A deer mineral site functions as a supplemental source of macro and trace nutrients, delivering substances like sodium, calcium, and phosphorus that are often lacking in natural forage. Providing these supplemental minerals aids in biological processes, including the development of antlers in bucks, lactation and fetal development in does, and general bone structure health in fawns. The sites also serve as effective attractants, concentrating deer activity in a chosen location, which allows for better population observation and inventory through trail cameras.
Selecting the Ideal Site Location
Maximizing use requires choosing the correct location. Deer feel most secure when feeding near cover, so the ideal placement is often near thick bedding areas or along established travel corridors between a food source and a resting area. Placing the site in a secluded area away from vehicle traffic minimizes disturbance and encourages daytime use.
Clay-heavy or loamy soils are preferable because they hold moisture, slowing the rate minerals leach away and keeping nutrients accessible near the surface. Avoid light, sandy soils, which allow the minerals to wash out quickly after heavy rain. Since the salt content in the mix stimulates thirst, establishing the site near a reliable water source is beneficial, as deer will often drink immediately after consuming the minerals. Check local and state regulations before creating any site, as restrictions on supplemental feeding or baiting may apply.
Necessary Supplies and Mineral Types
Supplemental nutrients are most effectively delivered through loose, granular mixes. Loose minerals are preferred over hard blocks because deer can consume the powder-soil mixture more readily, leading to better absorption. While commercial deer mineral blends are widely available, a common do-it-yourself mixture includes trace mineral salt and dicalcium phosphate.
Calcium and phosphorus are the two most abundant minerals required for bone and antler growth, making up 30 to 35 percent of a mature antler’s weight. The inclusion of sodium chloride, or common salt, serves as the primary attractant, as deer actively seek out salt, especially during spring and summer when their diet is high in potassium and water. Simple tools like a shovel, metal rake, and bucket are necessary for mixing and transport.
Step-by-Step Site Construction
Construction begins by preparing a section of bare earth. Clear away all debris and vegetation from a circular area two to three feet in diameter. Next, use a shovel to dig a shallow depression, roughly six to eight inches deep, and loosen the existing soil within this cleared space.
Once the soil is loosened, pour the mineral powder directly into the depression. Use a rake or shovel to thoroughly mix the granular mineral supplement into the excavated soil, ensuring deep saturation across the entire site. This mixing process creates the “mineral lick,” as deer will consume the mineral-infused dirt. After mixing, gently saturate the site with water to help dissolve the minerals and pull them into the surrounding soil, which provides an immediate draw to the area.
For additional initial attraction or a slow-release option, an old stump or log can be placed on top of the newly mixed site. The minerals will leach into the wood, which deer will lick and chew over time. Some builders will also pour a small amount of the granular mix directly on top of the soil as a visual and olfactory attractant to mark the site.
Seasonal Maintenance and Replenishment
Deer use mineral sites most heavily from late winter through early fall, corresponding to the peak nutritional demands of antler growth and fawn development. Bucks require minerals during spring and summer as their antlers grow, while does need nutrients for gestation and nursing fawns. Refreshing the mineral supply during this period is most effective, as deer consumption naturally slows down in the cooler months.
Replenishment typically involves adding new mineral mix every three to four months, though active sites may require more frequent attention. Maintenance is signaled by visible signs of heavy use, such as a noticeable depression, pawing, or extensive digging. When visiting the site for maintenance, move quickly and minimize the scent left behind to avoid conditioning the deer to associate the area with human presence.