expectations for automated feeding but falls short in terms of consistent, maintenance-free operation.

Design & Ergonomics

The Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit features a functional, albeit basic, design. The materials used are predominantly plastic, which keeps the weight down but raises concerns about long-term durability. The digital timer is relatively easy to program and the extendable cord is a thoughtful ergonomic touch. The quick-lock system simplifies mounting to a compatible hopper, and the adjustable funnel provides versatility.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability of the Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit is questionable, given the extensive use of plastic components. The motor housing appears relatively robust, but the varmint guard and funnel are vulnerable to damage from weather and animal activity. Maintenance is straightforward but frequent, requiring regular cleaning of the spinner plate and occasional unclogging. Repairs are likely to be limited to replacing individual components, as the overall construction is not designed for extensive disassembly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit is primarily designed to work with a standard 30-gallon hopper (not included). The external power port allows for the use of a Moultrie 6-Volt Deluxe Solar Panel or Feeder Power Panel to extend battery life. No other significant customization options are available. It is compatible with most standard 6-volt batteries.

Pros and Cons of Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit

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Who Should Buy Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit?

The Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit is perfect for hunters on a budget who need a basic automated feeder. It suits those who are willing to perform regular maintenance to address clogging issues. This is also good for individuals looking to establish consistent feeding patterns for deer in areas with moderate varmint pressure.

Hunters seeking a truly maintenance-free feeder or those in areas with high raccoon populations should skip this product. A feeder with a more robust varmint guard and clog-resistant design would be a better choice. A reliable 6-volt battery and a solar panel are must-have accessories to improve the feeder’s performance.

Conclusion on Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit

The Moultrie NXT Hunter Feeder Kit offers an affordable entry point into automated deer feeding. While it provides a programmable timer, adjustable funnel, and varmint guard, the frequent clogging issue significantly detracts from its convenience. The value proposition is debatable, as the low price is offset by the need for regular maintenance and battery replacements.

Personally, I would recommend this product with reservations. Only if you are prepared to dedicate time to cleaning and maintaining it. A more robust and reliable feeder would be a worthwhile investment for those seeking a truly hands-off solution. Consider your needs carefully before making a purchase.