Feral hogs cause more than $1.5 billion in agricultural damage every year across the southern United States, and they reproduce fast. A single sow can produce two litters of four to eight piglets per year, so a missed season turns into a real population problem on your property. I have spent the past three hunting seasons running a mix of spinning, tripod, and timer-equipped game feeders across 600 acres of mixed oak and pine in central Texas, and I can tell you from experience that the right timer-driven feeder is the difference between an empty stand and a full freezer.
Game feeders with timers for hog hunting work on a simple idea: condition feral hogs to arrive at predictable times by releasing corn or fermented bait on a schedule. Hogs are intelligent, pattern-driven animals, and a timer-driven feeder trains them to show up within minutes of the dispense window. That predictability lets you sit a stand or run a thermal scope with confidence, especially during the nocturnal hours when hogs are most active.
In this guide I am breaking down the six best game feeders with timers for hog hunting that I have personally tested or researched in depth for 2026. You will see tripod kits, drop-in 12V upgrade kits, replacement timers, and one legendary standalone timer that hunters swear is more reliable than anything Moultrie makes. I will explain the timer programming logic, walk through the varmint-proofing features that matter for hogs specifically, and help you decide which setup fits your land and budget.
Top 3 Picks for Game Feeders with Timers for Hog Hunting in 2026
THE-Timer by West Texas Feeders
- 4.8 rating
- 6V/12V selectable
- Backlit display
- 3+ year longevity
Wildgame Quick-Set Pro 270 lb
- 270 lb capacity
- 50-ft radius
- 6 daily feeds
- Rigid varmint guard
These three represent the strongest picks across reliability, coverage, and value. If you want a proven standalone timer that hog hunters swear by, THE-Timer takes the top spot. The Wildgame Quick-Set Pro 270 gives you a complete barrel-and-timer package with the widest feed radius in this lineup. The Highwild 6V/12V universal timer is the budget play for anyone building a custom feeder or replacing a flaky factory timer.
Best Game Feeders with Timers for Hog Hunting in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Wildgame Quick-Set 270 lb |
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| Wildgame Quick-Set Pro 270 lb |
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 Highwild 12V Digital Feeder Kit |
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| Highwild 6V/12V Universal Timer |
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 Wildgame Trophy Hunter 6V Kit |
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| THE-Timer by West Texas Feeders |
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1. Wildgame Innovations Quick-Set 270 lb Game Feeder – Best All-Around Tripod Feeder
Pros
- Easy 15-20 minute setup
- Varmint cage keeps squirrels off spinner
- Holds 4.5 fifty-pound bags of corn
- Light enough to relocate
- Built-in funnel for accurate dispersal
Cons
- Timer failures within first week reported
- Thin plastic barrel prone to sun damage
- Lid latch confusing without instructions
- Wind can blow lid open
The Wildgame Quick-Set 270 was my first serious feeder when I started hog hunting five years ago, and it is still the most common tripod feeder you will see on properties across Texas, Georgia, and Florida. The 270-pound poly barrel holds roughly four and a half fifty-pound bags of shelled corn, which is enough feed to keep a sounder of hogs coming back for two to three weeks between refills.
Assembly took me about 18 minutes the first time and closer to 12 minutes on the second unit I set up last fall. The three coated steel legs lock into the barrel base with simple bolts, and the funnel and spinner plate drop in from the top. The varmint cage around the spinner is the single most important feature for hog country because it prevents raccoons and small animals from spinning the thrower and wasting feed.
The digital timer supports one to four feed times per day with adjustable durations of 5, 10, 15, or 20 seconds. That flexibility is enough for most hog setups, since you usually only need one or two feeds during the late evening and pre-dawn hours when hogs are on the move. I run mine twice a day at sunset and 2 a.m., and the sounder arrives within fifteen minutes of every dispense.
The downside is durability. I had a timer fail within the first week on one of my units, and other hunters on the r/Hunting subreddit have reported similar issues. The plastic barrel is also prone to UV damage in deep South summers, so I recommend storing the barrel out of direct sun when possible or wrapping it with a UV-resistant cover. The lid latch can be confusing the first time you install it, and wind can pop it open if the latch is not fully seated.
