Sorry if this is redundant... I did a search for "mineral" and didn't come up with much for previous posts.

I've heard through wise men that the spring and summer it is advised to place mineral licks for the deer. Its not just for record racks, but overall deer health. Is buying a mineral rock at the feed store and setting it out enough or should I make my own? When do you start putting them out, and how is the proper way of "planting" a rock or mineral lick done? I'm new and confused and would appreciate some insight from you guys!

I bought a bunch at Juan Mart for like 2 bucks apiece and out. Probably gonna feed all year this year. Just not sure what kind of feed.

I put out a couple of "trophy rocks" this year and they're pretty much gone. They worked much better than I thought they would. Actually I bought one and when I saw what the animals were doing to it, I went and got one more.

I also made one. I dug a hole 3-4 feet in diameter about a foot and a half deep. Mixed the dirt with a bag of trace mineral from the feed store. Then put the mix in the hole and patted it down. The deer were hitting it two weeks later. If you try the mineral one make sure to get a low salt bag. I have directions from another site if you want them.

I had my doubts about the trophy rock also, but now I keep them on my property. The deer seem to love them, even after they are gone the deer tear up the stump that they were on. I need to buy some more, because all of mine are gone right now. But everyday they are still fresh tracks at the stumps they were on.

so just throw them out anywhere? I like the idea Payne had about making the mineral lick. My Grandfather uses a salt block in his 84 acres he lives on in Iowa and I'm amazed at all the deer that come just to like the salt (and skunks, for some reason those stinkers really like it too) all year long. I'm doing this not just as a lure for deer to my 50 acres, but also for general deer health etc.

You can put them just anywhere you want, but the recommend putting them on a stump. If you can keep them out of the direct rain the will last even longer. I put mine out about 6 months ago, and they just now need to be replaced. I will keep putting them out at my place I like them alot.

I am going to grab a couple this weekend and put them out. Would it be ok to put them in a feedpen near my feeder?

Mine is about 30 yards from my feeder, so I don't think it would hurt anything.

I have/had mine under the game cam, they push the rocks around. I found it 25 feet or so from the last place I put them.

Yes, I have to put mine back on the stump pretty regularly.

Guess I'm just cheap, I always just put out goat minerals from tractor supply and they all vanish.

I don't know about that, Tractor Supply is overpriced..

the deer love trophy rocks. just out your finger on one and then lick it and you will see why.

mix I use
1 part Dicalcium phosphate (dairy feed additive)
2 parts trace mineral salt, non medicated
1 part rock salt
I dig a hole 3 feet wide and 6 inches deep and use a 3 pound coffee can to measure each part in the hole and mix with the dirt.