The Moultrie Bag Feeder Made a Bold First Impression
The Moultrie Bag Feeder promises a simple, portable solution for attracting wildlife. Marketed by Moultrie as a lightweight and easy-to-transport feeder, it aims to eliminate the complexities of traditional feeders. This bag feeder offers a gravity-fed system, eliminating the need for batteries or moving parts, which immediately piqued my interest.
I’ve spent countless hours in the field, setting up trail cameras and managing food plots. The hassle of lugging heavy, bulky feeders into remote locations has always been a pain point. I was seeking a feeder that prioritized portability and ease of use without sacrificing too much capacity.
Unboxing the Moultrie Bag Feeder revealed a large, pine bark camo-patterned fabric bag. The material felt reasonably durable, and the tapered design seemed practical for refilling. The bag rolled up nicely, appearing as compact as advertised.
Compared to traditional metal feeders or even some of the plastic gravity feeders I’ve used, the Moultrie Bag Feeder offered a significantly lighter and more packable alternative. While a bucket feeder is cheaper, and a metal feeder more robust, the Moultrie Bag Feeder aimed for a sweet spot of portability and decent capacity. I chose this model hoping its simplicity and packability would outweigh any potential durability concerns.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The simplicity was appealing, but I wondered how the fabric would hold up to the elements and the relentless gnawing of squirrels and other critters. I was eager to see if it lived up to its promise of being a truly hassle-free feeding solution.
Real-World Testing: Putting Moultrie Bag Feeder to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Moultrie Bag Feeder on a recent scouting trip to a heavily wooded area known for its deer population. Setting it up was incredibly straightforward. I simply unrolled the bag, hung it from a sturdy branch using paracord (not included), and filled it with approximately 80 pounds of corn.
The Moultrie Bag Feeder performed adequately in the initial dry conditions. The corn flowed freely, and deer began visiting the site within a couple of days, as captured by my trail camera. I appreciated the simplicity of the gravity-fed system; no batteries to worry about, no timer malfunctions.
However, the first significant rainfall exposed a weakness. While advertised as water-resistant, the fabric allowed some moisture to seep in. This resulted in a small amount of the corn at the bottom of the bag becoming damp and slightly moldy.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Moultrie Bag Feeder is showing some signs of wear. The fabric, while seemingly durable at first, has several small punctures, likely from squirrels attempting to access the corn. These punctures don’t compromise the feeder’s integrity entirely, but they raise concerns about its long-term durability.
Maintenance is minimal. However, cleaning out the damp corn after the rain was somewhat tedious. The tapered design that makes refilling easy also makes thorough cleaning more challenging. I’ve since started adding a small tarp over the feeder during periods of heavy rain to mitigate the moisture issue.
Compared to my previous experience with metal feeders, the Moultrie Bag Feeder falls short in terms of durability and weather resistance. However, it significantly outperforms those feeders in portability and ease of setup. It’s a trade-off: convenience for longevity.
Breaking Down the Features of Moultrie Bag Feeder
Specifications
- The Moultrie Bag Feeder boasts a 100-pound capacity, offering a decent amount of feed for attracting wildlife. This reduces the frequency of refills, which is a significant advantage in remote locations.
- Its dimensions when flat are 60″ x 17″, providing a large surface area for distributing feed. When rolled up for transport, it becomes much more compact.
- The pine bark camo pattern helps the feeder blend into the environment. This minimizes visual disturbance to wildlife and reduces the likelihood of theft.
- The feeder utilizes a memory wire closing mechanism, designed to seal the bag and keep feed dry. This feature is crucial for preventing spoilage and maintaining the feed’s attractiveness.
- Being a gravity-style feeder, it eliminates the need for batteries. This increases reliability and reduces maintenance.
These specifications are relevant because they directly impact the feeder’s practicality in the field. The capacity determines how often you need to visit the site, the camo pattern aids concealment, and the gravity feed simplifies operation.
