DWilk
Active Member
From what I understand.... this is a critical time period for antler growth and having a good source of nutrients late in the winter and spring is crucial so I'd think it would be a great time to put out a mineral lick.
As for where to place them.... I think it is best to place them at a point where a majority of the deer will have access to it and will be able to frequent it regularly... possible on the edge of a food source close to bedding or something.
I'm sure some of the other guys on here have better ideas than me... any help fellas?
As for where to place them.... I think it is best to place them at a point where a majority of the deer will have access to it and will be able to frequent it regularly... possible on the edge of a food source close to bedding or something.
I'm sure some of the other guys on here have better ideas than me... any help fellas?
JNRBRONC
Well-Known Member
I don't think placement is a huge issue, they seem to find the salt blocks I put out for our horses real fast. Just finding an area where deer frequent should do. You might want it secluded so the increased deer activity in the area doesn't notify others (people) of the presence of a lick. After the deer have found it, get your trail cam over it.
I just started using some last year and they hit it hard! It is a great way to get summer pics of deer in the area because they will eventually hit it and once they do, they always come back for more! It is also fun to see how they grow over the summer. A few weeks ago I was out walking around and they had already been hitting where I had dumped it out the previous year (August of last year was the last time I put anything there). So, since they were already digging in the dirt and I had a bag in my truck I put some out. I figure it never hurts to help those antlers along any way I can!! I love it!
Daver
PMA Member
I originally placed my mineral sites in an open CRP field, but later rethought that and do not do that anymore. One, the summer sun would dry out those spots and make them rock hard and two, I don't want to encourage deer to spend time in the open when I don't have to.
I now look for spots adjacent to normal summer use trails and will go out of my way to find moist or damp areas with good overhead foliage cover. These spots are "darker" and seem to be more secure for the deer.
Also, I don't know about your regs in Canuckville
but I purposely place my mineral sites at least 100 yards away from any intended stand site. In my experience the deer hammer these sites from about March to August, but use drops off after that. Even so, I don't want to eventually shoot a hog and have someone be able to say he was baited.
I now look for spots adjacent to normal summer use trails and will go out of my way to find moist or damp areas with good overhead foliage cover. These spots are "darker" and seem to be more secure for the deer.
Also, I don't know about your regs in Canuckville
dbltree
Super Moderator
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I now look for spots adjacent to normal summer use trails and will go out of my way to find moist or damp areas with good overhead foliage cover. These spots are "darker" and seem to be more secure for the deer.
[/ QUOTE ]
Good advice...and they'll dig a "pond" for you while their at it!
I now look for spots adjacent to normal summer use trails and will go out of my way to find moist or damp areas with good overhead foliage cover. These spots are "darker" and seem to be more secure for the deer.
[/ QUOTE ]
Good advice...and they'll dig a "pond" for you while their at it!
FarmlandQDM
New Member
I try to avoid starting a lick in a creek bottom with sandy soils ... I prefer to find more clay soils.
Simply dump your mineral lick product on the ground along a good deer trail and let the deer do the rest.
Simply dump your mineral lick product on the ground along a good deer trail and let the deer do the rest.
Daver
PMA Member
I agree on the idea of avoiding sandy soil, although I did not specify in my first post, my sites have a clay base to them and resemble Dbltree's in that they hold water for awhile after a hard rain.
Also, strategize on your mineral site location related to where you can put your game camera. In other words, pick a spot near a fencepost or suitable tree and have it face away from the setting or rising sun to avoid false photos triggered by the sun, etc.
Also, strategize on your mineral site location related to where you can put your game camera. In other words, pick a spot near a fencepost or suitable tree and have it face away from the setting or rising sun to avoid false photos triggered by the sun, etc.
Skully
PMA Member
Kaare, I've heard you talk about a lot of water after the snow melts is some of your shed hunting spots. I would look for a higher spot near a bedding area so you don't have to re-establish your sites every year. Its not like your deer need any help with antler growth in your neck of the woods anyway.
dbltree
Super Moderator
This is a lick in heavy clay...they eat it of course but as mentioned, they are attracted to the salt which leaches into the ground.
Often they seem to eat more of it if they can eat dirt and all...and this clay site doesn't get nearly as much eaten as the softer damp soils:
Often they seem to eat more of it if they can eat dirt and all...and this clay site doesn't get nearly as much eaten as the softer damp soils:
bowhuntr311
IowaWhitetail Addict
Im am surely a novice compared to 90% on this site. But here is my .02 worth.
I have always put mine, in the woods in a high traffic area. Always on flat soil and I try to find a stump or root mass to put it on. Seems that the wood may absorb some of the minerals and the deer will chew on the wood. May hold some mineral longer than the dirt may.
Hope this helps.
Dean
I have always put mine, in the woods in a high traffic area. Always on flat soil and I try to find a stump or root mass to put it on. Seems that the wood may absorb some of the minerals and the deer will chew on the wood. May hold some mineral longer than the dirt may.
Hope this helps.
Dean
SaskGuy
Active Member
One last ? guys...thanks for all the replies. When I put it out this weekend, do I just dunp it and let nature take its course or do I mix it in with the soil somewhat??? I'm not doing it for antler growth so much as for trail cam opportunities in velvet, thanks again guys.
Kaare
Kaare