Deer mineral licks help improve herd health and increased antler growth.
Don’t put it off anymore: Now is the perfect time to establish deer mineral licks on your hunting property.
Few things are more rewarding to hunters and landowners than creating something beneficial for wildlife, and that includes adding mineral licks to your property.
Minerals are necessary for whitetail deer health. Along with normal bodily functions, minerals are important for antler development in bucks during summer months. For does, they’re no doubt a vital need during the reproductive process for fetal development and lactation.
Throwing out some mineral blocks or granulated formula and expecting deer to show up for a party isn’t a good idea, though. It takes a bit of planning to ensure not only that deer will find the minerals but also use them regularly. It’s frustrating to discover that an area in which you’ve seen deer and believe will be a good spot for a mineral lick is little more than a deer’s wandering pass-through area.
Locate travel routes that are used regularly and have some cover nearby. Trails through thick woods or brush are good starting points. If you find a good trail near a water source, this might be a prime location for a mineral lick.
Dig a shallow hole and loosen the soil before adding your minerals. Mix the minerals and dirt well in the depression, and then add a little molasses for a sweetener. Many hunters will find an old rotted stump near trails and use that for their man-made lick.
Be sure to check all state regulations before creating any mineral licks or supplemental areas you may want to hunt near.
If you’re good to go, especially if you act now, you can create your own deer mineral lick recipe for success. Let’s face it, if you want bigger deer and better deer hunting, you need to provide them with everything they need on the property you hunt.
Other helpful resources:
•Do you know the difference between a mineral lick and a mineral supplement? Or what five minerals are the most important for herd health? D&DH Field Editor Matt Harper has the answers to these questions and more in The Complete Guide to Mineral Sites.
•Want a complete rundown of all the new mineral products that are available to deer hunters? Get these in one place to help you find your mineral recipe for success at our one-stop deer mineral shop.
•White-tailed deer are ruled by their stomachs. And, let’s face it, if you want bigger deer and better deer hunting, you need to provide them with everything they need on the property you hunt. You can have it all in this kit that includes everything you need to provide better nutrition, including some of the best protein and mineral products on the market. It’s called the Pure Attraction Premium Collection.
I have read that several studies done by reputable sources indicate that providing minerals to deer has shown no effect on antler growth. Can you comment on this?