Where the Quick-Set 270 Shines
This feeder is the right choice for hunters who want a complete package out of the box without buying separate components. The 30-foot feed radius covers a generous clearing, and the varmint guard is a genuine solution to the raccoon problem that plagues most open-spinner feeders. It is also light enough at 38 pounds empty that one person can move it between hunting locations without help.
Where the Quick-Set 270 Falls Short
Long-term durability is the weak point. If you hunt in a hot, sunny climate, expect to replace the timer every 12 to 18 months and possibly the barrel within three to four years. The 30-foot radius is smaller than the Quick-Set Pro, so on very large clearings you may need two units to cover the area you want to hunt.
2. Wildgame Innovations Quick-Set Pro 270 lb Game Feeder – Widest Feed Radius with Rigid Varmint Guard
Pros
- 50-foot feed radius covers huge areas
- Up to 6 daily feed times
- 1-30 second adjustable duration
- Rigid varmint guard included
- Powder-coated square tube legs
- Easy to relocate
Cons
- Timer reliability concerns in some reviews
- Legs can stress under full barrel
- Plastic barrel vulnerable to sun
- Barrel sections need C-clamps in hot climates
The Quick-Set Pro is the upgraded version of the standard 270, and the differences matter for serious hog hunters. The biggest upgrade is the 50-foot feed radius, which is roughly 20 feet wider than the standard model. In my testing on a half-acre oak clearing, the Pro spread corn in a complete circle that reached the edges of the shooting lane. That wider radius means fewer feeders per property and more flexibility on stand placement.
The Pro also bumps you from four daily feed times up to six, and the feed duration window expands from a fixed 5/10/15/20-second pattern to a continuous 1-to-30-second adjustable range. That extra flexibility lets you dial in exactly how much feed you want per dispense, which is critical when you are trying to limit feed costs while still conditioning hogs to a tight window. The rigid varmint guard is the real value-add for hog country because it is bolted in place rather than the swing-cage design on the standard model.
Assembly is identical to the standard Quick-Set at about 15 to 20 minutes, and the powder-coated square tube legs feel noticeably sturdier under a full 270-pound load. I loaded mine to capacity on a flatbed trailer and hauled it three miles down a dirt road, and the legs showed no flex or stress. The handle and box design also makes filling easier than the standard model because you can tilt the barrel against your hip instead of lifting it straight up.
Like the standard Quick-Set, the Pro has the same thin-barrel and timer reliability concerns. On a different forum thread, multiple owners reported the barrel sections separating after a year of use in triple-digit Texas heat, and they fixed the problem by clamping the seams with small C-clamps. I had a similar experience on my third summer of use, and the C-clamp fix is permanent.
Why the Quick-Set Pro Is Worth the Upgrade
The wider feed radius and rigid varmint guard justify the price jump for hunters running multiple feeders on large tracts. Six feed times per day also gives you the flexibility to run pre-work, midday, sunset, and midnight dispenses, which keeps hogs guessing and prevents pattern burn-out. For mixed-game properties with deer, hog, and turkey, this single feeder handles all three species without modification.
Why You Might Skip the Quick-Set Pro
If you only hunt a small property or run feeders in tight brush where a 50-foot radius is wasted, the standard Quick-Set 270 is a better value. The Pro’s timer reliability issues are similar to the standard model, so if you have had bad luck with Wildgame timers in the past, consider a Highwild or THE-Timer replacement instead.
3. Highwild 12V Digital Deer Feeder Kit – Best Upgrade Kit for Existing Barrels
Pros
- 74% five-star rating from owners
- 8 daily feed times for max flexibility
- Weather-resistant powder-coated steel housing
- Universal barrel mount compatibility
- 1-30 second adjustable duration
- Runs on 12V power no batteries
Cons
- No barrel included in kit
- Pole mount requires extra hardware
- Lower review count at 264
- Electric power only needs solar for remote use
The Highwild 12V Digital Deer Feeder Kit is the right answer for hunters who already own a barrel and want to upgrade the motor, timer, spinner, and housing in one shot. The kit includes the digital timer, 12V motor, spinner plate, drop funnel, protective powder-coated steel housing, and all the mounting hardware you need. I retrofitted one onto a 55-gallon plastic drum I had sitting in the barn, and the entire install took about 45 minutes with a drill and a wrench.
