Mineral licks

[Couestracker]

How long does a mineral lick have to be in the field before deer start using it? I placed one in my hunt area after several people recommended them 2 weeks before my hunt. I never saw a deer at it, as a matter of fact, I watched 3 does walk within 50 yds of it and they never even lifted their heads as they walked along.

I passed on several small bucks looking for something bigger. Saw a few of those (shooters) but only briefly-couldn't connect. Maybe I'll do better in New Mexico next week.

 

Couestracker

[the breeze]

How long does a mineral lick have to be in the field before deer start using it? I placed one in my hunt area after several people recommended them 2 weeks before my hunt. I never saw a deer at it, as a matter of fact, I watched 3 does walk within 50 yds of it and they never even lifted their heads as they walked along.

I passed on several small bucks looking for something bigger. Saw a few of those (shooters) but only briefly-couldn't connect. Maybe I'll do better in New Mexico next week.

 

Couestracker

 

 

I have found that some licks get hit harder than others. The ones I have had the best luck withh are in red soil that is kind of hard. I think the red dirt has some natural minerals in it already. Be advised that there is no baiting allowed in NM and salt would be considered baiting. You are cool in AZ though. Good luck!

[DesertBull]

They hit the salt much more often in the spring/summer time. Seems like they stop using it for the most part after they rub, IMO.

 

Keep maintaining your site over the winter, as the rain/snow will leach the minerals into the soil, making the site more productive next spring and summer.

[cramerhunts]

I couldn't agree more with what Desert Bull wrote. This has been my experience as well.

 

Phil

[Couestracker]

Thanks guy's, I appreciate the info. I'll hopefully be back there next year to see if the deer are hitting it.

Couestracker