RE: ??? about deer / mineral licks...
WNY Bowhunter -
Sometimes when establishing a lick - its a good Idea to put the lick (like you made i the dirt) right on a well used trail - and mix right on top 1-2 lbs of straight salt. It gets them used to the site - and eventually they get used to the Mineral Mix - not just salt.
Even with the best lick - usage really stops in late August - as the antlers start to harden - and fawns start eating browse.
FH