Minerals

[smalljawbasser]

I've just read some posts from BSK and others about mineral sites. I have a new property (300+ac and 85 ac) and want to establish some sites for census purposes.

Any logical way to place the sites? I read one every ~80 acres, but what about placement? The larger farm is basically about 50 acres of bottom land, then a power line clear cut running the width of the property (2000 yards x 50 yards) then it goes up to a steep hardwood ridge line (4000yds wide at the top running north to south) with some finger ridges/creekbottoms running east back towards the front bottom land.

Anything better to use than trace livestock minerals? How much per site?

 

[Hunter 257W]

I'd just try to select sites at random while staying within the 1 per 80 acre rule of thumb. Since you are trying to do a census, chose places with a lot of deer useage and enough cover that even the older bucks will feel comfortable using some of the sites.

As far as how much, I personally use the commercial deer mineral bags. They have something like 3 to 5 lbs each I think. That is plenty for a sight. If you put a lot more than that, it seems to make the soil too salty and deer usage goes down until you get a few rains to dilute it somewhat. Regarding livestock minerals, they are formulated for cows and deer are different from cows. I know there is no study that can prove the benefit of minerals for wild deer but I still say a lot of the reason for that is that there is no way to control how much each deer is eating. I think it IS true that diet definitely affects overall health. Minerals are simply a part of the deer's diet. They have to help. How much is unknown, but for the little bit of money they cost, why not use them?

 

[Lonnerbuck1]

The most active trail close to the bedding area. But close depends on ur comfort level too. Or near the most active water hole. I do one every 50 ac.

 

[hitek7]

I establish mine in areas close to thickets that I have easy access to without tromping through the woods. It also helps to know the deers travel routes/areas. We have 340 acres and have 5 different sites. We occasionally, but not very often, gets pics of the same deer at 2 different spots. Just the way the land lays and the deer travel. Actually think we have an area to establish one more and get pics of different deer more frequently.

Oh, and I am partial to the trophy rock as others tend to say there is no difference. It has just seemed to produce better results (pics) for us. I am sure this varies per location.

 

[WDS]

I have relied on Trophy Rock for years. I believe in it and have seen it preferred over Co-Op red mineral, ext. I am actually going to use both this year, rather that T Rock alone simply due to cost issues. I would love to get some 50# rocks for my primary sites. Need to contact Saltman.

With 1500 acres, I simply cannot justify T Rock for every site. The price has just gotten too high for us to utilize exclusively.......... so here I go again with a balance of Red Mineral. we have 20+ salt locations, and they are hit so hard that it usually takes 2-3 rocks per site to last through September. Good problem to have, but my spoiled deer are gonna have to take the welfare route and like what they get ! With the price of diesel fuel, all things deer management have increased. I put more stock in good warm and cool season plots & habitat management that on minerals. I have only limited funds to make it all happen.

If I had unlimited funds, I would use only T Rock. Period.

Just my opinion.

 

[sharpshooter]

I use trace mineral here at the house and place a 50# bag during opening weekend of turkey season and they hit it till about late Oct. That is just observation from the back deck, no camera out.

 

[Vermin93]

I prefer to use Trophy Rock and the loose Trophy Rock 365. I tried two different brands of "deer mineral" products last year and both actually seemed to turn off the deer in my area. The ones I used were the 30-06 product from Whitetail Institute and the Record Rack mineral product that Tractor Supply sells. So, I am done with both of those.

I loaded up a couple of months ago when Gander Mountain was selling Trophy Rocks for $10.99 shipped to your door.

 

[smalljawbasser]

I have relied on Trophy Rock for years. I believe in it and have seen it preferred over Co-Op red mineral, ext. I am actually going to use both this year, rather that T Rock alone simply due to cost issues. I would love to get some 50# rocks for my primary sites. Need to contact Saltman.

With 1500 acres, I simply cannot justify T Rock for every site. The price has just gotten too high for us to utilize exclusively.......... so here I go again with a balance of Red Mineral. we have 20+ salt locations, and they are hit so hard that it usually takes 2-3 rocks per site to last through September. Good problem to have, but my spoiled deer are gonna have to take the welfare route and like what they get ! With the price of diesel fuel, all things deer management have increased. I put more stock in good warm and cool season plots & habitat management that on minerals. I have only limited funds to make it all happen.

If I had unlimited funds, I would use only T Rock. Period.

Just my opinion.

ever tried any of the recipes on the QDMA forums? you can google "QDMA deer mineral" and find a page of similar recipes.