RE: make your own deer feeder???
You will be money ahead to get a barrel and timer and make a good feeder. Half to two/thirds of your corn or other feed in a self feeder will be pulled out by coons, squirrels, rats, coyotes, and all the birds in the area. If you set your feeder for a few pounds at 3 or so in the afternoon the deer will be more likely to come out before dark to feed.