Back in the 90's I was visiting with retired Wildlife Biologist, Bill Russ, Sanderson, TX. I asked Bill what is the best thing that we can do to help increase antler growth in the Trans-Pecos and Hill Country. His advice was simple and "spot on". This region is deficient in Phosphorus (Ph); it takes Calcium and Ph to grow antlers and bones. We have all the Calcium in this limestone country but very little Ph. At that time, Goldboldt out of Alpine made a 12-12 mineral block and I began scattering them across the 30,000 acres that I was hunting. The blocks were hard and deer don't need a lot of volume, so I would split them with a grubbing hoe and leave a chunk near every feeder and water. The first year, we noticed darker and heavier antlers and overall I would estimate an increase of 10% in size.
Several years went by and I could not find a high Ph mineral block that the deer would eat. Last week, I picked up 4 in Kerrville at Double L Feed Store and put them out that afternoon. Evidently my deer were craving mineral as they are pounding the blocks. Thank goodness, the blocks are hard and should last for a couple of months.
By the way, the Axis are REALLY hitting them. The blocks are being made in Neosho, MO and called Ragland Elite 12% Phosphorus Mineral Block.
Adios,
Gary

I'd like to try these. I found their website. Do you know anywhere in DFW area or Texas that sales them?

Gary, I buy the mineral blocks every year and put them under or by the feeders. They don’t stay there though. Pigs hit them and roll them everywhere.

I keep one of them by putting it on a 4 ft tall metal table with sides. Cams show thAt they lick on it.

I think it shows on West Feeds site where they are available. By the way, these are 40 lb. blocks rather than 33 1/3 pounders. Livestock and deer typically don't like the taste of Ph so the added "Molasses Products, natural and artificial flavors" are what makes them more palatable. In the past, consumption of the Godboldt blocks was very low; they had no added molasses or other flavors. This is a "hard" block and does not appear to be "sweet" by smell so I am guessing that it has just enough to get livestock to eat.
On the feeding instructions, it says that cattle and horses are supposed to eat 2.37 oz. per day. Based on the size difference between deer and livestock, I am guessing that deer would consume approximately .3-.4 oz. per day. I estimate that I am feeding at least 50 axis and whitetails on the river, 10 whitetails and at least 40 axis, this would mean that they should be eating over a pound a day. Based on the wear on the two blocks that are there, I would say that they are consuming at least 2 pounds a day. I feel that they are eating more than normal because it was just introduced last Thursday evening and consumption will slow somewhat. If this is not the case, I am to assume that I am feeding more mouths than I thought.
Adios,
Gary

Gary,

Which block is it? This is from the West Feeds website.


https://westfeeds.com/product-category/blocks-minerals/

Yes Sir, that's where I found the blocks. When I got to Kerrville, I asked for the 12-12 Block and they sold me the blocks from Ragland Mills, Inc. so I am not sure if this is the block that West Feed is selling or not. On the West Feed site, says the block weighs 33 1/3 pounds and the ones from Ragland are 40 lbs. Price was $28/block at Double L in Kerrville. I think that Compton Warehouse is going to start selling them here in Menard as they already carry a loose sheep and goat mineral from Ragland Mills. I will shoot a copy of the analysis tag and post.
Adios,
Gary

If you see them in Compton's (or anywhere in Menard, Junction, Mason, etc...) please let me know. I'm in for 6 to start and give them a try!

I will let you know when they get them in at Compton's. Since he already carries the loose mineral from Ragland, should not be a big deal to get it in.
Adios,
Gary

Why is this better then any other 12-12 or 12-12-12 blocks

Bobo, appears to be better because the deer are eating it. Some blocks are so hard and no flavor additives that the deer don't eat enough to do any good. I understand from several rancher buddies that cattle do not like the taste of P. If cattle don't like it, I am betting that deer don't as well.
Adios,
Gary