Boss Buck 600lb Feeders Review

The Good, the Bad & the Real of the Boss Buck 600lb Feeders

For anyone managing wildlife populations or looking to supplement their backyard visitors, dependable feed distribution is key. The Boss Buck 600lb Feeders enters the arena promising robust capacity and a design focused on longevity. My own journey to this particular feeder was driven by a persistent problem: the constant need to refill smaller feeders and the frustration of materials that simply didn’t stand up to the elements or persistent critters. I was seeking a more hands-off, durable solution, and this model, with its larger capacity and claims of resilience, seemed like a strong contender. Upon first impression, the feeder certainly looks substantial, with a thick-walled construction that suggests it can take a beating. I’d briefly considered other gravity feeders from less established brands, but their often flimsy construction and questionable material choices steered me back towards options with a known reputation. My initial reaction was one of hopeful anticipation, a feeling that perhaps this time, I’d found a feeder that wouldn’t become a recurring maintenance headache.

Real-World Testing: Putting Boss Buck 600lb Feeders to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial deployment of the Boss Buck 600lb Feeders took place in a semi-wooded area frequented by deer and other larger game. The primary goal was to establish a consistent feeding station without the daily chore of refilling. Setting it up was relatively straightforward, though its sheer size meant I needed a bit of assistance to maneuver it into its final position. The feeder performed admirably in its initial weeks, dispensing feed consistently via its gravity-fed ports, even when faced with light rain. I didn’t encounter any immediate issues; the feed flow seemed to respond well to the internal sleeve adjustment, allowing me to dial it in for corn.

Extended Use & Reliability

After about two years of continuous use, the resilience of this feeder began to show its limitations. While the main hopper body held up surprisingly well against weathering, the lid proved to be a significant vulnerability. Squirrels, a perennial challenge for any outdoor equipment, managed to gnaw their way through the lid’s material, creating access points for rain and further degradation. My attempts to find service or replacement parts from GSM Outdoors, the indicated service support, were unfortunately unsuccessful, and Boss Buck’s direct support policy seemed to offer little recourse for this specific issue. Compared to some of my older, all-metal feeders that have weathered decades with only minor cosmetic wear, this feeder’s material choice for the lid presented a clear long-term weakness. Maintenance of the main hopper is easy due to its smooth, non-porous interior, but the compromised lid necessitated a more significant repair than I had anticipated.

Breaking Down the Features of Boss Buck 600lb Feeders

Specifications

The Boss Buck 600lb Feeders boasts a substantial 600lb corn capacity, which translates to approximately 500lb of larger protein pellets, significantly reducing the frequency of refills compared to smaller units. Its primary structure is built from thick-walled HDPE PE, a material lauded for its resistance to rot, rust, and leaks, which is crucial for outdoor equipment. This material choice is a significant advantage over traditional metal feeders that can corrode over time. The gravity-fed system features a custom-designed 10-degree angled head with a 1-inch overhang on each of the four feed ports, designed to minimize weather ingress. Each 8-inch long feed port includes a drain hole to further facilitate water dispersal. A key operational feature is the 4-way inner sleeve, which allows for adjustable feed flow control for various feed shapes and sizes; pushing it fully up virtually halts the flow, while lowering it allows for optimal dispersal. The unit stands 81 inches from ground to lid and features a 42-inch feeder height (ground to spout), with legs providing an inside spread of 40 inches. All hardware used is galvanized steel, adding another layer of corrosion resistance. The feeder dimensions are 44x44x43 inches, and it comes in a neutral brown color, designed to blend into its environment.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Boss Buck feeder – dispensing feed – is generally reliable, particularly with standard corn. The adjustable feed flow sleeve is a genuinely useful feature, allowing a good degree of control over the rate at which feed is released. This is essential for managing the dietary intake of wildlife and preventing overfeeding or spoilage. The drainage holes in the feed ports do help to keep the feed channels drier, reducing the likelihood of mold when minor amounts of water inevitably enter. However, the effectiveness of the weatherproofing is significantly hampered by the lid design, which, as my experience showed, is not impervious to persistent, determined pests like squirrels. While the HDPE hopper itself is excellent, the overall functionality is compromised when the lid fails to perform its sealing duty.

