BOWDADDY,i have feeders out almost yearround. the only time i pull them in is turkey season. around we have alot of rouge turkey hunters. on placement i try to find hard to get to place. i don't want it to easy to find.i have some 30 gallons that i hang, high, this makes it harder to steal. i have found that the deer around here feed on mine mostly at night . the turkeys are smart. this year they would show up avg. 1 to 3 minutes after it went off. it's fun to watch them. i have not had any problem with feces in the feeder area. i have some out in the same areas for three years now . you might try a little peanut butter ,dark caro syrup or all grain to attract them quicker.also they make a persimmon corn they like that.
and yes they will stael them, i know of about four that have been stolen . i have a friend that now hangs all of his because of this. good luck.