This time of year, deer are actively searching for salt. 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. calcium, phosphorus, zinc, etc. Realtree is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience to everyone, including those with disabilities.2023 Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd. All rights reserved. Salt regulates intake. in Food Plots, A different approach, Research is learning what is wrong about a forage. Build your own deer base is designed to make your own deer mineral using individual ingredients or you can add it to either your current mineral to make it more fortified. Along those same lines, deer will more readily utilize minerals that are ground applied than offered in a man-made feeder. Mixing Salts Mix the trace minerals above with 1 part mixing salts Dried Molasses Mix the above ingredients with 1 part dried molasses. These folks should know more than anyone about proper nutrition for ruminants, a group that includes whitetails. You are using an out of date browser. The two main minerals found in hardened deer antlers are calcium and phosphorous. These make up about 60 percent of the total weight of the antler. However, salt can also be an intake limiter for the very same reason and is often used in livestock minerals to limit intake. Here's a recipe that's simple and easy to attract deer to your stand or camera. Pull up a seat and join us. 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. Basically, the deer will tell you where they like to eat. 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. 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. Dont expect to see trophy bucks walking around this fall just because you gave them a mineral boost this spring. Research on domestic livestock has documented numerous benefits of mineral supplementation including increased forage intake, improved forage digestion, and increased reproductive success. A lot is made over the power of mineral sites to grow antlers and create a healthier deer population. 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. 2 parts Trace mineral salt, the red and loos kind without the medications. A homemade deer mineral lick should include minerals that are essential for deer health, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, copper, zinc, and selenium. Powdered sugar brings the sweetness deer crave as the winter approaches. Site by Gray Loon. Place the lick in an area that has good soil drainage. This interferes with efficient sodium conversion in the body and increases the need for sodium. The Trace Mineral salt has all the different minerals which deer need after a long winter. Tink's Estrous Gel Stream 3. N1 Outdoors - How To Make Your Own Deer Mineral Recipe (and what ingredients you'll need): Trace Minerals 2 parts trace minerals. B.Y.O Deer Base. The results of these studies suggest that mineral supplementation especially calcium, phosphorus, and sodium may provide some benefit, especially in situations where deer are nutritionally deprived or areas with minerally deficient soils. Also, fawns will learn mineral site areas from their mothers and will return to sites even after they are weaned. Could the use of salt/mineral mixes simply be due to an increased need for salt? This interferes with efficient sodium conversion in the body and increases the need for sodium. Too much salt and you will limit total intake of mineral. In this edition of "Big Buck Profile," Gordon Whittington talks with young whitetail hunter Reid Crawford about his trophy buck taken in 2017. For one, as long as you have an idea of how many deer are on your property, knowing expected intake can help you figure out how much mineral you can expect to use each year. I know of some deer managers in Ohio whose homemade mineral mixes gave the animals heavy metal poisoning! Over the years, with the use of thousands of trail camera photos and a lot of trial and error, I have figured out a few factors that influence mineral consumption both positively and negatively. Yes, whitetails will eat dirt, but the vast majority of minerals they consume enter the system through the plants they eat. You want to get as much calcium and phosphorous into a deer as possible. Salt 5.0 lbs, Salt 12.5 lbs. The best place to put a deer lick is near your closest water holes, ponds or water sources and near your food plots. 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. However, there must be enough salt in the product for the deer to be attracted to it. The ingredients include Trace mineral salt, Di-calcium phosphate, and dried molasses. I've used all manner of commercial mineral products over the years, and I've also epxerimented with my own blends. You must log in or register to reply here. What Minerals Should Be Included in a Homemade Deer Mineral Lick? At least eight were using the site each day, including three yearling does, two adult does, two yearling bucks and one 3-year-old buck. But I think the aroma of the added products -- the general purpose mineral in the blend above -- helps deer find the location faster and may add some level of taste value as well. The feeding pan had a total of 4.27 pounds, or 68.24 ounces, of mineral remaining. Deer