| Feeding wild deer has become a very popular hobby | | | | using the wood screws making sure the ends of |
| and over the years my company has literally provided | | | | each board align with one another. Once all the |
| tens of thousands of these feeders. It is not | | | | screws are in place, turn the trough over and set it |
| uncommon for us to receive requests from | | | | on one the triangles so that the triangle sets flush |
| woodworkers and others who wish to build their own | | | | with the trough's end. It's a good practice to predrill |
| feeders. Unlike most companies, we are glad to help | | | | the screw holes for the triangle using the holes you |
| anyone wishing to make their own homemade | | | | previously drilled in the long length lumber. This will |
| feeder since often times we receive replies from | | | | keep your triangles from splitting or breaking |
| these same people with ideas for improvements, or | | | | prematurely. Attach each triangle to the trough. Drill |
| more than likely new product ideas. | | | | out four 5/8" drain holes in the trough's vee bottom. |
| To build your own 36" trough style deer feeder in | | | | Your trough is now complete and can be sanded if |
| the Hurley-Byrd fashion you first need to gather | | | | desired or left rough but we suggest a little sanding |
| some materials. You will need lumber of course and all | | | | to remove any sharp edges. |
| Hurley-Byrd Deer Feeders are crafted from western | | | | Now it's time for the legs. Gather up your 2x4 and |
| red cedar. You are welcome to use pine but only | | | | cut it to 36" in length and rip it into two equal halves. |
| expect it to last a few years. Purchase one 1x8 piece | | | | Using the triangles as your guide, drill two 5/8" holes |
| of lumber that is eight feet long and a 2x4 with a | | | | in one end of the leg on its center line. Each hole will |
| minimum length of three feet. Keep in mind each | | | | be 1" and 2 ¼" from the top of the leg |
| piece of lumber will need to be ripped to narrow | | | | respectively. Once you have done this, you can apply |
| widths. Some lumber yards will be glad to assist if | | | | an exterior grade finish to the whole feeder or leave |
| you do not have the tools capable of performing this | | | | the lumber raw. We use a high grade penetrating oil |
| task. While at the lumber store, also purchase | | | | finish to enhance the feeder's beauty and add |
| 14-#8x1 ½" wood screws. We use brass | | | | longevity to the feeder. If you apply a finish, allow it |
| screws in our feeders but any good wood screw will | | | | to dry appropriately and you are now ready to set |
| be fine for a short term feeder. Also buy four | | | | out the new feeder. |
| ¼" x 20 x 3" carriage bolts, matching wing | | | | To set the feeder outside, you will need to attach |
| nuts and washers. These are used to attach the legs | | | | the legs to the trough using the carriage bolts, |
| to the trough. | | | | washers and wing nuts. Once it is assembled, it is |
| Once the lumber is home, it's time to build the vee | | | | time to set it up. Find the location you desire for the |
| shaped trough. Cut your 1x8 into 2-36" lengths. Leave | | | | feeder. See my eZineArticle "Deer Feeders and |
| one piece its full 7¼" width and rip the other | | | | Feeding Tips - A Guide to a Safe and Enjoyable |
| to 6 ½". Take the remaining two feet of the | | | | Home Hobby" for setting the feeder in a safe and |
| 1x8 and rip it to 3 ¾" in width. This piece of | | | | proper location. For this type of feeder, you will need |
| lumber must be cut into two triangles with a miter | | | | to dig two holes 12" deep and 36" apart. Once |
| saw. Since these four pieces of lumber get attached | | | | complete, stand the feeder in the holes and backfill |
| to one another at their edges, screw holes must be | | | | the holes enough to hold the feeder. Stand back, |
| drilled first or the lumber will soon split. On the 1x7 1 | | | | look at the feeder and level it in all directions. Once |
| 4"x 36, drill two holes at each end 3/8" from the end | | | | level, completely backfill the holes and tamp down |
| and 1 1/2" from the sides. Along one long edge, drill | | | | the fresh dirt. Fill your feeder and within a few days |
| six equally spaced holes 3/8" from the edge. On the | | | | you will start enjoying the deer on a regular basis. |
| 1x6 ½"x 36, drill two holes in each end 3/8" | | | | Read my previously mentioned article regarding safe |
| from the end and 1 ½" from the sides. Take | | | | feeding locations and proper feeds for your deer. |
| the two triangles and drill two 5/8" diameter holes | | | | Enjoy and contact us with your success stories. |
| perpendicular to the short point that are located 1" | | | | The author, The Hurley-Byrd Bird Feeder Co. and is |
| and 2 ¼" from the long flat edge. | | | | not liable in any way for any person(s) who builds or |
| Now that the lumber has its screw holes in place, it is | | | | uses this product. By building and using this item you |
| time for assembly. Lay the 1x6 ½" board on a | | | | are accepting all liabilities regarding your own personal |
| flat work bench so that one edge is close to the | | | | safety in building said item and that of all other |
| bench's end. Stand the 1 x 7 ¼" on its edge | | | | persons and property and are fully responsible in |
| next to the 1x6 ¼ so the screw holes are | | | | regards to all federal, state and or local laws |
| closest to the bench and aligned with the 1x6 1/4. | | | | regarding the use of this item in any way. |
| Secure the larger piece of lumber to the smaller one | | | | |