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1.) Ventilator - 12/19/2013
I went this morning and bought some mix, despite reading threads saying mineral licks are useless,

from Tractor supply.

1-50lb bag Purina Mineral Supplement(all purpose)
2-50lb bags American Stockman trace mineral
1-50lb bag Stock Salt-fine

mix 5gal bucket

1 part mineral supplement
2 parts trace mineral
1 part stock salt

Dig a hole the size of the bucket with loose dirt in the bottom. Pour in the mix and mix thoroughly. After the first rain ,it will absorb into the ground. Come feb ,the deer should start frequenting the site. Make sure there is a reliable water source within 100yds or less. Just my experience. I feel this is a good way to keep deer in the area.Has to benefit overall health of the deer in some way. I plan to create 3-5 sites between now and march on my new SC lease.



Anyone else try something different? If you use dicalcium phosphate, please list the manufacturer and the place you purchased. I couldnt find it in Hendersonville.
2.) Swamp Fox - 12/19/2013
A long time ago I fooled around with a couple of homemade mixes. I can't remember exactly what was in them , though. Nothing fancy. I remember pouring cheap generic Coke in the hole, and another recipe that called for molasses. That was as sexy as it got.

I'm interested in a good, biologically sound mix, but it has to be easy to make/bag/store in smallish quantities since I'm humping it in on foot, with a cart, or in a canoe. The commercial 4-or-so-pound bags of commercial mixes have worked for me toward that. I've been buying a figurative ton of them at deep discounts from the big box stores after the season closes.
3.) Go Bucks - 12/19/2013
interesting thought. I wonder if it has any effect outside of the deer that are already there, e.g. will it attract new deer? It's not like the deer are going to tell anyone to pop by for a lick.
4.) Swamp Fox - 12/19/2013
I was gonna post this a few weeks ago when it first occurred to me, but I guess I took a nap instead:

I have a lot of scrapes opened up in the vicinity of my licks. Whether this is because the licks draw a lot of does, even into October, or whether it is because I tend to place licks in high-traffic areas to begin with, I don't know. But I have no doubt that if you have an area that deer use a lot to begin with, putting a lick there will only INCREASE the traffic.

Whether it will hold deer in an area is probably unprovable without collars, cameras, and a big piece of unpressured land. But it's not the kind of strategy I would argue against, based on my experience. I hope holding deer in an area is what I'm doing, too.
5.) Go Bucks - 12/19/2013
Depending on weather, tracks in the snow may prove equally as effective as trying to watch closely with cameras. At the minimum, its a cheap worthwhile experiment and will at least keep some deer happy. I suppose that a few deer intent on going for a quick dose could easily drag a few with them for introduction..
6.) Swamp Fox - 12/19/2013
That's true, but we don't get snow here, at least not (usually) during deer season. And if we do get a tracking snow, it's not worth going out for a few days even (if the snow lasts that long) because the deer will sit down for a day or so until their stomachs get the better of them. I can count the times I was able to track deer in snow over 40+ years on two fingers, not counting the two fingers I'd need for my several years hunting in Virginia.

I think it's accepted that deer and other animals find new food/nutrition sources largely by smell, and some of this smell is carried on the snouts and hooves. Without getting ridiculous about the distances, I'll bet Deer B can backtrack to a food/nutrition source Deer A has visited if he comes across Deer A or Deer A's trail and can smell the goodies. That's in addition to any other "following" activity deer might engage in.
7.) Go Bucks - 12/20/2013
Hmmmm... need something that smells and maybe gooey to stick to hooves. Molasses?
8.) Swamp Fox - 12/20/2013
I've never heard anyone tout this benefit when talking about the molasses-tinged licks, but it only makes sense that the more powerful the scent a deer is pawing in, the easier it is for other deer to come across it on a trail. The stickiness would be a bonus. :tu:

As far as plain old scent goes, at least a couple of the commercial licks advertise the penetrating sweet smell, and at least in one case, the way the powder wafts over a wide area when it's poured out.
9.) Ventilator - 12/20/2013
Forgot to add the cost. I spent 36 bucks on the whole shebang. Not too bad for 200lbs worth of mix. I read another thread on AT a few years back that some biologists posted in as well. They said Molasses is not good for deer in large amounts. Dont remember the why part. SOme of them mixed buck grub, lucky buck, apple mineral and/or deer cocaine to sweeten it up. Deer will NOT hit a 100% mineral lick as it is supposedly bitter. They mostly all agreed that Stock Salt/Rock Salt is the BEST attractant by far to get deer using the lick. They all agreed 100% that mineral DO NOT directly help antler growth. However, it improves the overall health of the deer therefore indirectly helping lactating does and antler growth. Also, it was agreed that the licks will attract deer and hold them to an area as long as there is a good water source and plenty of bedding cover nearby. Naturally , those are areas that generally hold deer anyways. This my friends, is not anectdotal evidence. :hb:
10.) Go Bucks - 12/20/2013
[QUOTE=Ventilator;13829]Forgot to add the cost. I spent 36 bucks on the whole shebang. Not too bad for 200lbs worth of mix. I read another thread on AT a few years back that some biologists posted in as well. They said Molasses is not good for deer in large amounts. Dont remember the why part. SOme of them mixed buck grub, lucky buck, apple mineral and/or deer cocaine to sweeten it up. Deer will NOT hit a 100% mineral lick as it is supposedly bitter. They mostly all agreed that Stock Salt/Rock Salt is the BEST attractant by far to get deer using the lick. They all agreed 100% that mineral DO NOT directly help antler growth. However, it improves the overall health of the deer therefore indirectly helping lactating does and antler growth. Also, it was agreed that the licks will attract deer and hold them to an area as long as there is a good water source and plenty of bedding cover nearby. Naturally , those are areas that generally hold deer anyways. This my friends, is not anectdotal evidence. :hb:[/QUOTE]

