Minerals

[HenryCohunter]

Does anyone use that red trace mineral in the bag? It's way cheaper than a trophy rock and I'm gonna refresh a bunch of licks this weekend.

 

[SEC]

Been using it for years. I have places where it looks like a hog woller.

 

[BSK]

It will work fine for attracting deer. Just don't expect it to do anything health-wise for the deer.

 

[HenryCohunter]

Ok since that was said... What minerals do you put out for health?

 

[DaveB]

I think the answer will be "none'. Deer get their required minerals via their diet.

None of which explains why deer seem to stop by the old mineral block bar for a lick or two. I guess some of the mineral feeds are like snicker bars. They are probably not necessary for your health, but who cares?

 

[Hunter 257W]

Doctors have also said that people get all their nutritional needs from diet but they are starting to rethink that o some degree. Anyhow, I know there is no controlled study that can prove minerals benefit deer but it stands to reason that SOMETHING is lacking nutrionally in any given area and that something can be provided through a mineral lick. Just don't expect big noticeable changes. Huge bucks like the one's on the bag aren't going to start popping up behind every tree the next hunting season.

Personally I use "Rack UP" from Evolved Habitats or "30-06" from Whitetail Institute because both contain many minerals and way less salt that any other products I've seen.

 

[QUAKENTIMBER]

1 part stock white salt
1 part dicalcium phosphate
2 part trace minerals

My favorite combo and i believe the best and most balance..

I mix with a 2 pound coffee can.. 1 scoop each and 2 for the trace minerals..8 pounds is a good amount

Same ingredients as trophy rock but way cheaper in the long run

 

[BHC]

I don't know what it is, but I do think they need it nutritionally. The reason is they hit them hardest in summer months.. Tells me it's because of some kind of nutritional need... I dunno if it's due to something lacking in diet? If it has to do with does just dropping fawns, and bucks growing antlers.. But something causes mineral sites to get more active in the summer.. Like others have said tho, don't expect to see a noticeable difference in your deer...

 

[BSK]

The reason is they hit them hardest in summer months.. Tells me it's because of some kind of nutritional need...

Yes, it is. It's called salt. All mammals need salt for proper bodily function, and that need is greatest in hot weather. Minerals actually taste really bitter. The only way to draw deer to eat them is by adding a lot of salt. In fact, pure salt will draw more deer than mineral blocks with salt added as an attractant.

I doubt mineral blocks do any harm. I also doubt they do much good. Many, many groups have attempted to find a link between mineral supplementation and better deer performance, and in the wild, all have failed to do so. If minerals help deer, the "help" will not be noticeable or measurable.

 

[Boone 58]

It will work fine for attracting deer. Just don't expect it to do anything health-wise for the deer.

BSK, why do you think the does use it soooo much during lactation?...............man they wear it out. I enjoy seeing them with their tongues up their noses and slurping like it was candy!! I have been amazed at the "use of salt" by deer during the Feb.~ July period.......I have read a lot of material, and everything backs up your views and I respect that.......but for something that lacks much benefits it seems to be large part of their diets for a period of time. Thanks for your comments!!

 

[BSK]

Boone 58,

I should clarify my comments first: minerals have not been found to provide any measureable health benefits to free-ranging deer. I have no doubt salt/minerals help deer. Just don't expect to see any measureable health benefits. In essence, don't expect to provide minerals to deer and see higher body weights, greater survival, or larger antlers as a result.

Science is all about measuring, testing, and analyzing. If no changes can be found through measurements, then researchers can't say benefits exist. And that's where we're at with minerals. MANY mineral companies have attempted to prove their products provide benefits. When it comes to free-ranging deer, none have been able to do so.

 

[Boone 58]

Thanks! I do enjoy seeing them wear them out too!

 

[Boone 58]

Does anyone use that red trace mineral in the bag? It's way cheaper than a trophy rock and I'm gonna refresh a bunch of licks this weekend.

Some pics where our deer have removed hundreds of pounds of soil/salt .......

 

[pseshooter300]

A guy told me to not put out mineral blocks right now cause it will cause the doe's milk to dry up. Anyone ever heard of this? Mine are hitting the sites heavy right now.

 

[Football Hunter]

A guy told me to not put out mineral blocks right now cause it will cause the doe's milk to dry up. Anyone ever heard of this? Mine are hitting the sites heavy right now.

Id call that an old wives tale.....

 

[catman529]

A guy told me to not put out mineral blocks right now cause it will cause the doe's milk to dry up. Anyone ever heard of this? Mine are hitting the sites heavy right now.

Id call that an old wives tale.....

x2

east tennessee mountains have low deer numbers because of too much salt, they can't feed their babies

 

[Winchester]

Does anyone use that red trace mineral in the bag? It's way cheaper than a trophy rock and I'm gonna refresh a bunch of licks this weekend.

This is exactly what I use and have used for 25 yrs. Ive tried the much more expensive rocks and blocks with no better results.
As for how much help it is to the deer, no measurable advantages have been proven by giving wild deer salt/mineral blocks or rocks, but deer love salt and will use it heavily during warm months.