Performance & Functionality
The Moultrie Bag Feeder performs adequately as a simple gravity-fed feeder. It dispenses corn or other feed consistently, attracting deer and other wildlife. However, its performance is significantly impacted by weather conditions.
Its strength lies in its ease of use and portability. Setting it up takes minutes, and transporting it to remote locations is a breeze. The primary weakness is its limited weather resistance. The fabric, while water-resistant, is not entirely waterproof, and the feeder is vulnerable to damage from rodents.
It meets expectations in terms of portability and ease of use, but falls short in terms of durability and weather resistance. Refinements in material and closure design would be beneficial.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Moultrie Bag Feeder is simple and functional. The tapered design makes refilling easy, and the camo pattern helps it blend into the environment. However, the fabric material and exposed seams contribute to its lack of durability.
The feeder is user-friendly, requiring no tools or special knowledge to set up. However, cleaning it thoroughly can be somewhat challenging due to its shape and the fabric’s porous nature.
Durability & Maintenance
The Moultrie Bag Feeder‘s durability is a significant concern. The fabric is susceptible to punctures and tears, especially from rodents. Expect a lifespan of perhaps one or two seasons with moderate use.
Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving occasional cleaning and inspection for damage. However, repairs are not easily done. Once the fabric tears significantly, the feeder’s functionality is compromised.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Moultrie Bag Feeder doesn’t come with any accessories. Since it’s a simple gravity feeder, customization options are limited.
However, you can use your own rope or straps to hang the feeder, and a tarp or cover can be added for increased weather protection. It is not compatible with any specialized accessories.
Pros and Cons of Moultrie Bag Feeder
Pros
- Lightweight and extremely portable. Makes it ideal for remote locations.
- Simple to set up and use. No batteries or moving parts to worry about.
- Decent 100-pound capacity. Reduces the frequency of refills.
- Affordable price point. Makes it an accessible option for many hunters.
- Effective at attracting wildlife. Proven success in dispensing feed and drawing animals in.
Cons
- Limited weather resistance. Fabric allows moisture to seep in.
- Questionable long-term durability. Vulnerable to punctures and tears from rodents.
- Difficult to clean thoroughly. Fabric material can trap moisture and debris.
Who Should Buy Moultrie Bag Feeder?
The Moultrie Bag Feeder is perfect for hunters or wildlife enthusiasts who need a lightweight and portable feeding solution for remote locations. It’s also a good option for those on a budget who don’t want to invest in expensive metal feeders. Individuals who prioritize ease of use over long-term durability will find it appealing.
Those who should skip this product include anyone needing a feeder that can withstand harsh weather conditions or heavy rodent pressure. If durability and longevity are primary concerns, a more robust metal or plastic feeder would be a better choice. Individuals who prefer a feeder that requires minimal maintenance will also be dissatisfied.
Must-have accessories include a sturdy rope or strap for hanging the feeder and a waterproof tarp or cover to protect it from rain. Consider using metal mesh around the base to deter rodents from gnawing on the fabric.
Conclusion on Moultrie Bag Feeder
The Moultrie Bag Feeder offers a compelling combination of portability, simplicity, and affordability. It’s an excellent option for specific situations where these factors outweigh concerns about durability. While its weather resistance and susceptibility to damage are drawbacks, its ease of use and lightweight design make it a valuable tool for certain hunters and wildlife enthusiasts.
At $22.49, the price is justified for its intended purpose as a short-term, easily transportable feeder. However, potential buyers should be aware of its limitations and consider it a disposable item rather than a long-term investment.
I would recommend the Moultrie Bag Feeder to those who understand its limitations and prioritize portability and affordability. If you need a feeder that can handle harsh conditions and last for years, look elsewhere. But if you need a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to attract wildlife to a remote location, this is a worthwhile option. So, grab a Moultrie Bag Feeder today and experience the ease of portable feeding for yourself, just be prepared for the possibility of needing a replacement sooner rather than later!
