Bears, with their smarts, are always searching for their next meal. If you are anything like me, you probably love feeding the deer but don’t like the bears, you’re in the correct spot!

1. Confuse the Bears

Nature meets craftsmanship: Excellent baffles keep bears away.
Nature meets craftsmanship: Excellent baffles keep bears away.

Bears can be stopped from reaching feeders by installing baffles above and below them. I created baffles out of some old metal sheets, and they have worked wonderfully.

2. Decide on Hanging Feeders

Improve your deer feeding with this well-made hanging feeder, which is both practical and classically styled.
Improve your deer feeding with this well-made hanging feeder, which is both practical and classically styled.

Hanging feeders on tree branches can keep them out of bears’ reach. I once installed a pulley system between trees, and it’s not only useful but also enjoyable to use! If you are looking for a unique present, check out these creative bird feeder gift ideas.

3. Use a Durable Design

Built tough: A bear-proof feeder that has stood the test of time.
Built tough: A bear-proof feeder that has stood the test of time.

Using metal enclosures or tougher materials can help make your feeder bear-resistant. Once, I crafted a feeder using some old steel mesh, and it’s still as good as new. You can find more inspiration for your setup in our curated collection of bird feeder pole ideas.

4. Use a Camoflauged Feeder

Learn to hide: A deer feeder concealed inside an amazing handcrafted tree stump.
Learn to hide: A deer feeder concealed inside an amazing handcrafted tree stump.

Hide your feeder inside something natural, such as a hollowed-out tree stump. It takes some work, but it gives your yard a magical feel. You can find more inspiration in our guide to decorating outdoor tree stumps.

5. Create a Native Blockade

Nature meets craftsmanship: A strong deer feeder protected by a natural barrier of thorny shrubs.
Nature meets craftsmanship: A strong deer feeder protected by a natural barrier of thorny shrubs.

A natural barrier can be created by planting thick shrubs around the feeder area. I put in some thorny bushes, and they have been quite effective at keeping bears away. If you prefer a more decorative approach for your next event, check out these charming teddy bear centerpiece ideas.

6. Opt for Elevated Feeders

Improve your game by using this custom-built deer feeder to outsmart the smartest bears.
Improve your game by using this custom-built deer feeder to outsmart the smartest bears.

Increasing the height of your feeder by placing it on a high pole can be a real game changer. I recall constructing a feeder using a tripod stand, and it proved amazingly successful at preventing bears from accessing the treats. If you want to keep your home decor just as tidy, check out these minimalist Christmas window painting ideas.

7. Use Locking Tools

Lock it up: Simple solutions for a deer feeder that keeps bears out.
Lock it up: Simple solutions for a deer feeder that keeps bears out.

Strong locks and secure lids are a simple but effective solution. I put a padlock on my feeder’s lid, and it made a significant difference.

8. Attach Shiny Items

Creative reflection: Creating a fashionable and functional bear-proof deer feeder.
Creative reflection: Creating a fashionable and functional bear-proof deer feeder.

Mirrors or reflective tapes have the potential to scare off and confuse bears. I put some old CDs around my feeder, and the reflections have been surprisingly effective.

9. Fit it into the Surrounding Area

Learn to blend in: A deer feeder designed for the outdoorsman that disappears into the forest.
Learn to blend in: A deer feeder designed for the outdoorsman that disappears into the forest.

Bears may be less likely to notice feeders that blend in with the environment. I once painted my feeder to match the forest, and it seemed to help! You can use similar camouflage techniques when finding the best ideas for decorating with deer antler mounts.

10. Use a Fake Feeder

Creative deception: A decoy feeder that is smarter than even the smartest bears.
Creative deception: A decoy feeder that is smarter than even the smartest bears.

To draw bears away from the real one, set up a decoy feeder. It’s funny how frequently bears are deceived by the simple fake feeder I built. For more ways to organize your pet’s dining area, check out these inspiring ideas for your cat’s feeding station.