Research has shown that after a site is used, it will often become a part of the feeding and movement pattern. Get tips from Steve Bartylla in this Hunt em Big. Research shows granular minerals facilitate increased consumption by animals as they're able to literally eat (vs. lick) the mixture. TOTAL - #200 - $59.60. However, deer are not attracted to a high-salt solution and will not consume it. In the old days, we simply dug holes and poured granular mineral into them. This should be followed by developing a food-plot or native-plant fertilization program to ameliorate any deficiencies. Subscriber Services. This study differed from the Penn State study in that both herds were fed a nutritionally complete diet. Notice the pond in the background. Place the lick in a location that has a lot of natural cover. A classic study on the mineral needs of deer was conducted at Penn State University in the 1950s. There also is 5 flavors that are natural to deer. Pour in the mineral and the rice bran at a ratio of 2:1. More Info At www.huntingnet.com Typically, this attractant comes in the form of straight salt. A 1:1 or 2:1 Ca:P ratio is optimum. They have just about every option available to them. 2 parts Trace mineral salt, the red and loos kind without the medications. in Food Plots, A different approach, Research is learning what is wrong about a forage. Studies have shown that calcium and phosphorus are by far the two most common minerals in deer antlers, comprising 3035 percent of the mature antler by weight. In reviewing the scientific literature, I quickly discovered there was very little known about critical minerals for deer. It would appear that, based on the test results, intake of a free choice deer mineral is substantially lower than what is commonly thought and much closer to the predicted intake based on body weight calculation. Mix the minerals and dirt well in the depression, and then add a little molasses for a sweetener. One is to start by hanging your cameras on the fringes and then work your way toward bedding areas if deer movement warrants it. If the mineral soil is buried in the ground, you may need to add more salt to it. Manage Settings Gordon Whittington talks with 13-year-old Troy Metzger about the 2016 hunt that landed the young man a monster non-typical buck on this edition of Big Buck Profile. N1 Outdoors - How To Make Your Own Deer Mineral Recipe (and what ingredients you'll need): Trace Minerals 2 parts trace minerals. How to Make the World's Best Homemade Deer Attractant Feed Mineral - YouTube Skip navigation Sign in 0:00 / 18:02 Intro How to Make the World's Best Homemade Deer Attractant Feed. Once posts are published, youll see them here. Comes in 50lb Bags at around $11.00 you need one bag. Minerals are important to all living things, serving a host of physiological functions. Have fun with it. Deer warts are hairless black or gray tumors caused by a type, CWD Roundup is the National Deer Associations (NDA) bi-monthly update on all things chronic wasting disease (CWD). However, there must be enough salt in the product for the deer to be attracted to it. Type of mineral formulation affected total deer use of baited sites, with a high salt formulation receiving over four times the number of daily visits from deer as other formulations. Minerals attract deer, and they seek them out when they enter these areas. I've done more research on this that I care to disclose, but from . Also, fawns will learn mineral site areas from their mothers and will return to sites even after they are weaned. If you dont see any deer activity near the mineral sight, try placing it near water sources and a good tree for trail cameras. As I detailed in the Spring issue, its safe to say that soils determine more about whitetail growth and productivity than any other factor. WATCH: Where to Place Minerals for the Best Results. You could also create your own homemade mineral licks for deer, by combining various bulk minerals (e.g., stock salt, trace minerals, dicalcium phosphate for deer) from your local coop. Bucks must live long enough to reach physical maturity while having access to high quality nutrition to achieve maximum antler growth. Dump no more than 25 lbs per deer lick per application, Lightly kick a little dirt on top of the mineral to make it apear as natural as possible. When soil is either too low or high in pH, utilization of P is inhibited, greatly affecting body growth and antler production. However, while recent studies have shown that adult bucks indeed do much of the breeding, bucks as young as 1 1/2 also areinvolved in the rut game. Have you ever wondered why deer hammer mineral licks in the warm-weather months more than any other time of year? If youre looking for a natural way to increase your deers antler growth, homemade deer minerals may be the answer. Researchers at Mississippi State University found a strong correlation between soil mineral content (primarily phosphorus) and body size, although no correlation with adult antler size was found. Result Its a bountiful area that produces wheat, corn and beef cattle that feed thousands of people around the world. As you can imagine, after a deer paws up and eats a bunch of salty dirt, its going to need a drink. Over the past five years or so, I've really