Spino,
Your right on the rian, and we are hoping the same thing up in E.Tx. I let a great one pass last year in the hopes that he would put on the mass this coming year. Hopefully I won't be disappointed. Either way he should be maxed out in years and growth for the area and if we cross paths we'll find out just how nice he is.
Stxhunter,
As for the feeders, yep, been there done that too many times. Even with the panels if they want in bad enough they will find a way. I think the best way is to hang them from something they can't get under and we are working on that as time and expenses allow. A big tree works great but doesn''t always allow for the best views or positioning. Course down south you don't have all that many big trees. The other problem is getting hole in the ground to allow for an upright to be permantly mounted in. Up where we are, it is simple to auger a hole out with the tractor, but in some areas you almost need a blasting cap just to get through the first few inches.
I can tell you I would certianly be more disappointed in finding one like yours sitting on the ground than my home made 55gal. drum ones. However the cost of the motors still hits you in the pocket book for a decent one.
Good luck on the planted trees. I try some every other year or so, with mixed results. Mostly the problem being rain as you mentioned. Might have to get a few out next trip up. Course the other problem was them getting about just about 2" in diameter and some young buck thinking they made a great rubbing stick for his itchy antlers. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif