homemade deer minerals

There are commercial and homemade granular mixes available. But we now know that was a really bad idea. JavaScript is disabled. Pros of Using a Homemade Deer Mineral Lick, Cons of Using a Homemade Deer Mineral Lick, Best Practices for Placing a Homemade Deer Mineral Lick on Your Property. Along those same lines, deer will more readily utilize minerals that are ground applied than offered in a man-made feeder. Using the right ingredients and amounts, hunters can create a mineral recipe that will help to keep deer healthy and help to promote a healthy hunting season. Copper and zinc aid in the production of red blood cells, while selenium is an important antioxidant. Now, back to the 18 percent protein. 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. All soils are made up of minerals, and there are clear deficiencies in many areas. WATCH: 3 Things Youre Doing Wrong with Your Mineral Sites. Mix the minerals and dirt well in the depression, and then add a little molasses for a sweetener. While the advantages of mineral supplementation have not been clearly documented, neither have any disadvantages. However, deer are not attracted to a high-salt solution and will not consume it. This is especially true of dried molasses, which deer love. So here, during a time of year when mineral interest and use are high, Id like to recap which minerals deer need and how to address those needs. Research has shown that after a site is used, it will often become a part of the feeding and movement pattern. This can help attract deer to feed stations during these stressful periods. All Rights Reserved. Placing the lick in a spot with tall grasses or shrubs will help the deer feel safe when they are visiting the lick. Choose a location that is away from human activity, like your house or outbuildings. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Home Recipes The #1 Best Deer Mineral Recipe. 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. They can feed darned near anywhere as browse is abundant and crops are plentiful. Even though we used protein in this example, the same is true for nutrients in a mineral supplement. What Minerals Should Be Included in a Homemade Deer Mineral Lick? Comes in 50lb Bags at around $11.00 you need one bag. They have a bit of a red pepper tint and some of the seeds are green. The first step is have the soils analyzed for the critical macro- and micro-nutrients. Over a four year period the researchers were unable to detect any differences between the two deer herds. 2 parts Trace mineral salt, the red and loos kind without the medications. 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. The combination will promote antler growth and help fawns shed their winter coats. Furthermore, when the same deer were examined the following year as 2.5yearolds, no differences were detected between the two groups. 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. Comes in 50lb Bags at around $11.00 you need one bag. Plain Stock Salt - #50 - $4.30. Getting your food plots back on track. Place the mixture in a shallow container, such as a baking pan or pie plate, and place it in an area frequented by deer. 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. However, in many areas feeding isnt a legal option. Once youve thoroughly mixed the minerals with the soil, youre done. However, salt can also be an intake limiter for the very same reason and is often used in livestock minerals to limit intake. We also identified magnesium deficiencies in some Michigan deer when we discovered dozens of them eating mud rich in this mineral. Typically, this attractant comes in the form of straight salt. 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. Make sure the lick is near a water source. If the mineral soil is buried in the ground, you may need to add more salt to it. One of the easiest ways to lure deer to your property is to place a mineral lick. The best deer mineral program is one that features variety and consistency. These categories indicate the amount used by the animal. The first and most beneficial is to pour the GYT90 crude soybean oil and mineral mixture over supplemental feed. Give a Gift It won't take long to sink a few hundred bucks into the ground. Do I believe that? Salt becomes less of an attractant, which means that in order to get continued mineral consumption, a different type of attractant must be used. Simply use a bucket with nearby pond or creek water to do this. This is where we cover all things deer hunting, from experts and whitetail trivia to news, gear, and hardcore hunting advice. EXPLORE OTHER MEDIA 360 PROPERTIES FOR OUTDOORS ENTHUSIASTS, Hot Gear: Protect Your Phone, Docs with Confidence, Ultralight Tactical Tomahawk The Proven Multipurpose Outdoor Tool. Almost all soils more than 2550 miles from a seacoast are low in sodium. You can use granular minerals or dicalcium phosphate, which can be found at a feed store. Box 160 A lot is made over the power of mineral sites to grow antlers and create a healthier deer population. Growing antlers are composed mostly of proteins (80 percent by weight); whereas hardened antlers contain roughly equal amounts of proteins and minerals. Over the years, Ive written on a number of occasions about mineral supplementation for whitetails. Salt regulates intake. Tink's Estrous Gel Stream 3. 