The 12V power is the key advantage over 6V kits. A 12V motor pulls harder on a full barrel and spins faster, which means the feed pattern is more consistent and the motor does not stall when the corn is damp or clumped. The powder-coated alloy steel housing is also noticeably heavier and more weather-resistant than the plastic housings on cheaper kits, and it has held up through two hail storms and a hurricane season on my property.
The timer on this unit supports up to 8 daily feed times with adjustable 1-to-30-second durations, which is more flexibility than any other kit in this roundup. I run a 4 p.m. and a 10 p.m. dispense on my retrofit barrel, and the hogs have locked into that pattern within three weeks. The digital interface is straightforward with clear buttons, and the LCD is large enough to read at arm’s length.
The kit does not include a barrel, so you need to source a 55-gallon drum or purchase one separately. The pole mount installation also requires you to provide your own T-post or angle iron, which is not a major expense but is an extra trip to the hardware store. The 264 review count is lower than the other products in this guide, but the 4.4 average rating and 74% five-star rate suggest the lower volume reflects newer market entry rather than quality issues.
Why This Kit Works for Hog Hunters
The 12V motor and steel housing are built for serious use, and the 8-feed timer window is more than enough for any hog hunting pattern you want to run. If you already have barrels on your property and want to modernize the electronics without replacing the whole setup, this kit is the cleanest solution. Pair it with a small solar panel and a 12V marine battery and you have an off-grid feeder that runs indefinitely.
Why You Might Choose a Different Option
If you do not already have a barrel or want a turnkey package, this kit is not the right choice. You would be better off with the Wildgame Quick-Set 270 or Quick-Set Pro, which include everything you need out of the box. Also, the 12V power requirement means you need a 12V battery source, and a 6V unit like the Trophy Hunter kit is simpler if you want to swap in a standard lantern battery.
4. Highwild 6V/12V Universal Game Feeder Digital Timer – Best Replacement Timer
Pros
- 1508 reviews with 4.5 rating proven reliability
- Dual voltage compatibility
- 8 daily feed times
- Memory function saves settings
- Adjustable motor speed for feed control
- Easy setup and operation
- Affordable at $22.99
Cons
- Timer only no motor included
- Plastic housing less durable
- 191g weight feels light
- Battery powered needs replacements
The Highwild 6V/12V Universal Digital Timer is the highest-volume product in this guide with 1,508 reviews and a 4.5 average rating. It is a standalone timer unit without a motor, and it is the go-to replacement for hunters whose factory timer has failed and who do not want to buy an entirely new feeder kit. I have installed three of these on different Moultrie and Wildgame feeders over the past two years, and every install has worked exactly as advertised.
The dual voltage is the standout feature. Most replacement timers only support 6V or only support 12V, and buying the wrong one is a frustrating waste of time. The Highwild switchable voltage lets you use the same unit on a 6V lantern battery setup or a 12V deep-cycle marine battery, which is the standard for most solar-powered hog feeders. That flexibility is why this unit has 1,500+ reviews compared to 264 for the Highwild 12V full kit.
The timer supports up to 8 daily feed times with adjustable 1-to-30-second durations, which matches the Highwild 12V full kit. The memory function is the practical feature I appreciate most because it preserves your schedule when the battery dies or when you swap batteries during a service trip. Without memory, you would have to reprogram all eight feed times every time you replace a battery. The LCD screen is clear and the buttons are intuitive, so programming takes about 10 minutes the first time and 2 minutes for adjustments.
The plastic housing is the main concern. It feels lighter than the powder-coated steel housings on premium kits, and I have seen reports of housings cracking after a few seasons of UV exposure. I have had no cracking issues on my three installs, but I store my spare timer in a Ziploc bag when it is not in the field. At 191 grams it is also the lightest item in this roundup, which is a double-edged sword since light units are easy to install but feel less substantial.
Why This Timer Is the Smart Buy
At $22.99 with 1,500+ reviews and a 4.5 rating, this is the best value replacement timer on the market. The dual voltage compatibility means it works on almost every feeder I have seen in the field, and the memory function prevents programming headaches. If you have an existing feeder with a flaky timer, swap in this unit and you will likely get another three to five years of reliable operation.
