On Time Wildlife Feeders Tomahawk VL Timer Game Feeder Review

First Impressions of On Time Wildlife Feeders Tomahawk VL Timer Game Feeder

The On Time Wildlife Feeders Tomahawk VL Timer Game Feeder promises to be a straightforward solution for anyone looking to automate their wildlife feeding schedule. As someone who’s spent years managing food plots and supplemental feeding programs for deer and other game animals, I’m always on the lookout for reliable and user-friendly equipment. The Tomahawk VL Timer caught my eye with its simple design and programmable timer, hinting at easy operation and consistent performance.

My own motivation stemmed from an increasingly demanding work schedule. Gone were the days I could reliably make it out to my hunting lease every other day to fill feeders. I needed something that could handle the task with minimal intervention, ensuring the deer herd remained healthy and patterned without constant human presence.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately struck by the high-impact composite construction. It felt sturdy enough to withstand the elements. The unit itself is compact and the universal mounting system seemed like it would make for an easy setup. Compared to more complex feeders I’ve used that involved multiple components and intricate setup processes, this felt refreshingly simple. I was choosing between this, a Moultrie Pro Hunter Feeder Kit, and a Wildgame Innovations Quick-Set 225 Feeder. The Tomahawk VL Timer won out due to its promise of ease of use and robust timer functionality.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited by the ease of programming but slightly concerned about long-term durability in harsh weather conditions. Only real-world use would tell the full story.

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Real-World Testing: Putting On Time Wildlife Feeders Tomahawk VL Timer Game Feeder to the Test

First Use Experience

I deployed the On Time Wildlife Feeders Tomahawk VL Timer Game Feeder at my hunting lease in central Texas. The area is known for its fluctuating weather patterns – scorching summers and occasional icy winters. I mounted the feeder to an existing barrel using the universal mounting system, which proved to be truly universal and simple to install.

I programmed the timer for two daily feedings: once at sunrise and again at sunset. The on-screen prompts made programming incredibly easy, and the onboard test feature was a nice touch. The first few days went off without a hitch, with the feeder dispensing the programmed amount of corn at the specified times. However, a heavy rainstorm hit the area on the third day, and I noticed some moisture had seeped into the timer housing. While the timer still functioned, this raised some concerns about its weather resistance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of continuous use, the Tomahawk VL Timer has proven to be mostly reliable, though not without some caveats. The timer continues to function as programmed, but the moisture issue after the rainstorm persisted. I ended up applying a bead of silicone sealant around the timer housing to prevent further water intrusion.

The high-impact composite construction has held up well, showing no signs of cracking or fading despite exposure to intense sunlight. The maintenance is straightforward: just a periodic wipe-down to remove dust and debris. Compared to some of the cheaper feeders I’ve used in the past, this one definitely feels more robust, even with the modification for moisture prevention.

Breaking Down the Features of On Time Wildlife Feeders Tomahawk VL Timer Game Feeder

Specifications

• The On Time Wildlife Feeders Tomahawk VL Timer Game Feeder utilizes robotic-constructed electronics for enhanced reliability and ease of use.
• The timer can be programmed for up to 4 feedings per day. This allows for flexible scheduling based on animal activity patterns.
• Each feed time is adjustable up to 20 seconds. This provides precise control over the amount of feed dispensed, minimizing waste.
• Programming is facilitated by 3 on-screen prompts. An onboard test feature is included for easy confirmation of functionality.
• It’s black in color and comes packaged in a box.
• The feeder operates on either a 6 or 12-Volt battery. It’s also pre-wired for a solar panel, enabling extended operation without battery changes.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the feeder’s reliability, ease of use, and overall performance. The programmable timer and adjustable feed times are essential for creating effective feeding schedules. The solar panel compatibility significantly reduces maintenance requirements.

Performance & Functionality

The On Time Wildlife Feeders Tomahawk VL Timer Game Feeder performs its primary job of dispensing feed consistently. The timer is accurate, and the adjustable feed times allow for precise control over the amount of feed dispensed. One significant strength is the ease of programming, making it accessible to users of all technical skill levels.

However, the weakness lies in its weather resistance. The moisture intrusion issue is a significant concern that needs to be addressed. It meets expectations in terms of basic functionality but falls short in terms of long-term durability in wet conditions.

Design & Ergonomics

The high-impact composite construction feels robust and durable. The unit’s compact size and universal mounting system make it easy to install on various types of containers. The design is simple and functional, but not particularly aesthetically pleasing.

The user interface is intuitive and user-friendly, requiring minimal setup time. The on-screen prompts are clear and easy to follow.

Durability & Maintenance

The composite construction should provide decent longevity, but the timer housing needs improvement in terms of weather sealing. Regular cleaning and inspection are necessary to ensure optimal performance. The pre-wired solar panel compatibility simplifies long-term maintenance by reducing the need for frequent battery changes.

Accessories and Customization Options

The On Time Wildlife Feeders Tomahawk VL Timer Game Feeder comes with the necessary hardware for mounting. The key accessory to consider is a solar panel to extend battery life. While there aren’t many customization options directly offered for this specific unit, the universal mounting system allows it to be paired with various feeder containers and stands.

Pros and Cons of On Time Wildlife Feeders Tomahawk VL Timer Game Feeder

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Who Should Buy On Time Wildlife Feeders Tomahawk VL Timer Game Feeder?

The On Time Wildlife Feeders Tomahawk VL Timer Game Feeder is perfect for hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and property managers who need a simple and affordable solution for automating their feeding programs. It’s ideal for those who prioritize ease of use and require precise control over feeding schedules.

This product should be skipped by those who require a feeder with robust weather sealing for use in extremely harsh or consistently wet environments. Those seeking advanced features like remote monitoring or variable dispensing rates may also find this model lacking.

A must-have accessory is a small solar panel to extend battery life and minimize maintenance. Adding silicone sealant around the timer housing is also highly recommended to improve weather resistance.

Conclusion on On Time Wildlife Feeders Tomahawk VL Timer Game Feeder

The On Time Wildlife Feeders Tomahawk VL Timer Game Feeder offers a solid value proposition for those seeking a straightforward and affordable automated feeding solution. While it’s not without its flaws, particularly concerning weather sealing, its ease of use and adjustable feed times make it a worthwhile option. At $74.99, the price is justified by its functionality and potential for long-term cost savings through efficient feed management.

I would personally recommend it to those who are willing to take the extra step of sealing the timer housing to improve its weather resistance. With this modification, it can provide reliable and consistent performance for years to come. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use and affordable way to automate your wildlife feeding program, give the On Time Wildlife Feeders Tomahawk VL Timer Game Feeder a try. You might just find it’s the perfect solution for your needs.