Frequently Asked Questions

The Mini ($99) is a WiFi-based feeder controller. Out of the box it runs standalone — set a schedule via your phone and it feeds. No plan required.

The Pro ($199) adds cellular connectivity and built-in GPS, so you can control it from anywhere with cell coverage and the feeder reports its location. The Pro requires an annual Pro plan ($50/feeder/year) to activate cellular, cloud dashboard, alerts, and Ranch Mode^™.

See full comparison →

Plus mode turns your Mini into a cloud-connected feeder over WiFi. Same dashboard, status alerts, Ranch Mode^™ and remote control as the Pro — just using WiFi instead of cellular. It's a $25/feeder/year plan you can add to any Mini at any time. Great option if you have WiFi reaching your feeder location.

Not for basic operation. Both Mini and Pro hardware run feeds on schedule with no subscription required.

Plans unlock cloud features: remote control from anywhere, status updates, email alerts, Ranch Mode^™, and synced event history.

Mini + Plus plan: $25/feeder/year (over WiFi)
Pro plan: $50/feeder/year (over cellular)

Every new feeder gets the first 30 days free. There's no auto-renew — we'll email you when it's time to renew.

Technically yes — the Pro hardware will run scheduled feeds standalone. But buying a Pro just to use it locally would cost more than buying a Mini. If you want remote cellular features, get the Pro plan. If you just want a local controller, the Mini is the right pick.

Ranch Mode^™ lets you group multiple feeders and manage them as a herd instead of one at a time. Group-level scheduling, paired and on-demand door control for FeedVault™ doors, one map view of the whole property, and group reports emailed shortly after every scheduled feed — one email listing every feeder’s result, battery and signal (FeedVault™ groups get one when the doors open and another when they close). Included with every active Plus or Pro plan — no extra fee. Learn more →

Pro: Log into the portal, click "Register New Feeder," then power on your Pro. It will check in over cellular and register to your account within a minute or two.

Mini (Plus mode): Connect to your Mini's WiFi access point. The setup page will show a 4-digit pairing code. Log into the portal, click "Register New Feeder," choose Mini, and enter the 4-digit code.

Mini standalone: No portal registration needed. Connect to the Mini's WiFi access point and configure the schedule directly.

Full step-by-step in the Setup Guide.

Yes. Both Mini and Pro can be updated over WiFi when connected to the feeder's access point. Pro feeders with an active plan can also be updated over the air via cellular, and Minis in Plus mode update from the portal over your WiFi too. A Recon™ sensor gets its updates through the controller it’s paired with.

Yes. Your portal dashboard shows every registered feeder. With multiple feeders, Ranch Mode^™ lets you group them and manage schedules, see all of them on a map, and get group-level reports.

Feeding continues. The controller stores your schedule locally and runs feeds on its internal clock regardless of connectivity. When the connection returns, recent events sync up to the cloud so you see exactly what happened while it was offline.

Yes, with Live Feeding (Pro, or a Mini in Plus mode, on spin-type feeders). Pick up to four live windows a day — by clock time or tied to sunrise/sunset. During a window a Feed Now button appears in the portal; tap it and the feeder feeds within seconds, with the confirmation showing within about a minute. Choose 1–5 seconds per Feed Now. Watching your camera when the deer show up? That’s exactly what it’s for. Live windows use more battery (and, on a Pro, more cellular data) than normal operation, so use them when you’re watching, not all day.

You choose, per feeder or per Ranch Mode^™ group: Twice daily (the default), 4 times daily, or Feeds only. Fewer check-ins means longer battery life. Schedule changes and commands are picked up at the next check-in; during a live window, Feed Now works within seconds. A brand-new feeder checks in more often until you save its first schedule.

Yes. Alongside paired open/close scheduling, Plus and Pro feeders on a FeedVault™ door (current firmware) have OPEN DOOR and CLOSE DOOR buttons in the portal. The door only moves if it isn’t already in that position. And a quick restart of the controller never changes the door’s position.

Yes. Every feed and status event is logged. With an active Plus or Pro plan, history syncs to the cloud and is viewable in your portal. Standalone Minis store events locally and you can view them when you connect.

Battery life depends on feed frequency and how often the feeder is connecting. In typical use with a couple of feeds per day, expect several months on a standard 6V or 12V battery. Pair with a small solar panel and the feeder can run indefinitely.

Plenty accurate to know which feeder is which on a property map. GPS location is shown in your portal with a link to view in Google Maps. The feeder also uses its location to handle sunrise/sunset scheduling and daylight saving time automatically.

The controller is housed in a weather-resistant enclosure suitable for outdoor use. It handles rain and moisture but, like any electronics, will last longer if installed in a somewhat protected location.

The controller drives most common feeder motors. Feed duration is adjustable up to 60 seconds to accommodate different motor speeds and feed volumes. It also supports FeedVault™ and other gravity-door feeders with paired open/close scheduling.

Yes, when the Mini is in Plus mode — it pairs and reports exactly like it does on a Pro. A standalone Mini (no plan) can’t report a Recon. More about Recon →

Works with 6V or 12V batteries with no configuration needed — the controller adapts automatically. Solar panels work great for keeping the battery topped off indefinitely.

Some WildCore enclosures and accessory housings are produced by industrial 3D printing in carbon-fiber-reinforced ASA rather than injection molding. That means minor layer lines and small surface variations are normal and are not defects — they do not affect fit, weather resistance, durability, or operation. Full details on our Warranty & Returns page.

One year against defects in materials and workmanship, from the date of original purchase. If a covered defect appears we will repair, replace, or refund at our option. Wildlife and pest damage, cosmetic imperfections on printed parts, and damage from improper installation are not covered. See Warranty & Returns for the full terms and how to make a claim.