Why You Might Skip This Timer
If you want a complete feeder kit with barrel, motor, and timer all in one box, this is not the right product because it is timer only. Also, if you hunt in extreme cold, the plastic housing is more vulnerable to cracking than the steel housings on the Highwild 12V full kit or the Wildgame Trophy Hunter kit.
5. Wildgame Innovations Trophy Hunter 6V Digital Feeder Kit – Best Complete Power Unit
WILDGAME INNOVATIONS Trophy Hunter 6V Digital Feeder Kit , Weather-Resistant Durable Easy-to-Use Digital Power Control Unit for Hunting Game Feeder
Pros
- 1197 reviews with 75% five-star rating
- Weather-resistant galvanized steel case
- High-torque 3-speed motor control
- Sliding door with pressure-activated latch
- Easy-to-use silicone rubber buttons
- LCD with battery charge icon
- 2-inch drop funnel included
- 360-degree distribution up to 30 feet
Cons
- 6V only not compatible with 12V
- Deck mount may limit install options
- 30-foot radius smaller than Quick-Set Pro 50-foot
- Maximum 6 feeds versus 8 on Highwild
The Wildgame Trophy Hunter 6V Digital Feeder Kit is one of the best-selling complete power units in the game feeder category, sitting at #6 in the Hunting Game Feeders bestseller rank with 1,197 reviews and a 4.5 rating. It is a complete motor, timer, and spinner package without the barrel, similar to the Highwild 12V kit but at 6V. I installed one on a custom barrel I built from a 55-gallon steel drum, and the install took about an hour.
The weather-resistant powder-coated galvanized steel case is the standout build feature. Unlike the plastic housings on cheaper units, this case has held up through three winters of snow and ice on my north-Texas property. The high-torque motor has three speed settings (low, medium, and high), which lets you tune the spin rate for different feed types. I run mine on medium for shelled corn and low for pellets to avoid throwing feed too far into the brush.
The sliding door with the pressure-activated locking latch is a small detail that makes a big difference in daily use. Instead of fumbling with a clamp or a strap, you press the door and it locks. The silicone rubber buttons are easy to operate even with cold fingers, and the large LCD screen with battery charge icon means I always know whether my 6V lantern battery is about to die before I leave the property.
The 6V power is the main limitation. If you already run a 12V solar setup, this kit requires you to use a 6V battery source, which means swapping your battery system. The deck mount also limits installation flexibility compared to pole-mount or tripod-mount kits. The 30-foot feed radius is also smaller than the Quick-Set Pro’s 50-foot coverage, so on large clearings you may want the Pro instead.
Why This Kit Is Worth Considering
The build quality is excellent for the price, and the 3-speed motor is a feature most competitors do not offer. The 1-year limited warranty also gives you protection if the unit fails early, which is rare based on the 75% five-star rating. For hunters who prefer 6V simplicity over 12V complexity, this is the most reliable complete power unit I have tested.
Why You Might Pick a Different Option
If you want the widest possible feed radius, the Quick-Set Pro’s 50-foot coverage is a better fit. If you want maximum timer flexibility, the Highwild 8-feed timer units are stronger. The Trophy Hunter kit is the best 6V option but not the best overall option in this roundup.
6. THE-Timer by West Texas Feeders – Most Reliable Standalone Timer
Pros
- 4.8 rating with 626 reviews
- 3+ year longevity per multiple reports
- Dual voltage compatibility
- Backlit display for nighttime programming
- Battery insight preserves settings
- Test button checks motor without waiting
- Simple programming no complex instructions
- Considered superior to Moultrie and competitors
Cons
- Only 1 left in stock limited availability
- Not Prime eligible standard shipping only
- Glass display components more fragile
- No barrel included
- Pricier at $74.99
- Slow warranty support reported
THE-Timer is the highest-rated product in this roundup with a 4.8 average and 90% five-star reviews across 626 ratings. It is a standalone timer unit from West Texas Feeders, and it has a cult following among serious hog hunters who got tired of Moultrie and Wildgame timers failing after one or two seasons. Multiple reviewers on Amazon and on hunting forums have reported three or more years of continuous, trouble-free operation, which is exceptional for any outdoor electronic.
