Homemade Salt Lick

[CrossK]

Does anyone use homemade salt licks? What do you guys put in em'? I recently just put out 2 today made of 2.5 gals. of water, a cup of sugar, a cup of salt, a packet of koolaid, 2 packets of apple oats, and an apple juiced and crushed into the mix. Not anything Ive ever done before so I'm just experimenting at the moment but does anyone have an tested methods?

Thanks.

[MDBowHunter]

I use this same mix and they tear it up, the only thing is this article was written a while back and it's more expensive to make then stated:

 

Recipe from Missouri Conservation.....

The ultimate goal of mineral supplements in deer management is to increase
antler size and improve
overall health of deer herds by providing minerals or trace minerals that
may be lacking in a given area.

Although the jury is still out on effects of mineral supplements on wild
deer populations since most studies have been on pen raised deer. Studies on
wild population have been inconclusive and to a degree the same on pen
raised deer due to other variables such as supplemental feeding that takes
place in these
areas. The direct benefits will probably be far greater in certain regions
that lack certain trace minerals in the soil and plants.

One mixture or home recipe of deer minerals we recommend to landowners is a
mix of one part
Dicalcium Phosphate, 2 parts trace mineral salt (loose), and 1 part loose
stock salt. All of these are available to purchase at most local feed and
farm supply stores. Just to give you a little background on these minerals
and what they are designed to do lets start with the Dicalcium Phosphate.
Dicalcium phosphate is used primarily as dairy cattle feed additive and
other animal feeds. It promotes feed digestion, weight gain, and milk
production, which is obviously beneficial to a lactating doe deer.
Dicalcium phosphate contains roughly between 18 and 21 percent phosphorus
and 19 to 23 percent
calcium. You're probably asking why this is important by now. Well if your
talking about growing antlers on deer you need to take a look at what is the
make up of a deer antler.

Hardened antlers contain 40 to 50 percent organic matter from mostly
proteins while the most abundant minerals consist of calcium and
phosphorus. The demands for these minerals on a daily basis can be
significant for antler production. In addition, a lactating doe's milk
contains high percentages of both calcium and phosphorus to pass on to their
young, also causing a significant mineral drain on the doe.

What makes all this significant is the fact
that phosphorous cannot be synthesized by the body so it must be provided in
needed levels in the animals diet. This is where a mineral mix such as this
could be very valuable if an area is lacking in these naturally.

Trace mineral salts do two things for deer. The first and foremost is it
does have the salt/sodium to attract the deer and promote the use of the
mineral. Secondly, it provides the trace minerals such as magnesium and
potassium that are very important to herd health but are not found in
significant quantities like others.
Stock salt is again like part of the above. It has the sodium to attract
deer to the minerals.

Most mineral mixes have salt as their most abundant ingredient since a mix
of just posphorus, calcium, and other trace minerals have little attraction
to deer once mixed with the soil.

As for directions of use we suggest using a 3-pound coffee can to measure
out 1 part dicalcium phoshate, 2 parts trace mineral salt, and 1 part stock
salt. Mix all these together once ready to use but keep components separate
during storage. Dig a hole in the soil about 36 inches wide and 6 inches
deep and mix the mineral well with the soil. This should be replenished
after 6 months and then once a year thereafter.
Most use seems to be during the spring and summer months on mineral licks.
It's a good idea
to keep these areas replenished and stocked in the same spot to maintain
use.

Print this off and take with you.

WHITETAIL DEER HOMEMADE MINERAL 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.
Does will still use it during some of the season.
Now is the time to get it out!!!
The hole in the ground will get huge!!....enjoy