How to Make Mineral Sites for Deer and Why You Should

Like food plots, mineral sites are a great way to boost the health of your deer herd by providing them with extra nutrients in a semi-cost-effective way. So, do you know how to make a mineral site for deer? Why should you consider it?

Keep reading, and we'll walk through why mineral sites help support the deer population (and better hunts)!

Why Create a Deer Mineral Site?

There are several reasons why creating mineral sites is super beneficial.

One benefit is that it helps support the overall health of your deer herd. Mineral mixes and mineral blocks provide deer with a source of calcium, phosphorus, and salt that aid in antler growth (which we all want to see), lactation from the does, and just the overall health of the deer.

Something related to healthier herds — that may get overlooked — is the boost in fawn development. Pregnant and nursing does benefit from added minerals, which leads to healthier fawns.

Plentiful minerals will help to attract and hold more deer in your hunting area. Depending on the size of the property you’re hunting, the deer probably won’t strictly stay on your property, but it gives them more of a reason to stay close and establish movement patterns.

Additionally, if one of your priorities is to increase trail camera traffic, mineral sites can be a great tool. A well-placed mineral site can keep deer in front of your trail cameras longer, giving you a great look at them.

How to Make a Mineral Site for Deer

To start, you need "minerals."

You can either buy mineral blocks from plenty of retailers (including our partners at Buck Bourbon). Or, you can create your own mixture or use a homemade mineral block for deer. On my family farm, we usually have four to six spots that set out mineral and salt blocks.

Then, you need a location.

Mineral sites can essentially be put anywhere, but there are better spots than others. The best spot for mineral sites is close to bedding or close to a main food source.

Deer will frequent mineral sites more often if they feel at home and comfortable there and do not have to go out of their way to get there, So identifying travel routes is an easy way to pick mineral sites. You can use HuntWise map layers to help you spot these areas and save you some time trying to find them on foot.

If you can tie those areas in with being close to a water source, that is the ideal location since the minerals and salt will make the deer thirsty, and they will want something to drink. To help the mineral dump or mineral block last longer, try to set up areas in the shade and dry or well-drained areas.

Clear an Area

To get started putting in a deer mineral site for a dry mixture, pick a spot and clear a roughly 3–5-foot diameter circle, removing all the grass and sticks so that you are down to fresh dirt. Using a metal rake or shovel, work the dirt up a little so that there is a loose layer on top across the clearing.

The mineral mixture that will get dumped is made up of:

• 50 lbs. of trace mineral salt (found at most feed stores)
• 50 lbs. of Dicalcium Phosphate (supports bone and antler growth)
• 50 lbs. of stock salt (helps attract deer)
• Optional: Epsom Salt (for magnesium) and/or molasses (for attraction)

Next, take the mixture that you have prepped, dump the minerals on top of the dirt, and mix it into the dirt patch with your rake or shovel (it is even better if the ground is a little wet so you can put the mix in with some mud).

It’s best if you can replenish the site every few months, especially after heavy rain.

Making a Homemade Mineral Mix

If you prefer to make a homemade mineral block for your property, there are plenty of recipes to try.

But I have a tried-and-true recipe that you can try:

Ingredients

• 2 parts trace mineral salt
• 1-part dicalcium phosphate
• 1 part stock salt
• ½ part molasses (for binding and attraction)
• Water (to mix into a thick paste)

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients in a large container
2. Add molasses and water gradually to form a thick paste
3. Pour into a mold (a plastic buck will work great for this)
4. Let the mixture harden in the bucket for 24-48 hours before setting out at the site

The deer will go crazy for this regardless of your method for putting it out. In no time, you’ll have a rutted-up hole because they are so eager for the minerals there.

When Should You Start a Mineral Site for Deer?

As I said earlier, there is really no bad time to start a mineral site. However, late winter post-deer season or early spring will be your best time because the deer are run down and looking for nutrients.

Also, before you know it, bucks will start growing antlers. So, having extra minerals out for them will only help. After getting them out, they will need a refresher in the mid-summer and then again at the end of hunting season to ensure the deer have the best chance to stay healthy through the winter and into the next year.

By keeping a consistent schedule for your mineral sites, your deer herd’s health will improve, and in turn, the property has a higher chance of attracting new bucks to the general area. As a result, you gain a spot to gather info on trail cameras, which is always a plus.

Use HuntWise to Hunt the Deer You Bring In

Let’s face it: Most of us are pretty limited in the number of sites we get to hunt, so knowing the best days to cash in on those hunts is a big help. After attracting all the deer in the area with your new mineral sites, you’ll need to know the best times to be out in the stand. 

That’s where HuntWise comes into play! HuntWise will help you determine the best times to be out so that you can plan your schedule around those days.

Get more of the deer you bring into your area this season! 
Download HuntWise and try it — free — for your first week.