a friend of a friend on AT supposedly quoting a biologist of unknown background placing a food source in an area where the deer are anyway is not anecdotal???

it really doesn't matter... it sounds like a good experiment anyway and can only help. we have been chasing these creatures for months and they deserve a reward
11.) Ventilator - 12/20/2013
HAHA, you misread my friend. The Biologists posted in the thread. 3 of them actually. They posted the backgrounds. Two were PSU grads ,one a Clemson grad. PSU did extensive studies on the effects of mineral supplements. Thats the part that is NOT anecdotal. lol

The part about holding deer is, but , thats not what i meant.
12.) Go Bucks - 12/20/2013
[QUOTE=Ventilator;13832]HAHA, you misread my friend. The Biologists posted in the thread. 3 of them actually. They posted the backgrounds. Two were PSU grads ,one a Clemson grad. PSU did extensive studies on the effects of mineral supplements. Thats the part that is NOT anecdotal. lol

The part about holding deer is, but , thats not what i meant.[/QUOTE]

well there you have it... PSU and Clemson are wannabe universities.
13.) Swamp Fox - 12/20/2013
I don't imagine the quantity of molasses most people would juice a lick with would amount to "large amounts" but it's good to know not to go overboard.

What was the thinking on amount of any particular recipe to put out at each site? Anybody stick their neck out and recommend how many licks of a certain size per acre? I have been shooting for one small lick per 50 acres, and have probably gone as high as 1:30 overall if you factor in the area that doesn't get hunted or prepped at all. I'd say more than 90% of my licks get torn up, even if I put them in bizarre places. It's probably closer to 95. EXTREMELY rare that my deer won't hit a lick hard no matter how many I have out.
14.) Ventilator - 12/20/2013
DId ya read the part about the 5 gal bucket? lol
15.) Ventilator - 12/20/2013
I usually dig a hole the size of the bucket. in my experience , if you start it in feb and replenish in june, it should do it.

As for PSU, dont care about them. Clemson, we may have to fight over! :tap:
16.) Ventilator - 12/20/2013
Nobody really said much about the per acre part. The thread was from 2010 but it came up on a search under deer mineral mix.

That woudl be interesting to know. I have 3 spots i plan to work on to begin with . They are all along one of the 3 creeks on the lease and surround by thick pines. Small strips of hardwoods in between.
17.) Swamp Fox - 12/20/2013
[QUOTE=Ventilator;13836]DId ya read the part about the 5 gal bucket? lol[/QUOTE]


:groan:

LOL...

That was yesterday, Page One...

My pea brain didn't retain it...Time for more coffee...

:duh:
18.) Ventilator - 12/20/2013






One of the areas I found last wkd that I plan to put out licks.
19.) Ohbuckhunter - 12/20/2013
[URL=http://s495.photobucket.com/user/ohbuckhunter/media/hunting/8A949F43-06F8-4FFD-B3EC-E7482EF04190_zpsgmyysuoh.jpg.html][/URL]
20.) Swamp Fox - 12/20/2013
You might even get a pic of a buck on that lick! :tu:

Don't put the lick where you need to drive or walk, LOL...They're gonna dig that one to China. :grin:
21.) Ventilator - 12/20/2013
It is going to take a full day of chainsaw and blade weedeater work just to hunt that strip. it is a long deep ditch between the pines. Has a few oaks scattered in as well. Briary as hell and the pines are about 2 ft apart with briars entwined . FUN!!


THere will a possibility of 50-75 yds of visibility late season after clearing out saplings and a few pines.
22.) Swamp Fox - 12/20/2013
Have you thought about doing most of the work before it gets hot and buggy? I go back and forth on that myself...LOL
23.) Go Bucks - 12/20/2013
[QUOTE=Ventilator;13837] As for PSU, dont care about them. Clemson, we may have to fight over! :tap:[/QUOTE]

I SAW THE VIDEO.... how many arms should I tie behind my back just to make it fair? :tap:

You better have your phone ready January 3 for a smak down.... if you can handle it.
24.) Ventilator - 12/20/2013
hahA, Roger that GB!

in fairness, that was 3 years ago. Im in better shape now. lol
25.) Ventilator - 12/20/2013
[QUOTE=Swamp Fox;13848]Have you thought about doing most of the work before it gets hot and buggy? I go back and forth on that myself...LOL[/QUOTE]

I plan to start tomorrow. Ill be pig huntign thru january. Hoping to get it done then. There is allot of pig sign in that ditch as well.
26.) Go Bucks - 12/20/2013
[QUOTE=Ventilator;13852]hahA, Roger that GB!

in fairness, that was 3 years ago. Im in better shape now. lol
[/QUOTE]

HOLEY MOLEY THERE SON!!!

