Forums46
Topics537,952
Posts9,731,011
Members87,051
|
Most Online25,604 Feb 12th, 2024
|
|
|
Mineral Blocks?
#5797092
06/19/15 11:47 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 847
Kill Box ALPHA
OP
Tracker
|
OP
Tracker
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 847 |
Looking for some advise on mineral blocks. Do you guys use them and if so what brand. I was looking at Cabelas today and most of the mineral blocks advertise they are "attractants". I'm in a new spot this year (roughly 1050 acreas) with just a few 5-6 hunters. To my knowledge no one is feeding protein. I figured a mineral block would be the way to go for longevity but if I'm off base on this I'm open to new ideas.
thanks
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5797105
06/19/15 11:52 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,072
cabosandinh
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 2,072 |
i use Cabelas brand
the white salt block and the pink mineral block
deer , hogs will lick both
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5797114
06/19/15 11:57 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
|
Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
Are you wanting a mineral block(all mineral) or protein block(mostly protein and some mineral)? Big difference in the 2.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5797120
06/20/15 12:03 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171
J.G.
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,171 |
Last time I put one out, the coons ate the whole thing in two weeks. Got mine from Tractor Supply Co.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5797272
06/20/15 02:00 AM
|
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 11,534
rickym
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 11,534 |
Will be making a mineral site next weekend. Ill post about how it seems to go.
Do yall think a block or making a mineral site with the powder mixed with water then poured works better?
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5797280
06/20/15 02:06 AM
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,396
Pittstate
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 5,396 |
I have used mineral sites for years, but never hunt them as they tend to quit using them after antler development stops and fawns stop sucking. I also use these as "safe" zones to keep deer on my place. I dig a 9" hole and put the mineral block in it. First year will go through 2 and only 1 each year after. The deer will dig out the dirt and suck on it to get the mineral they need after the block dissolves. Best to have mineral spot in or next to woods/cover and close to water source. By year 3 your mineral site will be a small pond and the deer will literally flock to it when it fills with water to get the minerals they need. If your deer are not lacking minerals, they may not utilize it....however, I have hunted 7 states with them and not found a spot where the deer didn't use them.
I use the mineral block from Tractor Supply usually.
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5797334
06/20/15 02:42 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25,266
Creekrunner
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25,266 |
I just buy a trace mineral block at the feed store and put it in a low, cut-off plastic barrel that's wired to a t-post. If there are cows around, make sure it's inside your feeder pen. I think it helps to keep deer checking out your feeder from time to time, especially if you're not feeding year round.
...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: stxranchman]
#5797373
06/20/15 03:10 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 21,271
SniperRAB
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 21,271 |
Are you wanting a mineral block(all mineral) or protein block(mostly protein and some mineral)? Big difference in the 2. Waste of money IMO...invest in a good Protein Tub, they hold over well once the free choice runs out..L & E has a great one
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5797616
06/20/15 02:15 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,136
EddieWalker
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 2,136 |
I've tried several and their have been a few tracks around the, suggesting that they are used, but mostly they just sit there and eventually fade away from the weather. In my opinion, they are a waste of money.
Eddie
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5797648
06/20/15 02:39 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,856
30378
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,856 |
It's almost too late for mineral blocks. These supplement feeds should have been out months ago when the antlers fell off.
NRA Benefactor Life Member - Free men should not be subjected to permits, paperwork and taxation in order to carry a firearm.
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: 30378]
#5797764
06/20/15 04:34 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,642
QuitShootinYoungBucks
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,642 |
It's almost too late for mineral blocks. These supplement feeds should have been out months ago when the antlers fell off. its never too late to help the health of your herd!
https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5797768
06/20/15 04:39 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25,266
Creekrunner
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25,266 |
Do whatever you want, it's your money, and you sure aren't gonna hurt anything. I have seen cows tear down feeder pens trying to, and getting those softer protein, "deer attractant" blocks.
I keep a trace mineral block out all year. And have seen deer licking it...all year.
...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#5797826
06/20/15 05:42 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 117
orpco
Woodsman
|
Woodsman
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 117 |
I have had lots of activity around deer cane and trophy rock sites. They continue to use 1 site after I quit refreshing it. They have dug it out about 2 ft deep. Do t know how beneficial it is but they definite use it.
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5797956
06/20/15 08:15 PM
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,073
RedSnake
Extreme Tracker
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,073 |
Deer at my place hammer Biologic rock from academy and the rocks from Bass Pro.
I've also made a homemade mix of dicalcium phosphate, rock salt, and trace mineral salt from tractor suppy. Like pittstate said, dig a shallow hole and mix in with soil. They will cont to hit it for years especially if you add mix to site every 4-6 months or so. I've now got a hole 1-2 feet deep and 10 wide after 3 years.
