Rob-HC Hunter
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2015
- Messages
- 523
Why do you think that?We dont , its not necessary
Why do you think it doesn't help with antler quality? They don't get enough to make a difference?I'm not really sure it makes a difference in antler quality, so I just use the cheap 50lb trace mineral blocks. My salt licks are maintained year round, but primarily used for herd census in summer.
Then there is that. .The biologists will say there is no evidence that it makes a hill of beans difference. In my case BSK is my friend and I trust him. However,there are tracks all around my sites and if deer spend 5 more minutes a day on my land instead of the redneck neighbors,its worth it to me.
Nope, just that deer are incredibly efficient at getting what they really need from their environment. If they are lacking a certain nutrient, their craving will allow them to seek out from the natural environment what they need.Why do you think it doesn't help with antler quality? They don't get enough to make a difference?
Like my wife likes chocolate!! Statement of the year! LolNope, just that deer are incredibly efficient at getting what they really need from their environment. If they are lacking a certain nutrient, their craving will allow them to seek out from the natural environment what they need.
Now don't get me wrong... they LOVE salt. just like my wife loves chocolate. She doesn't really need it, but she has a hard time passing it up. She wouldn't be any less healthy if she didn't eat chocolate though.
I've run salt licks for 15 years... some are so wallowed out, it will take a full 7 yards of dirt to fill them back up. They are GREAT for getting pictures on, but I don't think they make a difference in antler quality
I'm with you!! We have been using selenium as a part of our mineral program for several years and have seen a lot of difference in mass. I always stress that minerals are just one part, age, genetics, nutrition, pressure are also critical.I personally think minerals make a world of difference, I could be wrong but that's my opinion.I am seeing way to many big deer coming from areas where they say it's impossible for big deer to grow. Something right is happening.
Then there's a lot of folks wasting good money and time cultivating food gardens for them then.Nope, just that deer are incredibly efficient at getting what they really need from their environment. If they are lacking a certain nutrient, their craving will allow them to seek out from the natural environment what they need.
Now don't get me wrong... they LOVE salt. just like my wife loves chocolate. She doesn't really need it, but she has a hard time passing it up. She wouldn't be any less healthy if she didn't eat chocolate though.
I've run salt licks for 15 years... some are so wallowed out, it will take a full 7 yards of dirt to fill them back up. They are GREAT for getting pictures on, but I don't think they make a difference in antler quality
no doubt!Then there's a lot of folks wasting good money and time cultivating food gardens for them then.
That's why I hunt the natural mountain mast and browse on my place. There are good 10 pt genes running thru the area of my property for whatever reason, and I've kilt more 10 pts now than any other size.no doubt!
But that's why I primarily farm native browse and the food plots are just a supplement. I will say this however... Been running salt for 15 years and only agressively food plotting for about 6 years. And have really seen an improvement in body weights esp the does since food plotting. But have not really seen any difference in antler quality since food plotting since they were already getting everything they needed from the native browse. Antlers are all about genetics of the individual deer and age of that particular deer on my farms.