OHBH has a long lost brother... MY EYES! MY EYES!!
27.) Ventilator - 12/20/2013
HAHA, me an Dave are tight!

You better be nice to me, ill tell Dave to quit lettin u hunt. LMAO
28.) Ventilator - 12/20/2013
Just think of that pic as Clemson carrying ohio st on its back. :tu:
29.) crookedeye - 12/21/2013
[QUOTE=Ventilator;13852]hahA, Roger that GB!

in fairness, that was 3 years ago. Im in better shape now. lol
[/QUOTE]

Kenny you should be using heavy equipment to move logs like that...
30.) crookedeye - 12/21/2013
[QUOTE=crookedeye;13879]Kenny you should be using heavy equipment to move logs like that...[/QUOTE]

I see now.. that's one for the ladys... good luck..
31.) Swamp Fox - 12/21/2013
[QUOTE=crookedeye;13882]I see now.. that's one for the ladys... good luck..[/QUOTE]

LOL...
32.) crookedeye - 12/21/2013
why didn't I think lifting a big log could pick up chicks..
33.) Swamp Fox - 12/21/2013
Stick with the bicycle rides around the park...It's easier on your back and knees...
34.) crookedeye - 12/21/2013
picking up tree stumps, I can see how chicks can dig that..
35.) crookedeye - 12/21/2013
by now Kenny has to have a big pile of logs .. kinda what they make me do at work.. I move rock from 1 area, just to shovel it back to where we shoveled it from the first place.. i'm like WTF!!
36.) Go Bucks - 12/21/2013
its quite a strict workout regimen... he is practicing to carry home his passed out and drunk 350 pound "hotties"
37.) CHRIS - 12/21/2013
[QUOTE=Go Bucks;13891]its quite a strict workout regimen... he is practicing to carry home his passed out and drunk 350 pound "hotties"[/QUOTE]

Go Bucks that is just so wrong...but frigging funny!
38.) Ventilator - 12/21/2013
Lol.. heavys need love too!
39.) Ventilator - 12/21/2013


Logs are chic magnets. Lol
40.) crookedeye - 12/21/2013
who's the chick on the right?? looks like lifting all those heavy logs paid out...:-)
41.) Ohbuckhunter - 12/21/2013
How many times has she told you " your a great friend"
42.) crookedeye - 12/21/2013
i'm sure I could get some of that..
43.) crookedeye - 12/21/2013
again i'm just saying...
44.) Ventilator - 12/21/2013
[QUOTE=crookedeye;13908]who's the chick on the right?? looks like lifting all those heavy logs paid out...:-)[/QUOTE]

Dang right. Lol
45.) crookedeye - 12/21/2013
alright.... vents in!.. next time I see you will be in Colorado..
46.) crookedeye - 12/21/2013
plus dan-o... dano's like a porn star... he's like one of the first members that didn't quit make it in industrties... he had the looks and body..it just kinda peter out...
47.) crookedeye - 12/21/2013
I can not wait to meet dano again... I don't no if I should punch him or not..
48.) Ohbuckhunter - 12/21/2013
I would. Right in the kisser
49.) crookedeye - 12/21/2013
its going to be pizza and beer..dano's like has a million dollars... I will look for a pizza joint when I roll into town..
50.) crookedeye - 12/22/2013
its going to,happen we will get hamerred in Colorado...
51.) crookedeye - 12/22/2013
we will get drunck...as the polish would say... trust me it's going to happen..
52.) crookedeye - 12/22/2013
we can even smoke weed in Colorado.. dan-o you bringing the refor??
53.) Ohbuckhunter - 12/22/2013
I bet he gets some good stuff.
54.) Ventilator - 12/23/2013
gLAD TO hear you are all in CE!

Looking forward to it!


Its good to spend some of Dan-o`s millions. LOL
55.) Go Bucks - 12/23/2013
[QUOTE=Ohbuckhunter;13929]I bought a $2500 family daily driver but drink $60 bottles of scotch daily..[/QUOTE]

nice sig line!
56.) Ventilator - 12/23/2013
"I bought a 2500$ family daily driver but drink 60$ bottles of GOBUCK`S scotch daily"

This ^^
57.) Go Bucks - 12/23/2013
[QUOTE=Ventilator;13996]"I bought a 2500$ family daily driver but drink 60$ bottles of GOBUCK`S scotch daily"

This ^^[/QUOTE]

nah... don't let the facts get in the way of a cheap shot...