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5798483
06/21/15 04:15 AM
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,795
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,795 |
We have used this with varied luck. Some years they tear it up, some they only mess with it a little, it seems to kind of depend on the local farmers and what has been planted and the rainfall. https://www.qdma.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-11.html
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back. _____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5799509
06/22/15 01:08 AM
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,906
n-all
Extreme Tracker
|
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,906 |
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5801236
06/23/15 02:45 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,959
Scoop
Pro Tracker
|
Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,959 |
I use one block at each protein station on my place. Noticed this past weekend they were really hitting them hard. They are so inexpensive and last so long they are about the cheapest thing you can do for your herd.
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5802545
06/23/15 10:42 PM
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,307
BowsnRods
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,307 |
I use Moormans 12/12 summer blend cattle mineral. I pour it out in wooden boxes I have made for my feed pens and allow free choice as I do on my protein. It works well for me!
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5802681
06/24/15 12:13 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 109
Spades
Woodsman
|
Woodsman
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 109 |
According to my tc pictures they like the trace block I put out a few months ago.
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5802733
06/24/15 12:55 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,466
DQ Kid
THF Celebrity
|
THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,466 |
I've had luck with the B2B Protein block and much less success with the Trophy Rock.
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5805060
06/25/15 02:05 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,966
gary roberson
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,966 |
I am a firm believer in keeping mineral out for deer just as we keep mineral out for livestock. The key is to know what minerals the country you are hunting is deficient. In other words, most of the Hill Country and Trans Pecos is deficient in Phosphorus and loaded with Calcium from all the limestone. It takes Ca and Ph to grow bones and antlers so I always keep a high Ph mineral out for the deer. Don't buy products that say "Deer" on them as that gives the manufacturers the ability to mark up the product as a "specialty" item. I purchase livestock mineral blocks such as Hi Pro 12-12 which is at least 12 percent Ph. As 30378 said, you need to keep the mineral out before they shed their antlers. I typically put it out in January and keep it out through July. High Ph mineral blocks are not cheap, even if marketed for livestock. By the way, I was not smart enough to figure this out on my own. The directions were given to me by a TP&W Biologist many years ago. Adios, Gary
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5805076
06/25/15 02:13 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,966
gary roberson
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,966 |
The Moormans 12-12 livestock mineral that BowsndRods mentioned in his post should be excellent as well. It is a loose mineral and I am using blocks. Since I don't have to worry about livestock one a couple of ranches, I break the blocks in half with a grubbing how and scatter them over more country. The Hi Pro blocks are hard and even a half will last for several months. You will notice that there is a spike in consumption after a rain when vegetation is lush. They will eat much more mineral on a wet year like this than a dry one when you would think that they deer were hungrier. Adios, Gary
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5805242
06/25/15 04:02 PM
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 8,383
nsmike
THF Trophy Hunter
|
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 8,383 |
Gary, my theory of why the deer use the mineral in wet years, is that during wet years they are using less supplemental feed. Corn will have phosphorus and protein will be balanced, if the ground is deficient the natural feed will be also, they will then use the blocks to make up the deficiency.
for every stereotype there's a prototype don't be the prototype
|
|
|
Re: Mineral Blocks?
[Re: Kill Box ALPHA]
#5805270
06/25/15 04:19 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,778
Gone to Texas
Veteran Tracker
|
Veteran Tracker
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,778 |
I have tried different mineral blocks (cabelas and protein blocks from feed stores), vanilla, flavored corn, cool aid powder, pretty much any baiting idea I have tried it.
In my opinion gardens are the best attractant. I have 3 different gardens, 2 I really take care of and 1 is kind of a deer garden. The deer eat out of all 3, they come in like clock work at dusk. I sit out back and watch them walk to the garden.
They hammer the green beans, arugula, yellow eyed peas, and tomatoes. I also have a couple of peach trees and the deer love them.
If I were in your shoes, I would plant some beans and leafy greens. A hunting buddy of mine has a lease and they have 3 feeders up. When I go hunting with him there the most action is over the clovers which they planted. This year he is adding soy beans. I have heard turnips are good too but I have never tried planting them.
|
|
|
Moderated by bigbob_ftw, CCBIRDDOGMAN, Chickenman, Derek, DeRico, Duck_Hunter, hetman, jeh7mmmag, JustWingem, kmon11, kry226, kwrhuntinglab, Payne, pertnear, rifleman, sig226fan (Rguns.com), Superduty, TreeBass, txcornhusker
|