Minerals- get them out now

I have had mineral sites on my property for almost 30 years now. This past winter the deer seemed to be hitting the minerals more than ever. In 2 months they managed to devour one of the large mineral blocks used for livestock. This may be due to a combination of less snow and warmer temperatures.
yesterday I brought a new block out, along with a bag of minerals to spread between 3 established mineral sites and one new one. I have trail cameras near 3 of these spots. These minerals are critical for the health of the deer and the growth of antlers.

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I put 2 of the large blocks at our hunt camp last year later in the summer, both have remained untouched. Do you think it's because of the time of year I placed them? I know there are deer in the immediate area by the sign.

This is out for years.... ( last 7 + years )
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I would just keep an eye on them as the year progresses. Once established, mineral sites are used Year round by deer and other animals. I have my mineral sites fairly close to a source of water. Two are close to a food plot near a grove if cedars that I planted over 30 years ago. Two others are near the main path that I have developed over the years. These are regularly used by deer. Good luck.

Just replaced mine 2 weeks ago (trace mineral). I have been doing 1 in the same spot for about 20 years, have a hole 6' across and a foot deep now. Usually the block melts due to rain and snow by late winter and leaches into the soil. Spring and summer see the most action on the cams, but it is visited all year.
John

Lookin good. I'm behind this year. I need to make a run to a feed store and mix up another batch. I've been using the 1 part calcium phosphate, 1 part stock feed salt, and 2 parts trace mineral recipe over the years. It's hard on trail camera batteries though :D

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Originally Posted by dean.f

I put 2 of the large blocks at our hunt camp last year later in the summer, both have remained untouched. Do you think it's because of the time of year I placed them? I know there are deer in the immediate area by the sign.

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I have had years where they don't touch the salt, and years where they tear up the dirt. Sometimes they leave one salt lick alone and go to another 50 yards away.

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Originally Posted by dean.f

I put 2 of the large blocks at our hunt camp last year later in the summer, both have remained untouched. Do you think it's because of the time of year I placed them? I know there are deer in the immediate area by the sign.

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Two tidbits of advice:
1) Bury most of the block so that it dissolves into the soil. A damp area helps.
2) Put out some deer chow to attract deer to the site. You shouldn’t have to use lots… maybe a pail full spread out onto the ground. The deer will find it pretty quick and will also notice the mineral lick. Deer won’t really bother with a whole block but will eat and lick the surrounding earth.
Good luck.

I’ve been using mineral blocks at several sites for many years. I only put out a new block every 2 years as the salt permeates into the soil. I’m currently waiting for the snow to melt before heading out this spring to top up a couple and sites and to put out my trail cameras for the next 6 months.

Here’s a buck hitting one of my licks. They’ve hit it so hard that there’s a pit where where the block used to be.
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Originally Posted by Sam Menard

Two tidbits of advice:
1) Bury most of the block so that it dissolves into the soil. A damp area helps.
2) Put out some deer chow to attract deer to the site. You shouldn’t have to use lots… maybe a pail full spread out onto the ground. The deer will find it pretty quick and will also notice the mineral lick. Deer won’t really bother with a whole block but will eat and lick the surrounding earth.
Good luck.

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So I did put some feed down when I placed the blocks, they are about half dissolved after the snow thawed. I'll just keep an eye on them I'm sure they will be the same as everyone else's in time.

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Originally Posted by johnjyb

have a hole 6' across and a foot deep now
John

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Look like this:

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...19460be7_k.jpg20221007_154707_HDR by Joe Miedema, on Flickr

Pretty similar hole, with gentler slopes and no grass grows on the edges.
John

I use the exact recipe. I put it out in May 2020 and they ate an area of about 4x4 and 4” deep. I poured the mix on a rotten wood pile about 2ft high. By September of that year it was all gone.

I'm constantly putting out rock salt but I put it on old stumps. They paw and lick the dirt around the stump and if need be they chew on the stump.

https://i.postimg.cc/RFj2dwR4/PICT0148.jpg
No reserved seating at the mineral fountain. First come, first served

Critical time is June-October when the lactating does are craving sodium. Same goes for cow moose.