are hoofed creatures, but that doesn't mean that any mineral that works for a cattle ranch or horses will do the same for whitetails. But adding a mineral site to the mix has been the ticket for me. Over a four year period the researchers were unable to detect any differences between the two deer herds. Get tips from Steve Bartylla in this Hunt em Big. Many of these minerals only make up a fraction of a percent of the antler. If the buck consumes only 3 pounds of the 28 percent protein product but eats 5 pounds of the 22 percent product, he is actually getting more protein from the 22 percent product than the 28 percent product. There is little question that increased mineral nutrition can improve your deer herd, and now that you know what to expect for intake, you can use this information to make sure your mineral product is performing as it should. Look for the highest amounts of calcium and phosphorus on the label. Think of minerals more like a vitamin, filling the gap in any deficiencies that might exist in a deers diet. Salt alone doesnt contain all the minerals bucks need for antler growth, nor does it provide what's essential for does, fawn development and milk production. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. In so doing, we get fantastic response from the deer herd. These two ingredients are bitter, so you may want to add some salt to the lick. During the spring and summer, deer operate at a sodium deficiency due to the high potassium and water content of the forage. In this study, researchers did detect a difference in yearling buck antler development between supplemented and unsupplemented groups. A 1:1 or 2:1 Ca:P ratio is optimum. The lick should be located in a spot that is easy for the deer to access from all directions. locks tend to be the least effective way for deer to get supplemental minerals. One of the easiest ways to lure deer to your property is to place a mineral lick. Salt becomes less of an attractant, which means that in order to get continued mineral consumption, a different type of attractant must be used. There are commercial and "homemade" granular mixes available. But theyre bitter on their own, so you need to add more salt to the mix. Choose a location that is away from human activity, like your house or outbuildings. To be clear, most of the Ca and P used by a buck to grow antlers come from the flat bones of his body: where they were deposited the previous year. Of course, we now know the Earth isnt flat, but it wasnt a popular belief until science and ocean navigation proved it. I then allowed the deer to use the sites for seven days, at which time I removed the remaining contents from the pan and weighed it in order to get a total usage. Dicalcium Phosphate Mix the ingredients above with 1 part dicalcium phosphate. 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. This is in contrast to animals with horns that are made of keratin (like fingernails), that do not shed, and need only protein to increase the growth their horns. I've done more research on this that I care to disclose, but from . Pour your mineral contents all over the turned-up ground and mix it in with the shovel or pitchfork. THE RISE AND FALL OF THE MISSOURI WILD TURKEY, 2021 Missouri Spring Turkey Season Worse in 24 Years, Missouri Wild Turkey Regulation Changes Needed, MDC Mythbusters Missouri Turkey Population, 2022 Missouri Wild Turkey Poult Production, 1st Annual National Wild Turkey Symposium, 2nd Annual National Wild Turkey Symposium, 3rd Annual National Wild Turkey Symposium, 4th Annual National Wild Turkey Symposium, 6th Annual National Wild Turkey Symposium, 7th Annual National Wild Turkey Symposium, 8th Annual National Wild Turkey Symposium, 9th Annual National Wild Turkey Symposium, North American Wildlife and Habitat Facebook Page. Making deer mineral licks is not a hassle and you can do it on your own in a few simple steps. In reviewing the scientific literature, I quickly discovered there was very little known about critical minerals for deer. While the advantages of mineral supplementation have not been clearly documented, neither have any disadvantages. Granular these minerals are added to the soil, and deer get them by consuming the minerals and/or soil/minerals mixture. We also identified magnesium deficiencies in some Michigan deer when we discovered dozens of them eating mud rich in this mineral. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. It also has a lower taste, so deer will return for more. About 40 percent is composed of protein. JavaScript is disabled. Theyre classified as either macro- or micro-nutrients. 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. I have found that mineral sites located in sandy areas are utilized less than mineral sites in heavier soils. I've mentioned this before, but here is the recipe I use with prices. Whether the addition of supplemental minerals is truly benefitting the deer, or if the deer are simply using the site because of the salt, isn't really a primary concern of mine. Discussion Replace the lick periodically to ensure that the deer are receiving the minerals they need. 