Hunting is an art and a science. It requires patience, skill, knowledge of the land and its inhabitants, and often, specialized equipment to maximize your chances of success. When it comes to attracting game, there's no better tool than the Berger + Schröter 31254 Programmable Feeder. This digital wildfutterautomat (wild food automatic feeder) is designed for hunters who demand reliability and precision in their feeding strategy. In this comprehensive review, well delve into its design, durability, effectiveness, ease of use, user feedback, price, and ultimately, whether or not it's a worthy investment for serious hunters.
The Berger + Schröter 31254 Programmable Feeder boasts a sleek, black design that blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Its compact size makes it easily transportable without sacrificing capacity - holding up to 6 liters of seed or grain, enough for multiple feeding sessions. The feeder's body is constructed from durable, weatherproof plastic designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions such as rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. One of its standout features is the digital display located on the front panel. This LCD screen allows you to easily program specific feed times and quantities with a simple interface. You can select from up to 4 feeding sessions per day, adjusting both the time and amount dispensed each time. The feeder also includes an audible alarm that signals when its time for another feeding session.
Durability is paramount in any hunting equipment. You need gear you can rely on season after season, even under the most demanding conditions. Thankfully, Berger + Schröter has a reputation for crafting high-quality products built to last. The Berger + Schröter 31254 Programmable Feeder is no exception. The feeders housing is made from UV-resistant ABS plastic that won't crack or fade in the sun. Its internal components are protected by rubber seals and gaskets, ensuring water resistance and preventing moisture buildup which can damage electronics. The hopper itself features a sturdy lid secured with locking latches to prevent accidental spills and deter squirrels and other pests. While we havent personally tested this feeder for years of continuous use, the materials used in its construction suggest it's built to withstand harsh weather conditions and frequent handling. We did find that some users reported occasional issues with plastic components cracking after prolonged exposure to extreme cold (below -20C or 0F), but these seem isolated cases and may be related to manufacturing defects rather than inherent design flaws.
The Berger + Schröter 31254 Programmable Feeder is designed to attract game by providing consistent, predictable feeding times. This predictability can be crucial in establishing patterns of behavior that hunters can exploit. By setting up the feeder near your hunting blind or stand and programming it for multiple sessions throughout the day, you can draw deer, turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, and other wildlife closer than ever before. One key advantage of this programmable feeder is its ability to dispense specific amounts of feed each time. This allows you to control exactly how much food you're offering, minimizing waste and ensuring that game animals remain interested in your feeding site. You can adjust the quantity dispensed based on the type of seed or grain youre using, as well as the size and species of wildlife youre targeting. Furthermore, the digital display allows for precise programming of feed times. This is particularly useful during hunting season when daylight hours are shorter and game animals tend to be more active in the early morning and late afternoon. You can set up your feeder to dispense food just before these peak activity periods, maximizing your chances of attracting game right where you want them.
Setting up and operating the Berger + Schröter 31254 Programmable Feeder is incredibly straightforward. The digital display features a user-friendly interface with clear instructions that guide you through each step of the programming process. You can set individual feeding times using the hour and minute buttons, and adjust the amount dispensed by pressing the quantity up or down arrows. Refilling the hopper is equally simple. Just lift off the lid, pour in your chosen feed (seeds, grains, corn), secure the lid with its locking latches, and you're ready to go. The feeders large capacity minimizes the frequency of refills needed, which can be a significant advantage if youre hunting in remote areas. However, some users have reported difficulty accessing the battery compartment for replacement batteries. While this isnt a major issue, it would be helpful if Berger + Schröter provided easier access to the battery area in future models. The feeder uses 4 AA batteries (not included), which should last for several months depending on usage.
Overall, user feedback for the Berger + Schröter 31254 Programmable Feeder has been overwhelmingly positive. Hunters praise its ease of use, reliability, and effectiveness in attracting game. Many have reported seeing significant increases in wildlife activity around their feeders after just a few days. However, there are also some minor complaints that bear mentioning. As mentioned earlier, some users have experienced issues with plastic components cracking in extreme cold weather. Others have noted occasional glitches in the feeder's programming or dispensing mechanism. While these problems appear to be rare, they highlight the importance of carefully inspecting your feeder for any defects before use and promptly contacting customer support if you encounter any difficulties. Here are a few representative quotes from online reviews:
The Berger + Schröter 31254 Programmable Feeder is priced competitively compared to other programmable feeders on the market. At around $80-90 USD (depending on the retailer), it offers excellent value for its features and build quality. While there are cheaper options available, they often lack the same level of durability or programming flexibility. If youre serious about attracting game and maximizing your hunting success, we believe this feeder is worth the investment. Its precision programming capabilities, large capacity hopper, weather-resistant construction, and positive user feedback make it a standout choice among its competitors.