started to fine-tune the system that I use for running trail cameras in the spring and summer months, and it's a system that revolves entirely around mineral sites. This past summer, I was developing a new deer mineral product and was constantly frustrated by the fact that I really didnt know what expected intake would be. A good rule of thumb is about one site per 100 acres of property. Find an area located in some cover close to the water source. The most reliable information on deer hunting, habitat management and conservation will land in your inbox weekly. If youre trying to lure deer, place slow-releasing mineral blocks near bedding areas and water sources in the summer. Mineral rocks are often called a deer mineral lick, since deer have to actually lick it to get the mineral content. Comes in 50lb Bags, you need one bag. Could the use of salt/mineral mixes simply be due to an increased need for salt? Over a four year period the researchers were unable to detect any differences between the two deer herds. So a product that is very high in salt will likely have less total consumption than a product lower in salt. Salt 5.0 lbs, Salt 12.5 lbs. So, if you have already addressed the larger concerns of habitat and herd management, mineral supplements can be another part of your overall management plan. I cannot definitely answer why this is, but I would theorize that it has to do with excessive leaching in sandy soils or possibly even the gritty nature of sand. Important Note: Minerals on their own are bitter, so be sure to mix in plenty of salt to attract the deer. Then use a shovel or pitchfork to turn up the ground. The author dispenses granular mineral into a covered trough. Site by Gray Loon. Once you have tried the deer mineral recipe, you need to think about placement of the mineral block. Clearly minerals are important in antler development. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Once you begin your mineral-lick program, keep in mind that youll want to refreshen them throughout the year to keep them attracting deer and providing the minerals they need. All North American Whitetail subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Although this winter has been warmer than average for much of the country, many, Deer warts are one of the most easily visible diseases of whitetails, and every year deer hunters ask us about this health problem. Homemade deer mineral licks can provide tasty nutrients to the deer that will make them come back looking for more. While all these minerals are important, we quickly learned that Ca and P in particular had a lot to do with the size of deer and their antlers. The diacalcium phosphate costs about $25 to $30 and the trace-mineral salt is about $12 to $15 per bag. Now add in the oats and mix again. Research shows granular minerals facilitate increased consumption by animals as theyre able to literally eat (vs. lick) the mixture. Farm A had an average number of 11 adult deer using the site on a daily basis. You can provide deer these minerals and supplemented nutrition a variety of ways. I only know that when I put out a mineral site, I'm likely going to have an excellent location for capturing a lot of trail camera images. Thats all there is to it. Most commercially-made products are going to run about $20 a bag and each bag will service one site for a couple of months. This sheds light on why quality forage high in protein is needed during the spring and summer for deer to reach their antler potential. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The feeding pan had a total of 4.27 pounds, or 68.24 ounces, of mineral remaining. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Research in Tennessee supports this. Powdered sugar brings the sweetness deer crave as the winter approaches. If you plan to use a mineral mix for deer, you may need to increase the concentration of salt over time. The placement of a homemade deer mineral lick on your property is an important factor in encouraging deer to visit and use the lick. Discussion calcium, phosphorus, zinc, etc.). Too much salt and you will limit total intake of mineral. So mineral supplementation wont show any antler effect for at least a year. Deer's antlers are made up of over 22% calcium and 11% phosphorous. All soils are made up of minerals, and there are clear deficiencies in many areas. Monitor the lick and the deer activity around it regularly. Staying undetected by deer while hunting in a ground blind takes a few easy steps. These categories indicate the amount used by the animal. Next, clear the ground to bare dirt, about 3 feet in diameter. You can purchase the ingredients in many stores and mix them together yourself. James Kroll and Haynes Shelton talk about being realistic when it comes to managing a smaller deer property in this edition of Dr. For most whitetail managers, one of the best ways to supplement mineral nutrition is (where legal) through supplemental feeding. All Rights Reserved. Because of the large quantities of minerals required for antler growth, whitetails have developed the ability to bank calcium and phosphorus in their skeletons and then transfer these minerals during antler growth. Pour in one of the bags of salt and one box of the A & H. Stir in well and then add three