Design & Ergonomics

From a build quality standpoint, the HDPE hopper itself is impressive. It feels robust, and the seamless construction (apart from the lid attachment) suggests a strong, durable main body. The galvanized steel hardware adds a touch of quality, suggesting that the manufacturer considered the areas most prone to rust. The feeder’s height is practical for larger game, placing the feed ports at a suitable level. However, the lid’s design, utilizing a material that proved susceptible to animal damage, is a notable ergonomic and design flaw. While it’s easy enough to open and close, its durability in the face of wildlife interference is a significant concern that detracts from the overall positive impression of the feeder’s build.

Durability & Maintenance

The primary body of the Boss Buck 600lb Feeders exhibits good durability, particularly its resistance to moisture and corrosion due to the HDPE construction. Cleaning the inside of the hopper is a simple wipe-down process, making it easy to maintain a clean feeding environment. The issue of durability, however, primarily stems from the lid. Once squirrels breach it, the integrity of the entire unit as a weather-resistant feeder is compromised. Potential maintenance would involve finding a way to reinforce or replace the lid, which is not a straightforward or cost-effective solution given the lack of readily available replacement parts. This feeder is likely to last a long time if kept in an environment free of highly destructive pests, but its susceptibility to such damage is a significant point of concern for long-term, reliable outdoor use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Boss Buck 600lb Feeders is designed to be a standalone gravity feeder, but it does offer a clear path for conversion. The product description notes its ability to convert to a spin feeder in minutes with the optional 12V Automatic Deluxe Conversion Kit (Sold Separately). This is a valuable point for users who might want to transition from a gravity system to an automated broadcast feeder later on. However, beyond this conversion kit, there are no other significant customization options mentioned or readily apparent for this specific gravity model. The feeder does not come with any additional accessories included in the box.

Pros and Cons of Boss Buck 600lb Feeders

Who Should Buy Boss Buck 600lb Feeders?

This feeder is best suited for individuals or groups managing larger properties with established wildlife populations, such as deer leases or large rural estates, where the primary goal is consistent, high-volume feed delivery with minimal daily intervention. If you are looking for a feeder that can hold a significant amount of feed and will likely withstand general weather conditions for years to come (assuming pest issues are managed), the Boss Buck 600lb Feeders offers a strong hopper construction. However, if your location is prone to particularly persistent or destructive wildlife, like aggressive squirrels or rodents, you should be prepared for potential lid issues and the need for mitigation strategies. Those who prioritize a purely gravity-fed system and can accept the potential vulnerability of the lid, or are planning to use the conversion kit for a spin feeder, will find value here.

Anyone expecting a completely critter-proof feeder out-of-the-box, or who requires extensive customer support for wear-and-tear items, might want to reconsider. For optimal use, I would recommend securing the lid with additional pest-deterring measures, such as sturdy metal strapping or even a custom-built metal lid, immediately upon purchase.

Conclusion on Boss Buck 600lb Feeders

The Boss Buck 600lb Feeders presents a compelling option for those needing a large-capacity gravity feeder, primarily due to its exceptionally durable HDPE PE hopper and effective feed flow control system. The sheer volume it can hold drastically cuts down on refill duties, a major convenience for remote or frequently visited feeding stations. However, the significant drawback lies in the lid’s vulnerability to persistent pests, which can undermine the otherwise robust design and lead to costly repairs or replacements. While the initial investment is considerable, the quality of the main hopper body offers good long-term value, provided you can adequately reinforce or protect the lid. I would recommend this feeder to dedicated wildlife managers or property owners who understand its limitations and are willing to implement proactive measures against animal damage. If a simple, high-capacity gravity feeder is your sole requirement and you can mitigate the lid’s weaknesses, this Boss Buck model is a solid, though not perfect, choice.