The Berger + Schröter 31254 Programmable Feeder is an excellent tool for hunters looking to attract game consistently and efficiently. Its durable design, precise programming options, and large hopper capacity make it ideal for both short-term hunting trips and long-term feeding strategies. While there are a few minor drawbacks worth considering (e.g., difficulty accessing the battery compartment), these are outweighed by its many benefits.
The Berger + Schröter Programmable Feeder (31254) is a digital wild bird feeder designed to provide consistent and reliable feeding for various types of game birds. It allows you to program feed distribution times and amounts, making it perfect for attracting and maintaining wildlife around your property.
The feeder operates on batteries or an AC adapter (not included) and features a digital timer that lets you set specific times for feeding. You can adjust the amount of food dispensed per feeding session to cater to different needs, such as drawing in more birds during hunting season.
This feeder accommodates most common seed mixes used for attracting pheasants, quail, and other upland game birds. It's important to use feed that has a grain size within the recommended range to prevent clogging or jamming. Check product specifications for details.
Yes! The feeder allows you to set different amounts of food dispensed at each programmed time, from small portions for routine feeding to larger quantities for attracting birds during hunting season.
You can program up to three separate feeding times per day, allowing for a consistent and predictable feeding schedule that game birds will quickly come to rely on. This helps maximize your success in luring them closer for observation or hunting.
Yes, it's designed with durable plastic construction and sealed components to withstand various weather conditions including rain and snow. However, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures may affect battery life.
Battery life will vary depending on how frequently you use the feeder and what type of batteries are used. Alkaline batteries typically provide longer durations than standard carbon-zinc types. The manual provides estimated run times for different battery options.
The feeder has a generous 20-liter (approximately 5.3 gallons) food hopper, which minimizes refilling frequency and ensures birds have access to plenty of feed even during busy feeding periods.
It features an adjustable dispensing plate that can be adjusted based on the size of the seeds you're using. This helps minimize seed scatter and waste while ensuring efficient distribution.
While primarily designed for game birds, it may attract squirrels or other small animals depending on your location and type of feed used. You can adjust feeding times to discourage unwanted visitors if necessary. Consider using a squirrel-proof baffle if needed.
The feeder is relatively quiet in operation. However, there may be some slight clicking or whirring sounds as it dispenses food. This sound is generally not disruptive for wildlife but can sometimes alert squirrels to its presence.
Cleaning the feeder is fairly straightforward. Disconnect the battery and remove the hopper lid. Rinse out the hopper with water, making sure to thoroughly dry all components before reassembling. A brush or soft cloth can be used for stubborn residue.
If your feeder becomes jammed, first turn it off and disconnect the power source. Then carefully remove any obstructions from the dispensing mechanism using a non-metallic tool such as a toothpick or small screwdriver (be careful not to damage internal components).
Yes! The feeder can be powered by batteries, making it ideal for areas lacking access to an electrical outlet. Consider using rechargeable batteries if you plan on placing the feeder in a remote location where frequent battery changes would be inconvenient.
The distance between your feeder and hunting area depends on your specific needs and hunting strategy. Some hunters prefer feeders located closer to their blinds or stands for increased bird activity, while others prefer placing them further out to create a more natural feeding pattern.
Attractants can be added directly into the food hopper to enhance the appeal of your feed mixture and draw in more birds from surrounding areas. Be sure to follow manufacturer's instructions for proper usage. Popular options include anise oil, molasses, or specific bird call scents.
In addition to the feeder itself, youll likely want to consider other essential hunting equipment such as camouflage clothing, a comfortable blind or stand, binoculars or spotting scope for scouting and observing birds, calls for luring them closer during hunting season, appropriate ammunition, and reliable boots suitable for your terrain.
Yes! The feeder is relatively simple to assemble. Simply follow the instructions provided in the user manual for step-by-step guidance on installing batteries or connecting an AC adapter, programming feeding times and amounts, and attaching it securely to a pole or tree. The digital display makes setting up the timer quite straightforward.
Replacement parts for this feeder are typically available directly from the manufacturer (Berger + Schröter) or through authorized dealers. You may also find them on online retailers specializing in hunting and outdoor gear.