what is the best mineral supplement for deer, just a simple block or what.

I have poured out nothing but pure saltat my salt licks.

Salt is simply something the deer like the tast of but it actually does nothing for their health. In fact, to much sodium in their diest can actually have a negative unhealthy effect.

Try this recipe and save a lot of money as well.

WHITETAIL DEER HOMEMADEMINERAL MIX RECIPE

Ingredients: Makes 200 lbs. for about $23.00

1 part Di-calcium phosphate, this is a dairy feed additive bought at feed stores.
Comes in 50lb Bags at around $11.00 you need one bag.

2 parts Trace mineral salt, the red and loose kind without the medications.
Comes in 50lb Bags at around $5.00 you need two bags.

1 part Stock salt, ice cream salt.
Comes in 50lb Bags at around $2.00 you need one bag.

Directions:

-Use a 3 pound or similar size coffee can to use as your measure for each part of the mix.

-Mix all together well but not until read to use, keep ingredients separate until ready to put to use.

-Dig or tear up a circle in the soil about 36 inches wide and about 6 inches deep.

-Mix your mineral mixture with the soil.

Maintenance:

-Replenish in 6 months with fresh supply of, mineral and then each year there after.

I've been using Black Magic Deer cane for about 2 months now and they've been working it over . Its only $8.00 a bag too.

IL-Cornfed -
Does Di-Calcium Phosphate go by any other names? I asked about it at the local tractor supply store, but they had no idea what it was. Although I did notice it as one of many ingredients in some other mineral mixtures they were selling.

Thanks for your help!
Castaway

I used to use the Rock, but switched this spring to Champs Minerals. I have Deer/Elk tearing this spot up! I see so many animals utilizing the minerals that I don't think I be switching back to the Rock!

I also tried the Deer Cocaine, nothing touched it!

I have been using Lucky Buck Minerals and the difference in the bucks on the land that I hunt is amazing. It is a little pricey at $22 for 20lbs, but it works like crazy.

Cast...Don't know where you are located, but I do similiar as IL...
I use 2 to 1 from Southern States...It has calcium, phosphate and salt...
Its called 2 to 1 because it has 14% phosphate and 7% calcium (or the other way around, I can't remember)...The salt content is 20-25% as is...

Funny thing, some farms I hunt the deer will hit it as is...On some I add
loose, bulk salt to help them hit it....

Most feed stores carry some type of these supplements, the contents vary
because some are made for beef cows, some for calving cows, some for
dairy cows, etc....

You bait in Illinois?

No Peak...I live and own farms in North Carolina....(nc)hawkeye