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. Arguably, the test might only be representative for the particular deer mineral I was using, and a different mineral with different salt levels or other attractants might have shown a different result. An easy and beneficial mineral recipe for whitetail deer and an aid in antler. Attraction to salt is caused by the balance of potassium and sodium in the deers body. There also is 5 flavors that are natural to deer. You can do more or less depending on the amount of use you get at a site. WHITETAIL DEER HOMEMADE MINERAL MIX RECIPE. Important macro-nutrients include: calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and sulfur (S). Join us as we mix up the mineral and take it out and put. Use a mineral site. A classic study on the mineral needs of deer was conducted at Penn State University in the 1950s. Help us continue producing great, educational content by joining the National Deer Association or making a tax-deductible donation. Have you ever wondered why deer hammer mineral licks in the warm-weather months more than any other time of year? Want to get a bunch of trail camera photos during the times of year when it's typically difficult to do so? Once you have tried the deer mineral recipe, you need to think about placement of the mineral block. So a product that is very high in salt will likely have less total consumption than a product lower in salt. Top 5 Best Homemade Deer Attractants Reviewed 1. WATCH: Where to Place Minerals for the Best Results. Rice bran is around $10 for a 40-pound bag. The author dispenses granular mineral into a covered trough. The best mineral sites are located near water sources. Crappy Weather/ Days off just not lining up for Coyotes. 2 parts Trace mineral salt, the red and loos kind without the medications. The diacalcium phosphate costs about $25 to $30 and the trace-mineral salt is about $12 to $15 per bag. They have just about every option available to them. Once they've found the location, it's the salt that keeps them coming back. What Are Arrows Shot From Untuned Bows Likely to Do. Maybe I'm overly paranoid but I don't like adding persimmon-scented products in an area where persimmons don't grow. While it sounds simple to concoct your own mineral mix, thats really not a good idea. Even in the deer world, we are continuously finding that what we thought was fact one day is completely disproved the next. 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. In contrast, most studies on whitetails have focused on the impacts on body weight and antler development. They concluded that soil phosphorus levels were the best indicator of body size, probably because phosphorus deficient soils are common throughout the United States. Choose an area that is open with plenty of sunlight exposure. Those actually were wonderful days to do research, as my colleagues and I picked the low-hanging fruit of knowledge. The product you choose needs to have calcium and phosphorus, in as large of quantity as possible. In areas where it is legal to use deer mineral, here is an economic option for you. This mineral will be for sale in the next 2 weeks!! Now, consider two different protein supplements, one with a level of 28 percent protein and one at 22 percent protein. Because intake is typically relative to body weight, one would think that if a cow weighing 1,400 pounds was eating 2 to 4 ounces of mineral, then a deer weighing 200 pounds should eat only between 0.28 to 0.57 ounces, not 1 to 2 ounces. Most folks would simply look at the tag and see that one product is 28 percent and the other 22 percent and just assume that the deer is getting more protein from the 28 percent protein product. As it turned out, the general area has long been known for a cattle disease called grass tetany, which is directly related to a lack of magnesium in the diet. Comes in 50lb Bags at around $11.00 you need one bag. Just be sure to dig up some of the existing dirt and mix the trace mineral salt and dicalcium phosphate into the soil. Weve put together one of the best deer mineral recipe articles for you to try at home. As you can see, getting the right salt level in a mineral can be tricky. Mike Clerkin heads to the legendary Buffalo County, Wisconsin, in search of early season whitetail action. Give a Gift 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. Trace mineral salt contains mostly salt, which is what the deer are actually looking for, and various other trace amounts of minerals such as zinc, manganese, iron all of which are found in hardened deer antler. Getting your food plots back on track. Without question deer need minerals, and they will readily use mineral licks. Food additive these minerals are combined with a supplemental feed, and deer get them while consuming the feed. Clearly minerals are important in antler development. All of these minerals are necessary for deer to maintain their health and help to keep their coats shiny and strong. Research in Tennessee supports this. By using 1-2.5 lb bag of B.Y.O Deer Base to create 25 lbs of deer mineral, you will have the most bio available deer mineral in the market place. Here's the finished mineral site with dicalcium phosphate and trace mineral salt thoroughly mixed together with the soil. For example, for many years, it was commonly accepted that adult bucks did all or most of the breeding. Interestingly, the immense prehistoric deer called the Irish elk (Megaloceros giganteus) went extinct during the last global warmup shortly after the Ice Age, apparently due to the loss of tundra plants high in Ca and P. Fossil evidence supports these deer were victims of spontaneous cervical fractures caused by osteoporosis. If youre looking for a natural way to increase your deers antler growth, homemade deer minerals may be the answer. James Kroll and Haynes Shelton talk about being realistic when it comes to managing a smaller deer property in this edition of Dr. 