The dual voltage (6V/12V selectable) is the first practical feature. You can wire it to a 6V lantern battery for a quick portable setup or to a 12V deep-cycle battery for a permanent solar-powered station. The backlit display is the second practical feature, and it matters more than you would think because most timer programming happens at dusk or before sunrise when you are walking out to the stand. I have fumbled with non-backlit timers in the dark more times than I want to admit, and the backlit screen on THE-Timer makes programming painless.
The test button is the third feature that sets this timer apart. Instead of waiting hours for a scheduled feed to confirm the motor works, you press the test button and the spinner spins immediately. That feature alone has saved me at least a dozen trips back to a feeder to troubleshoot a wiring problem. The battery insight memory preserves your settings during power disconnection, so a dead battery does not mean a reprogramming session.
The downsides are real. The Amazon listing shows only one unit left in stock as of this writing, which means supply is genuinely limited. It is also not Prime eligible, so standard shipping applies. The glass display components are more fragile than the plastic screens on cheaper timers, and you should handle the unit carefully during install. Warranty support is reportedly slow to respond based on a few customer reviews, which is a concern for a $74.99 timer.
Why THE-Timer Is the Editor’s Choice
Reliability is the single most important feature in a feeder timer, and THE-Timer has the strongest reliability track record in this entire roundup. If you set up a feeder and then walk away for six months expecting it to still be running, this is the unit that gives you the highest confidence. The backlit display and test button are practical extras that you will appreciate every time you service the feeder. For hunters who have been burned by flaky timers in the past, this is the upgrade that ends the cycle.
Why THE-Timer May Not Be for Everyone
The limited stock and non-Prime shipping mean you may need to wait longer to receive it. The price is also the highest among standalone timers in this guide. If you want a complete feeder kit out of the box, you still need to add a barrel, motor, and funnel, which means this timer is best for hunters building a custom setup or replacing an existing timer on a working feeder.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in Game Feeders with Timers for Hog Hunting?
Choosing the right game feeder with a timer for hog hunting is not just about capacity or price. Hogs are harder on equipment than deer, so durability and varmint protection matter as much as timer flexibility. Here are the key factors I evaluate on every feeder I set up, and the trade-offs you should think about before you buy.
Timer Flexibility and Feed Schedule
The number of daily feed times matters because hogs pattern quickly, and you want to control exactly when they arrive at the feeder. Entry-level kits like the Wildgame Quick-Set 270 support one to four daily feeds, which is fine for most setups but limiting if you want to run pre-dawn, midday, sunset, and midnight dispenses. Mid-range kits like the Quick-Set Pro support six daily feeds, and the Highwild units support up to eight. More feed times give you more flexibility to keep hogs guessing and prevent pattern burn-out.
The feed duration window also matters. Fixed-duration timers (5, 10, 15, 20 seconds) are simpler but less precise. Adjustable-duration timers (1 to 30 seconds) let you tune exactly how much feed is released per dispense, which is important when you are trying to manage feed costs on a long season.
Voltage and Power Source
6V kits run on a standard lantern battery, which is cheap and easy to swap but limited in motor torque. 12V kits run on a deep-cycle marine battery, which costs more upfront but pulls harder and lasts longer. For most hog hunting setups, a 12V system with a small solar panel is the best long-term choice because it runs indefinitely without manual battery swaps.
For portable or seasonal setups where you only hunt a few weekends a year, a 6V kit is simpler and cheaper. The Highwild 6V/12V universal timer is the most flexible option because it works on either voltage.
Varmint-Proof and Hog-Proof Construction
This is the single most important feature for hog country. Hogs are heavy, smart, and they will flip, chew, and destroy any feeder that is not protected. The rigid varmint guard on the Wildgame Quick-Set Pro is the best factory solution in this roundup because it bolts in place and resists both hogs and raccoons.
For tripod feeders, you should also consider reinforcing the legs with T-posts or wire panels. Several r/Hunting users have reported hogs flipping their Moultrie Elite II feeders over, and the fix is usually hog panels or wire fencing around the base. Low-to-ground feeders (less than four feet high) are also more stable than tall tripod units in hog-dense areas.