forths of the second bag of salt and all of the 2nd box of A & H. Mix in well and smooth over the top. This is also why mineral licks make excellent trail camera spots in the summer. They concluded that soil phosphorus levels were the best indicator of body size, probably because phosphorus deficient soils are common throughout the United States. Lesser amounts of other minerals were found including potassium, barium, iron, aluminum, zinc, strontium and manganese. Here are some best practices for placing a homemade mineral lick on your property: By following these best practices for placing a homemade deer mineral lick, you can ensure that your deer will have access to important minerals in a safe and comfortable area. Gordon Whittington heads north to his personal Missouri farm for some crossbow action. In so doing, we get fantastic response from the deer herd. You want to get as much calcium and phosphorous into a deer as possible. |, Python Hunter Catches 28 in Florida Python Challenge, Fail Video: Tournament Bass Angler Falls From Boat, Loses Fishing Rod, Great Gear: Bering Optics Rubicon Pro Reflex Sight, Best How-To Deer Hunting Article Ive Ever Read, One or two 50-pound bag(s) of trace-mineral salt. Deer, during this time of year, are actively searching for it. Making deer mineral licks is not a hassle and you can do it on your own in a few simple steps. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Copyright Jesse's Hunting & Outdoors L.L.C. By delivering mineral in this way, youre exposing deer to greater risk of parasites and diseases. The best deer mineral program is one that features variety and consistency. I have used the same product literally 100 yards apart from each other, and the deer heavily used one site but not the other. For example, for many years, it was commonly accepted that adult bucks did all or most of the breeding. The best way to provide supplemental minerals is by using a granular mineral that contains less than 30 percent salt and has Ca and P at the rate of 12 percent each. What does all this mean to the average deer hunter and manager? Deer need a source of food when they are visiting the lick, and the presence of natural browse will help encourage them to visit the lick. A few drops of a natural attractant, such as rice bran, apple extract, or salt, can also be added to your deer mineral. Maybe, or maybe not. B.Y.O Deer Base. 2 parts Trace mineral salt, the red and loose kind without the medications. If one mineral supplement has 5 percent calcium and another has 7 percent calcium, but the deer consumes twice the amount of the 5 percent product, then the deer is actually getting more calcium than it would be getting from the 7 percent product. Plain Stock Salt - #50 - $4.30. In this edition of "From The Stand," Pat Hogan explains the importance of being aware of proper clearance when using your bow or crossbow out in the field. Spread evenly the remainder of the bag of salt. I believe that when properly provided, minerals can increase the productivity and quality of a deer herd. You can also locate these sites near good trees for trail cameras. My purpose for running the mineral sites is to inventory the bucks that are in the area and to provide me with top-notch camera locations. February 24, 2023 |Timber 2 Table Wild Game Recipes, February 22, 2023 |Timber 2 Table Wild Game Recipes. Join other outdoor enthusiasts who already get great content delivered right to their inbox. WATCH: 3 Things Youre Doing Wrong with Your Mineral Sites. This final and vital piece of the puzzle is daily intake. So, if we take a 200-pound buck and say that hes eating 4 percent of his body weight each day, then this equates to 8 pounds of total daily food consumption. Calcium and phosphorus are important for bone growth, while magnesium helps to regulate muscle and nerve function. In a similar study conducted at Auburn University, researchers tried to detect differences in body and antler size between an unsupplemented and supplemented group. Im talking smashed with a giant skillet flat. Dicalcium phosphate contains around 19 percent phosphorous and 20 to 25 percent calcium. The lick should be located in a spot that is easy for the deer to access from all directions. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. Place the mixture in a shallow container, such as a baking pan or pie plate, and place it in an area frequented by deer. The form it is in (block versus granular), location of the mineral site, soil type, salt content, competition, aggression of other deer, how long the site has been established and a host of other factors all affect how much a mineral site will be used. If possible, try to position your mineral site near a water source, preferably in cover, as well as close to a good tree for trail cameras. Privacy Policy, N1 Outdoors Deer Antler Leather Patch Hat (Realtree Timber/Black), N1 Outdoors Blaze Orange Leather Patch Hat, N1 Outdoors Bowhunt Oh Yeah Bowhunting Tee, N1 Outdoors Leather Patch Trapper Hat (Whitetail Antler design various patterns), Edge of the Outdoors Tee (featuring Tuffhead Evolution Broadhead), Yes You Can Bait Deer In Oregon But There Are A Few Things To Consider Loup City. This mineral will be for sale in the next 2 weeks!! Although many people assume that any mineral will grow trophy bucks, most deer are not that fortunate. You can use granular minerals or dicalcium phosphate, which can be found at a feed store. Give a Gift #1. About 40 percent is composed of protein. 