How to Make Homemade Mineral Lick for Deer

Supplemental minerals will strengthen antlers.

Creating a supplemental mineral lick for whitetail deer will help supplement the deer herd with minerals that are needed for antler growth, and provide nutrition for lactating does. The best time to create a mineral site is in early spring, and the best places are within 100 yards of water. Deer use these sites most in spring and summer.

Things You'll Need

• Di-calcium phosphate
• Trace minerals
• Stock salt
• 5-gallon bucket
• 3 lb. coffee can (empty)
• Shovel or rake
• Stick for mixing

Instructions

1. Clear a three-foot circle of ground of leaves, grass and debris. Use shovel or rake to loosen up the soil.

2. Fill a coffee can with di-calcium phosphate and pour into five-gallon bucket.

3. Add two coffee cans of trace minerals.

4. Mix the minerals with a stick.

5. Add one coffee can of stock salt and mix again.

6. Pour the mixture onto the circle of ground that you cleared.

Tips & Warnings

• Replenish in six months, and then again yearly.

• Create a mineral lick in an area that deer frequent.

• Place within 100 yards of water.

• Check state game laws before creating mineral lick

References

• Missouri Deer Hunter Magazine: Make Your Own Deer Mineral Supplement!