If you want your local deer herd to benefit from a mineral site, now is the time to get one established.
According to D&DH contributing editor Matt Harper, in whitetail’s spring and summer,
the whitetail’s mineral and vitamin needs spike dramatically.
“This is due to the physical condition of the deer,” Harper said. “For example, the antler growing process is occurring during the spring and summer, and bucks require huge amounts of mineral
and vitamins to grow the bone (antler).”
It’s important to note that white-tailed does also require high levels of mineral and vitamins at this time of year due to lactation.
“Remember, does milk is very high in nutrients,” Harper said. “In fact, it is much more nutrient-rich than cows’ milk. The problem is the natural supply of many critical minerals is low due to depletion of minerals in the soil. Also, many soils just have a naturally low level of minerals. Without mineral/vitamin supplementation, this low level of natural mineral causes decreased antler growth and decreased milk production.”
For a complete guide to Harper’s tactics for establishing mineral sites, check out his online program here.
Photo courtesy of EKMM at DDH Forums.