ingredients for deer salt lick
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How To Create A Mineral Salt Lick For Deer

I’ve always been a big fan of salt blocks and licks. They are an easy and cost effective way to continue attracting deer in the area. A few years ago, I started making my own salt licks and it showed even better results than the in store salt blocks.

Keep scrolling below to learn more about making your own salt lick for deer.

I’m going to share my recipe for making your own DIY homemade salt lick for deer. It’s simple, easy and it works!

Salt licks are great for deer and they love them because they contain the essential minerals needed to survive and grow: zinc, manganese, cobalt, copper, iodine and iron.

Mineral salt lick for deer
Photo of one of our most recent salt licks we put out

If you plan on making your own salt lick, there are three main components. Here are the three ingredients needed, you can buy the following from your local feed store, Stockdales, Rural King or Tractor Supply.

Deer Salt Lick Ingredients

  • 1 part Di-Calcium Phosphate
    • This is mainly used as a dairy feed additive for livestock and promotes weight gain.
    • Comes in 50lb bag, usually around $40
  • 1 part Trace mineral salt (can also do 2 parts Trace minerals)
    • Red and loose, non medicated. Comes in 50lb bag, usually around $10
    • Contains the essential 6 minerals zinc, manganese, cobalt, copper, iodine and iron
  • 1 part Stock salt
    • Attractive to deer
    • Comes in 50lb bag, usually around $10

Additionally, I also throw a bag of corn around as well. It keeps the deer coming back for that tasty candy deer love.

Directions:

  • Mix your mineral mixture together in a big bucket or wheel barrow. You can also mix it directly on the ground.
  • Dig a hole in the ground about 6 to 10 inches deep or find an old tree stump.
  • Pour your mixture into the hole or in and around the tree stump
  • Place your trail cam next to your salt lick to see what deer you are attracting.
Video of me and the boys making our own deer salt lick

Wherever you decide to place your DIY salt lick, I can guarantee the deer will be coming back and finding it for at least one year. The salt and minerals soak into the ground or tree stump and the deer will still be scraping the ground trying to get some.

Two week difference before and after of one of our deer salt licks

When and where should you put out a salt lick for deer?

When: There’s no specific time for when you should put out your salt lick or salt block. Whether you buy the block in store or make your own, it doesn’t matter. Just make sure it’s there year round. The deer are going to be there year around, so your salt lick should be too.

Where: I would recommend placing your salt lick in a known location where deer travel on your property. However, there’s no specific place you should place it. You could also spread them around your property in different locations. Deer will travel from one side of your property to the other side if you have them on different sides.

Making your own salt lick for deer can be beneficial for several reasons, including attracting deer to your property and providing them the necessary minerals and nutrients to survive. I also have many other deer hunting tips that can help attract more deer in your area.

Can you bait deer in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, as of 2023, you may hunt deer using bait on private property only. This includes corn, grains, salt, minerals, fruits and vegetables. The only exception is on public property.

Additionally, new regulations (301 KAR 2:015) ban baiting in the Chronic Wasting Disease areas of Western Kentucky. Also, feeding wildlife is banned March 1 through July 31 unless in the immediate area surrounding your home.

Can you bait deer in Tennessee?

Baiting deer is illegal in the state of Tennessee according to TCA 70-1-101. No person shall hunt over baited areas unless the bait has been removed at least 10 days prior to hunting.

Salt and minerals are allowed if they contain at least 51% salt by weight and no whole grains.

Can you bait deer in Michigan?

Baiting deer is illegal in the Lower Peninsula in the state of Michigan as outlined in Chapter 324. This includes grains, minerals, salt and salt blocks, fruits, vegetables and hay.

Baiting deer is legal during hunting season in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan between September 15 – January 1. You cannot put more than 2 gallons of bait on the ground and it must be dispersed in a large 10ft x 10ft area.

If you are feeding wildlife for recreational viewing purposes, then you may feed within 100 yards of your house.

Can you bait deer in Ohio?

Baiting deer is legal in the state of Ohio on private land any time of the year, including during hunting season. Additionally, you can hunt over the baited areas. You cannot bait deer in the following disease surveillance counties of Wyandot, Hardin and Marion.

You are not allowed to bait deer on public land in the state of Ohio.

Conclusion

States are really starting to crack down and ban or regulate baiting and feeding wildlife, especially with the increase of Chronic Wasting Disease being found.

I hope this guide has helped you create your own salt lick, let me know if you used the same recipe as mine or do you make it a little different.

Do your salt licks keep deer in the area?

Author

  • Hey folks! I'm Trey Copeland, founder of Made To Hunt. I'm from Kentucky and love the outdoors. I've been hunting or fishing in many states including KY, MO, MS, AR, TN and FL as well as Mexico and Costa Rica. For more updates follow me on Twitter.

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