The Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD Made a Bold First Impression
After a decade spent advising hunters and wildlife enthusiasts on gear, I’ve seen countless feeding solutions come and go. The Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD immediately grabbed my attention with its promise of simple setup and low maintenance. Could this be the answer to consistent feeding in those hard-to-reach honey holes?
My quest for a reliable, easily deployable feeder that could handle various feed types in remote locations led me here. Traditional feeders are often bulky, require significant setup, and can be a pain to transport. I needed something lightweight and easy to install for those backwoods spots I frequent.
Unboxing the Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD revealed a sturdy-looking PVC tube with integrated straps and a heavy-duty buckle. The Trubark HD finish promised a natural blend with the environment. The lightness was immediately appealing – I could easily pack several of these into a remote area.
Compared to traditional metal feeders with tripods or even some of the bulkier gravity feeders, the Treehugger stood out for its simplicity. While other options offered greater capacity or timer-based dispensing, they lacked the ease of deployment and portability I craved. I chose this over a Moultrie Feed Station because of its ease of setup, and a traditional Boss Buck feeder for its portability. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic; the design seemed promising, but the true test would be in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD to the Test
First Use Experience
I deployed the Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD deep in a swampy area known for its whitetail activity. The area’s dense undergrowth and frequent flooding made traditional feeders impractical. Installation was surprisingly easy.
I simply looped the integrated straps around a mature oak, secured the buckle, and filled the Treehugger with a mix of corn and deer attractant. Setup took less than five minutes. A light rain started shortly after, and I was curious how the Treehugger would handle the wet conditions.
Initially, the feed flowed well, but after a couple of days of consistent rain, some clumping occurred at the bottom. This partially restricted the flow, something I needed to monitor. Aside from that initial clumping, the Treehugger performed as expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a few weeks of monitoring, the Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD proved to be a decent, but not perfect, solution. The PVC construction held up well against the elements, showing no signs of cracking or fading. However, I consistently noticed the feed clumping at the bottom after periods of heavy rain.
While the Trubark HD finish did a good job blending in, squirrels and raccoons quickly discovered the feeder. They were able to access the feed, albeit with some difficulty, increasing consumption rates. Cleaning the Treehugger was relatively easy; a quick rinse with a hose cleared out any accumulated debris.
Compared to my experience with gravity feeders that use a metal cone, the Treehugger requires more frequent monitoring due to the clumping issue. However, its ease of setup and portability still make it a valuable tool for remote locations.
Breaking Down the Features of Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD
Specifications
The Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD is designed for simplicity and ease of use. It boasts a 100 lbs capacity, suitable for various feed types including corn, attractants, protein, and mineral supplements. Its construction utilizes long-lasting PVC material.
- Capacity: 100 lbs – This allows for extended periods between refills, reducing the need for frequent trips to the feeding site.
- Material: Long-lasting PVC – The PVC construction is resistant to weather and pests, ensuring durability in harsh outdoor conditions.
- Attachment: Integrated straps with heavy-duty buckle – This system allows for quick and secure attachment to trees of various sizes.
- Finish: Trubark HD – The camouflage finish blends seamlessly with natural surroundings, minimizing visibility to humans and potential thieves.
- Weight: Lightweight Design – The lightweight design enhances portability, making it easy to transport and install in remote locations.
These specifications contribute to a feeder that is easy to use, durable, and effective for attracting wildlife. The focus is on simplicity and reliability in the field.
Performance & Functionality
The Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD performs its primary function – dispensing feed – adequately. However, its performance is heavily dependent on the type of feed used and the prevailing weather conditions. Free-flowing feeds like dry corn work best, while attractants with a high molasses content tend to clump and restrict flow.
Its strength lies in its ease of setup and portability. The integrated straps and buckle system make it incredibly simple to install, even in challenging terrain. The main weakness is the potential for feed to clump, requiring occasional maintenance.
The Treehugger meets expectations for a basic gravity feeder in terms of simplicity and ease of use, but falls short in terms of consistent, unrestricted feed flow in all conditions.
Design & Ergonomics
The Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD features a straightforward and practical design. The PVC tube is sturdy and weather-resistant. The Trubark HD finish effectively camouflages the feeder.
The integrated straps are easy to adjust, allowing for secure attachment to trees of varying diameters. However, the smooth PVC surface can be slippery when wet. This could make refilling the feeder challenging in rainy conditions.
The design is user-friendly with minimal learning curve. Anyone familiar with basic straps and buckles can easily install and use the Treehugger.
Durability & Maintenance
The PVC construction suggests a decent lifespan for the Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD. The material is resistant to cracking and fading from sun exposure. However, the straps and buckle are potential points of failure over time.
Maintenance is relatively simple. A quick rinse with a hose is usually sufficient to remove any accumulated dirt or debris. However, addressing the clumping issue requires manually breaking up the compacted feed.
With proper care, the Treehugger should last for several seasons. Replacement straps may eventually be necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD is a fairly basic unit and does not come with any additional accessories. Customization options are limited. One could potentially add a rain guard to the top to minimize moisture intrusion.
However, it’s important to ensure that any modifications do not impede the flow of feed. Aftermarket straps or buckles could be used to replace worn or damaged components. The Treehugger‘s simplicity limits official customization but opens doors for DIY solutions.
Pros and Cons of Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD
Pros
- Easy Setup: The integrated straps and buckle allow for quick and hassle-free installation.
- Portability: The lightweight PVC construction makes it easy to transport to remote locations.
- Affordability: At around $20, it’s a cost-effective feeding solution.
- Durable Construction: The PVC material is weather-resistant and built to last.
- Versatile Feed Options: Can be used with a variety of feeds, including corn, attractants, and mineral supplements.
Cons
- Feed Clumping: Moisture can cause feed to clump at the bottom, restricting flow.
- Pest Vulnerability: Squirrels and raccoons can easily access the feed.
- Limited Capacity: Requires more frequent refills compared to larger capacity feeders.
Who Should Buy Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD?
The Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD is perfect for hunters, wildlife photographers, and property managers who need a simple, affordable, and portable feeding solution for remote locations. It is ideal for those who prioritize ease of setup over high capacity or advanced features.
This product should be skipped by those who require a feeder that can consistently dispense feed in all weather conditions without any manual intervention. Also those needing a pest-proof solution or have high feed volume needs may be disappointed. A must-have modification would be to seal the top as best as possible.
Conclusion on Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD
The Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD offers a convenient and affordable way to provide supplemental feed to wildlife in hard-to-reach areas. Its simplicity and ease of use are its greatest strengths. However, the potential for feed clumping and vulnerability to pests are drawbacks to consider.
The price is certainly justified for what it offers: a basic, portable, and easy-to-deploy feeding solution. I would recommend it to those who understand its limitations and are willing to monitor and maintain it as needed.
If you’re looking for a no-frills feeder that won’t break the bank and is easy to set up, the Wildgame Innovations Treehugger 100 lbs Capacity Trubark HD is worth considering. Just be prepared to check on it regularly and address any clumping issues. Give it a try, and experience the convenience for yourself!