I too make my on. Usually a mix of about 50% NaCl, 25% Dicalcium Phosphate and 25% High Calcium "dairy supplement". OFten times use trace minerals salt insted of pure NaCl. Cannot legally use sweet mixes or any other "feed" like molasses. I have tried half barrels, cut length wise. That works fine, but also have simply dumped on the gound, usually over a stump. Have 12 lick areas. I put out about 2000# - 3000# every year on the 3150 +/- acres where I hunt. Done this for years. Put it out in Feb.-Mar. time frame. Refresh with about 600# of NaCl in August or so. Have some areas that are 3'-4' deep holes. One place on a hill side is dug out into the back so far that it is a small gully now.