Moultrie 6.5-Gallon Pro Hunter II Hanging Review

First Impressions of Moultrie 6.5-Gallon Pro Hunter II Hanging

The Moultrie 6.5-Gallon Pro Hunter II Hanging feeder promises a reliable and easy way to manage wildlife feeding, especially in areas where varmints are a persistent problem. This feeder, from the trusted Moultrie brand, boasts a metal hopper to deter pests, a programmable timer for consistent feeding schedules, and a capacity suitable for most recreational hunting properties. With a price point around $105, it sits in a competitive spot – affordable enough for budget-conscious buyers but with features suggesting a step up from basic gravity feeders. I was looking for a hanging feeder that could hold a decent amount of feed while also being durable enough to withstand the elements and clever enough to outsmart the local critters.

I needed a better solution for feeding deer on my property, tired of constantly refilling smaller feeders and dealing with raccoons emptying them overnight. The Moultrie feeder seemed like a good balance of capacity, durability, and programmability. My first impressions after unboxing were positive; the metal hopper felt solid, and the overall construction appeared robust. It seemed heavier-duty than the plastic feeders I’ve used in the past, giving me confidence it would last longer.

I considered the Wildgame Innovations Quick-Set 225 lb. Feeder and the Banks Feed Bank Gravity Feeder. I ultimately chose the Moultrie 6.5-Gallon Pro Hunter II Hanging because it seemed like a better balance between price and features; the Wildgame Innovations feeder was considerably larger and more expensive, while the Banks feeder didn’t offer the programmable timer that I desired. I was excited to see how the “built-in varmint guard” would perform against the persistent raccoon population.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Moultrie 6.5-Gallon Pro Hunter II Hanging to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Moultrie 6.5-Gallon Pro Hunter II Hanging feeder on my hunting property, hanging it from a sturdy tree limb about 8 feet off the ground. The first setup was straightforward, following the instructions for programming the timer. It was tested in a variety of weather conditions, including light rain and moderate winds.

The feeder performed admirably during its first run. The programmable timer worked perfectly, dispensing corn at the set times with consistent amounts. One slight concern was that in the wind, the corn broadcast was a little uneven, but overall, the dispersal was acceptable. There were no initial issues, and I was pleased to see deer visiting the area shortly after the first feeding.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of consistent use, the Moultrie 6.5-Gallon Pro Hunter II Hanging feeder has proven its worth. The metal hopper shows no signs of rust or damage, even after several rainstorms. The only wear is some minor scratching on the plastic housing from tree branches.

Maintenance has been minimal. I check the battery level every few weeks, and it’s still going strong. I’ve refilled the feeder twice and have not had any issues with the corn clogging or the mechanism malfunctioning. Compared to previous feeders, this one has held up remarkably well, especially regarding varmint resistance. It has outperformed all my previous feeders.

Breaking Down the Features of Moultrie 6.5-Gallon Pro Hunter II Hanging

Specifications

• Capacity: 6.5 Gallons (40 lbs of corn)
• Hopper Material: Metal; this is a crucial feature for varmint resistance.
• Kit Housing: Plastic; provides weather protection for the timer and motor.
• Programmable Timer: Yes; allows up to 6 daily feed times.
• Feed Time Per Day: 6 Dispense Times; flexible feeding schedule to adapt to animal behavior.
• Dispense Times: 1-20 seconds; precise control over feed quantity.
• Broadcast: 360 degrees; ensures wide distribution of feed.
• Spin Plate/Funnel: Metal; durable and resistant to damage.
• Adjustable Flow: Yes; fine-tune the amount of feed dispensed.
• Quick-Lock Compatible: Yes; easy installation and removal.
• Built-In Varmint Guard: Yes; a primary selling point, designed to deter raccoons and squirrels.
• Battery Level Indicator: Yes; convenient monitoring of battery life.
• Feed Level Estimator: Yes; allows you to quickly estimate how much feed is left.
• External Power Port: Yes; option to connect to an external power source.
• Power Source: 6V battery; provides long-lasting power.
• Hanging Method: Handle; simple and easy to hang from a tree or post.
• Warranty: 1 year; provides peace of mind.

These specifications collectively offer a feeder that is durable, programmable, and designed to minimize feed waste and varmint interference. The metal hopper and varmint guard are essential for protecting the feed from unwanted guests, while the programmable timer allows for precise control over feeding schedules.

Performance & Functionality

The Moultrie 6.5-Gallon Pro Hunter II Hanging feeder performs its job effectively. The adjustable timer and feed duration settings provide excellent control over the feeding schedule and amount of feed dispensed. It’s generally reliable, with consistent performance across different weather conditions.

One strength is the effectiveness of the varmint guard; it has significantly reduced the amount of feed stolen by raccoons compared to my previous feeders. A minor weakness is that the broadcast distance can be affected by wind, leading to uneven distribution. Overall, it meets my expectations and has improved my deer management program.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid, with the metal hopper providing a robust and durable container for the feed. The plastic housing for the timer and motor feels sturdy enough to withstand typical outdoor conditions. The hanging handle is well-designed and makes it easy to suspend the feeder from a tree limb or post.

The user interface for the programmable timer is relatively straightforward, although it took a little time to understand all the settings. Once programmed, it’s simple to maintain. The feeder has a good design.

Durability & Maintenance

The Moultrie 6.5-Gallon Pro Hunter II Hanging feeder appears to be built to last. The metal hopper is resistant to rust and damage, and the plastic housing seems durable enough to withstand typical weather conditions. The motor and timer mechanism are well-protected, minimizing the risk of damage from moisture or debris.

Maintenance is relatively simple. The feeder is easy to clean, and the components are easily accessible for inspection and repair. The long battery life also reduces the frequency of maintenance. I expect this feeder to last for several years with proper care.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Moultrie 6.5-Gallon Pro Hunter II Hanging comes standard with the feeder unit and a hanging handle. While there aren’t many customization options directly associated with the feeder itself, it’s compatible with Moultrie‘s Quick-Lock system, allowing you to easily attach and detach the feeder from different mounting systems.

Aftermarket 6V batteries are readily available from various brands. The external power port allows for the connection of solar panels or other external power sources, extending the battery life even further. This is a big win.

Pros and Cons of Moultrie 6.5-Gallon Pro Hunter II Hanging

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Who Should Buy Moultrie 6.5-Gallon Pro Hunter II Hanging?

Perfect for: Hunters, landowners, and wildlife enthusiasts who want a reliable and effective way to manage deer and other wildlife populations. Anyone who has dealt with raccoon problems and the associated feed waste.

Who should skip this product? Individuals who need a very large capacity feeder or those who live in areas with extremely harsh weather conditions that might damage the plastic components over time.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A high-quality 6V rechargeable battery is essential. If you live in a sunny area, consider adding a solar panel to further extend battery life.

Conclusion on Moultrie 6.5-Gallon Pro Hunter II Hanging

The Moultrie 6.5-Gallon Pro Hunter II Hanging feeder offers a compelling combination of durability, programmability, and varmint resistance. It has proven to be a reliable and effective tool for managing wildlife feeding on my property. The value proposition is strong, especially considering the effectiveness of the varmint guard and the programmable timer.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a hassle-free and effective hanging feeder. If you’re tired of raccoons emptying your feeders overnight, this is the product for you. Give the Moultrie 6.5-Gallon Pro Hunter II Hanging a try – you won’t be disappointed!