1 part Di-calcium phosphate, this is a dairy feed additive bought at feed stores. That means their expected consumption should be 0.21 to 0.42 ounces per head, per day. Homemade Fortified Deer Block Bootleg Outdoors 146K views 5 years ago Mineral licks for deer Kosmo's Blackdog Outdoors 36K views 6 years ago You're signed out of YouTube Sign in to like. Place the lick in an area that has good soil drainage. Box 160 Bogart, GA 30622 I know of some deer managers in Ohio whose homemade mineral mixes gave the animals heavy metal poisoning! The most common intake claim by deer products on the market is 1 to 2 ounces per head per day or 1/16 to 1/8 of a pound. When creating sites, I try to find heavily used trails or trail crossings somewhere in cover (brush or timber) and create the site just off that trail or trail crossing. Interestingly enough, Larry later earned a doctoral degree in Range Management from Texas A&M University, and to this day he remains a recognized authority on range management and animal nutrition. Simply use a bucket with nearby pond or creek water to do this. Can deer freeze to death when severe cold weather, such as dangerously low temperatures, deep snow and crushing winds, set in? Lucky Buck Apple Flavored Deer Attractant 4. Every two weeks, remove any remaining mineral and wash or wipe out the pan with 50 percent bleach water to kill bacteria and parasite eggs. Choose an area that is open with plenty of sunlight exposure. There are commercial and "homemade" granular mixes available. Studies show that there are about 11 minerals in deer antlers. 2 parts Trace mineral salt, the red and loos kind without the medications. These products can be mixed with water or placed in a tree stump. In a large bowl, mix together the plain salt, white sugar, trace mineral salt, ground limestone, dolomite lime, and Epsom salt. This is where we cover all things deer hunting, from experts and whitetail trivia to news, gear, and hardcore hunting advice. for about $23.00. That's why mineral licks make excellent trail camera spots in the summer. Also, the use of a foreign object, the plastic feeding pan, could have decreased usage even though I did not start the test until the deer were regularly using the site with the feeding pan in place. Dump no more than 25 lbs per deer lick per application, Lightly kick a little dirt on top of the mineral to make it apear as natural as possible. You might go to your mineral site and see that it has been pawed at or dug out and little mineral is visible, but it is hard to tell how much was eaten and how much leached into the soil. Next, choose a central location near cover and dig a shallow, 6-inch deep hole a few feet in diameter. Almost all soils more than 2550 miles from a seacoast are low in sodium. But there is another important factor thats nearly always overlooked by both people using free choice minerals and those putting these products together. Watering Note: If theres no rain in the forecast, consider watering the mineral site. 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Camera spots in the mineral needs of deer was conducted at Penn State study in that herds... In that both herds were fed a nutritionally complete diet protein is needed during the and... Are actively searching for it, research is learning what is wrong about a forage s antlers made! Variety and consistency can use granular minerals or dicalcium phosphate contains around 19 percent and! Plan to use a shovel or pitchfork to turn up the ground to bare dirt Its... Increased need for salt is optimum deer was conducted at Penn State University in the of. Is wrong about a forage staying undetected by deer while hunting in a few steps... On your property is an important factor in encouraging deer to access all. Youll see them here, strontium and manganese add a little molasses for a couple of months this differed! Loose kind without the medications processing originating from this website and crushing winds, set in, of! Rocks are often called a deer paws up and eats a bunch of salty,. Maturity while having access to their magazine content consumption than a product is. Have to actually lick it to get the mineral and the deer activity around it regularly an important thats. Their mothers and will not consume it to it the ground, you need one bag the summer one! Kind without the medications and movement pattern to run about $ 12 to $ 30 and the rice bran a! A high-salt solution and will return to sites even after they are weaned antlers are made up over. During the spring and summer for deer, during this time of?. Can use granular minerals or dicalcium phosphate contains around 19 percent phosphorous and 20 to 25 percent calcium product the. Creek water to do this Its a bountiful area that produces wheat, corn and beef cattle that feed of. Magazine content will only be used for data processing originating from this website so a product lower in.... Sale in the form of straight salt bucks did all or most of the breeding soils are up. Be located in a few feet in diameter a bunch of salty dirt, Its going run.