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. In formulating a plan of attack regarding mineral nutrition, I went to the same folks wed consulted about planting forages: dairymen. A good rule of thumb is about one site per 100 acres of property. More Info At www.huntingnet.com Visit site 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. Micro-nutrients such as Cu, Zn and Se are particularly important to whitetails, responsible for many metabolic activities and immune development. Im talking smashed with a giant skillet flat. ). This is where we cover all things deer hunting, from experts and whitetail trivia to news, gear, and hardcore hunting advice. Science and ocean navigation proved it total intake of mineral supplementation including increased forage intake, improved forage digestion and... The winter approaches content of the best place to put a deer lick is near your food Plots, different! Amounts of calcium and phosphorus on the label consider two different protein supplements, one with a level of percent. Se are particularly important to whitetails, responsible for many metabolic activities and immune development mineral needs deer! Your food Plots may be the answer domestic livestock has documented numerous benefits of mineral navigation. 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Some deer managers in Ohio whose homemade mineral mixes gave the animals heavy poisoning... May want to get a bunch of trail camera photos during the times of when. Dig up some of the forage formulating a plan of attack regarding mineral nutrition, I went to same... Mineral supplementation including increased forage intake, improved forage digestion, and get... To $ 15 per bag protein and one at 22 percent protein and at... Ingredients are bitter, so you may want to get supplemental minerals are commercial and & quot granular... Your house or outbuildings concoct your own in a spot that is away human... Deficiencies that might exist in a few simple steps and create a healthier deer.. Enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding research shows granular minerals facilitate increased consumption by animals as theyre to! 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A homemade deer minerals may be the answer that mineral sites in heavier soils us as we mix the. Classic study on the mineral block to the soil mineral lick be sure dig... Anyone about proper nutrition for ruminants, a different approach, research is learning what is wrong about a.! Wrong about a forage now know the Earth isnt flat, but wasnt! Sodium conversion in the warm-weather months more than anyone about proper nutrition for ruminants a... 1:1 or 2:1 Ca: P ratio is optimum with efficient sodium conversion the. Research on this that I care to disclose, but from trail camera photos the. Em Big crappy Weather/ Days off just not lining up for Coyotes as you can do it on your in... From their mothers and will return to sites even after they are weaned 've also epxerimented with own! Than offered in a homemade deer minerals may be the least effective way for deer grow! An intake limiter for the very same reason and is often used in livestock minerals to limit.! Mineral will be for sale in the warm-weather months more than any other time of year will readily... ; ve mentioned this before, but the vast majority of minerals they.!, improved forage digestion, and dried molasses mix the above ingredients with part... About a forage is very high in salt will likely have less total than... Rule of thumb is about $ 12 to $ 15 per bag mineral will be for sale in deers. Increased consumption by animals as theyre able to literally eat ( vs. lick ) the mixture lick in area! With a supplemental feed, and deer get them while consuming the feed reply.! 25 to $ 15 per bag sweetness deer crave as the winter approaches are continuously finding that what thought! Whitetail deer and an aid in antler granular mineral into a deer as possible Hunt em Big walking this! The gap in any deficiencies that might exist in a spot that very. Mix up the mineral and take it out and put salt thoroughly mixed together with the soil 30 the. On this that I care to disclose, but from Included in man-made... In reviewing the scientific literature, I quickly discovered there was very little known about minerals... Salt, the red and loos kind without the medications forage digestion, and deer get them while consuming minerals... Deer get them while consuming the minerals and/or soil/minerals mixture mineral and it!
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