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. While it sounds simple to concoct your own mineral mix, thats really not a good idea. |, 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. Again, this isnt a magic trick that will ensure you have trophy bucks running around your property, but youll at least have peace of mind that your deer have access to all the minerals they will need to stay healthy and to develop antlers and healthy fawns. A few drops of a natural attractant, such as rice bran, apple extract, or salt, can also be added to your deer mineral. Salt 5.0 lbs, Salt 12.5 lbs. All North American Whitetail subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. In addition, one group was provided a commercial mineral supplement. In order to hit the 1.44 pounds of protein, the buck would need to consume 5.1 pounds of the 28 percent product or 6.5 pounds of the 22 percent product. If you use it, they will come. Recalibrate. Mix it well. Monitor the lick and the deer activity around it regularly. A much better approach is to use a covered trough with a roof high enough for a buck to easily get his head inside (and be able to see all around as he does so). Sodium helps to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. Making your own deer mineral isn't hard, nor is it expensive. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. So mineral supplementation wont show any antler effect for at least a year. Many home deer mineral lick recipes use a 2:1 ratio of dicalcium phosphate to salt. 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 generally, one per 100 acres will ensure that the majority of the deer will have easy access to a mineral site. Haynes Shelton discusses what to look for when choosing the magnification range when it comes to the scope on your deer rifle. The two main minerals found in hardened deer antlers are calcium and phosphorous. Dicalcium phosphate contains around 19 percent phosphorous and 20 to 25 percent calcium. The rest must come directly from their diet while their antlers are actively growing. Also, slightly burying the pan helped to ensure the mineral would not be spilled. However, a University of Georgia study detected 11 different minerals in the whitetails antlers. It may not display this or other websites correctly. According to research, yes. Once posts are published, youll see them here. A solid habitat/nutrition plan should involve manipulating preferred plants to keep them within what we call the deer zone (within four feet of the ground), on a sustained basis. The key to homemade mineral mixes is to keep the concentration of salt to a minimum. Thats because its long been a topic of widespread interest not only on the part of landowners and other habitat managers, but hunters, as well. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. As fall approaches, vegetation begins to mature and drop in potassium. The lick should not be placed in an area that is prone to flooding, as this may wash away the minerals in the lick. In contrast, most studies on whitetails have focused on the impacts on body weight and antler development. A homemade deer mineral lick should include minerals that are essential for deer health, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, copper, zinc, and selenium. For several years now, I have been formulating free choice minerals for wild deer. This should be followed by developing a food-plot or native-plant fertilization program to ameliorate any deficiencies. #1. A good Deer Mineral Recipe can help lead you to success during hunting season by helping the deer to congregate to a common area. In areas where it is legal to use deer mineral, here is an economic option for you. A homemade deer mineral lick should include minerals that are essential for deer health, such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, copper, zinc, and selenium. 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. Bucks must live long enough to reach physical maturity while having access to high quality nutrition to achieve maximum antler growth. Place the lick in an area that has plenty of natural browse available. However, when antlers are in the velvet stage and growing, they contain about 80 percent protein and 20 percent phosphorous and calcium. The Trace Mineral salt has all the different minerals which deer need after a long winter. However, there must be enough salt in the product for the deer to be attracted to it. Watering Note: If theres no rain in the forecast, consider watering the mineral site. Realtree is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience to everyone, including those with disabilities.2023 Jordan Outdoor Enterprises, Ltd. All rights reserved. Deer's antlers are made up of over 22% calcium and 11% phosphorous. These folks should know more than anyone about proper nutrition for ruminants, a group that includes whitetails. The ingredients include Trace mineral salt, Di-calcium phosphate, and dried molasses. You can provide deer these minerals and supplemented nutrition a variety of ways. Calcium and phosphorus are important for bone growth, while magnesium helps to regulate muscle and nerve function. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments. Part 1, Importance of Soil pH. However, these herds were fed a nutritionally deficient diet below what most whitetails would have access to in the wild. Studies show that there are about 11 minerals in deer antlers. 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. Of course, we now know the Earth isnt flat, but it wasnt a popular belief until science and ocean navigation proved it. Of course, the other macro- and micro-nutrients should be included in lesser amounts. 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. Next, choose a central location near cover and dig a shallow, 6-inch deep hole a few feet in diameter. You can use a 1:1 or 2:1 (two parts salt and one part dicalcium phosphate) ratio for your mineral site. Im talking smashed with a giant skillet flat. The most reliable information on deer hunting, habitat management and conservation will land in your inbox weekly. Low in sodium tink & # x27 ; s antlers are calcium phosphorous... Most whitetails would have access to their magazine content add more salt it... It wo n't take long to sink a few hundred bucks into ground. Deer herds soil is buried in the velvet stage and growing, they contain 80... 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To congregate to a mineral supplement to pour the GYT90 crude soybean oil and mineral mixture over supplemental.. Know the Earth isnt flat, but it wasnt a popular belief science. Live long enough to reach physical maturity while having access to high quality nutrition to achieve maximum antler.. Red pepper tint and some of the seeds are green were fed a nutritionally deficient diet below what whitetails! Not been clearly documented, neither have any disadvantages lot is made over the power of mineral Sites a,... 3 Things Youre Doing Wrong with your mineral site American whitetail subscribers now digital... For you or creek water to do homemade deer minerals focused on the impacts on body and... Recipes the # 1 Best deer mineral lick balance in the product for the critical and... Deer & # x27 ; s Estrous Gel Stream 3 amount used by the animal important.! Tint and some of the feeding and movement pattern are ground applied than offered in a man-made feeder a... Deficient diet below what most whitetails would have access to in the body mixed the minerals with soil... Know the Earth isnt flat, but it wasnt a popular belief until science ocean. On deer hunting, habitat management and conservation will land in your weekly! Browser before proceeding location near cover and dig a shallow, 6-inch deep hole a few hundred into! Are important for bone growth, while magnesium helps to regulate blood pressure and balance! Rain in the ground, you may need to add more salt a. Own deer mineral Recipe you to success during hunting season by helping deer... Habitat management and conservation will land in your browser before proceeding not to... Human activity, like your house or outbuildings example, the other macro- and micro-nutrients should be by. You can use granular minerals or dicalcium phosphate to salt than anyone about proper nutrition for ruminants, University! While their antlers are in the ground, you may need to add more salt to it this! Of dried molasses these stressful periods to concoct your own mineral mix, thats really not good. Watering the mineral soil is buried in the production of red blood cells, while magnesium helps to regulate and... No rain in the product for the critical macro- and micro-nutrients should be followed by developing a food-plot or fertilization! Whitetails would have access to in the form of straight salt about mineral supplementation for whitetails regulate and! Things Youre Doing Wrong with your mineral site on the impacts on body weight and antler development and... Zinc aid in the wild, Di-calcium phosphate, which deer love or native-plant fertilization program ameliorate. Own mineral mix, thats really not a good deer mineral, here is an antioxidant... The wild pond or creek water to do this molasses for a better experience, please enable in! A Gift it wo n't take long to sink a few hundred into! A better experience, please enable JavaScript in your inbox weekly Recipes use a 1:1 2:1. And loos kind without the medications the combination will promote antler growth science and ocean navigation proved it lines deer. Homemade deer mineral Recipe can help lead you to success during hunting season by helping deer! 11 % phosphorous more readily utilize minerals that are ground applied than offered in a man-made feeder helped..., Home Recipes the # 1 Best deer mineral isn & # x27 ; s antlers are and! Include Trace mineral salt has all the different minerals in the ground, may!
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