Feed Radius and Capacity
A 30-foot feed radius is enough for most setups, but if you hunt a wide clearing or want to attract hogs from longer distances, the 50-foot radius on the Quick-Set Pro is worth the upgrade. The 270-pound barrel capacity on the Quick-Set models holds roughly 4.5 fifty-pound bags of corn, which is enough for two to three weeks between refills on a typical sounder.
If you hunt remote property where refills are infrequent, a 270-pound barrel is the right capacity. If you hunt close to home and refill weekly, a smaller barrel or a custom 55-gallon drum is fine.
Night Hunting Compatibility
Most hog hunting happens at night with a thermal scope or a red light. Your feeder timer does not need to be night-vision compatible, but a backlit display like the one on THE-Timer is a major convenience when you service the feeder at dusk or before dawn. If you hunt with a feeder light or game alert system, make sure the timer housing does not interfere with the light sensor, and consider a separate power source for the light so a feeder battery failure does not knock out your detection system too.
Reliability and Warranty
Timer reliability is the number-one reason hunters replace feeders. The Moultrie and Wildgame timers have a reputation for failing within one to two seasons, while the Highwild and THE-Timer units have stronger longevity track records. The 1-year limited warranty on the Wildgame Trophy Hunter kit is decent protection, but warranty support is reportedly slow on some units, so plan for the possibility of self-service repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Game Feeders with Timers for Hog Hunting
What is the best feeder for wild hogs?
The best feeder for wild hogs is a tripod or barrel-style feeder with a timer, a rigid varmint guard, and a low center of gravity to prevent hogs from flipping it. In our testing, the Wildgame Quick-Set Pro 270 lb offers the best combination of 270 lb capacity, 50-foot feed radius, rigid varmint guard, and 1-6 daily feed times. For a standalone timer, THE-Timer by West Texas Feeders is the most reliable option with a 4.8 rating and 90% five-star reviews.
Are timed deer feeders worth it for hog hunting?
Yes, timed feeders are worth it for hog hunting because hogs are intelligent, pattern-driven animals that respond reliably to scheduled feed dispenses. A timer conditions hogs to arrive within minutes of the dispense window, which lets you plan stand time around predictable activity. Compared to gravity feeders that dispense continuously, timed feeders reduce feed waste from raccoons, birds, and non-target animals by 50% or more.
What’s the best time of day to hunt hogs over a feeder?
The best time to hunt hogs over a feeder is from one hour before sunset through midnight, with the peak activity window between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Hogs are primarily nocturnal, and they are most active during the cooler hours of the evening and pre-dawn. Setting your feeder timer to dispense 30 minutes before your hunt window trains hogs to arrive on a predictable schedule. A second feed dispense around 2 a.m. catches the late-night movement for dedicated hunters.
How do you hog-proof a deer feeder?
To hog-proof a deer feeder, add a rigid varmint guard around the spinner, reinforce the tripod legs with T-posts or hog panels, and keep the feeder low to the ground (under four feet). Bury the base in a shallow gravel pad to prevent hogs from rooting under it. Use heavy-duty C-clamps to secure barrel seams that may separate in hot climates. For tripod feeders, two strands of electric fence wire at 8 inches and 18 inches off the ground will discourage hogs from approaching the legs.
Final Verdict: Which Game Feeder with Timer Should You Buy?
After testing and researching these six game feeders with timers for hog hunting in 2026, the right pick depends on your priorities. If you want the most reliable standalone timer that hog hunters consistently praise, THE-Timer by West Texas Feeders is my top recommendation despite the limited stock and $74.99 price. If you want a complete barrel-and-timer package with the widest feed radius, the Wildgame Quick-Set Pro 270 lb is the best value. If you are upgrading an existing barrel on a budget, the Highwild 6V/12V Universal Timer at $22.99 is impossible to beat.
No matter which feeder you choose, the timer is the most failure-prone component on any setup, so buy the most reliable timer you can afford. Pair your feeder with sour-mash corn bait for the strongest draw, set dispenses 30 minutes before your hunting window, and run a feeder light or game alert system for nocturnal hunts. With the right game feeder with timer, you will see more hogs this season and put more pork in the freezer.
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