I'll try to give you a Redneck's take on this subject.
Why supplement minerals? Is it beneficial? Will it help grow larger racks?
In my experience, the answers are all "YES".
Bucks use up to 30% of their calcium storage to produce antlers every year. This calcium comes from their bone structure. This in turn, depletes their system, creating a "Catch-22" if you will. Grow bigger horns or maintain my skeletal structures integrity.
Momma Does need supplements for their fawn's development. Also, during the time of lactation, minerals are being pulled from their body systems as well. We've all seen those poor Does that look like they ain't ate in 6 months. You can count every rib in them. Not enough nutrition and minerals to maintain body weight during this process of birthing and feeding of fawns.
We started years ago making "Mineral Sites".
We try to locate these near food plots, water holes or bedding areas. This makes them a natural "stopping place" when deer travel.
I know a lot of folks place mineral blocks made for cattle out for deer. These work, just not as well.
We use Dicalcium Phosphate, dried Molasses, Trace Minerals and Salt.
The Trace Minerals, Salt and Molasses are all mixed equal parts. Then the Dicalcium Phosphate is added. If we use 4 pounds of each of the first mentioned, we only use 2 pounds of Dicalcium. You can go to your local feed store and buy all of these in bulk to make up roughly 150 pounds of minerals for around $50 dollars. This will last you at least 2 years or longer depending on how much acreage you hunt and how many sites you make. The Molasses gets their nose interested, but it's the minerals that keep them coming back.
When putting out the site, I like to find an old tree stump that's starting to rot, I clean around the stump a little, breaking up the soil, and then pour the mixture right on top of the stump. The minerals will leech into the stump and ground. Deer will actually eat the wood to get to the minerals.
You'll be amazed at the deer activity at one of these sites.
Now, will this grow BIG Antlers overnight. No! But it will improve your deer in the coming future. Building better Does and Fawns creates better Bucks. We have found out that over 60% of a Bucks genetics comes from the Doe. Make your Girls healthy and happy!
It'll improve the quality of your Bucks in the upcoming seasons.I highly recommend this little investment in your deer herd. You can put these out in February and run them until about August if you want. We run them year round.
You can place a trail camera on these sites and watch your Bucks growth development before your eyes. It's also a great way to inventory your deer population.
I hope this answers some of the questions I have been ask.
I know some of you are probably NOT allowed by law to supplement.
Always obey the law! Just the thoughts of an old rambling Redneck from East Texas.
We use them. And they Work!
Y'all be Safe Out There!!
AJ
