Bioplots
Food Plot and Habitat Management
Buck-It's Minerals tips to increase use and your antler growth!
Call us today! 336-592-0547 or info@bioplots.com
I thought I would share some of my secrets on creating successful mineral sites with Bioplots Buck-It Minerals. These pointers will make even beginners have success with our mineral sites.
1. The ideal time to begin a mineral site is late winter through mid-spring. However, late is better late than never.
2. Read the label and understand what you are getting in a mineral supplement. Biologists recommend a 2 to 1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus plus vitamins to aid in absorption of the minerals. There are many products marketed as "minerals" that are little more than salt blocks. Bioplots Buck-It Mineral Supplements are focused on science, not shortcuts.
3. Consider camera placement when choosing your site. Locate a good tree to set up on approximately 15' away from the site. Ideally you want the cam to be facing north for the least amount of sun interference.
4. Clear out a spot approximately 6' in diameter and rake it down to the bare soil. Apply the mineral evenly over the area. A light coating is ideal, just covering the soil. You can mix it in yourself or wait for rain to work it in for you. Piling it up should be avoided.
5. In the woods, choose locations near water sources. Trail intersections near creek beds are great. Anytime you can blend in nearby cover is good.
6. Near fields, focus on locations near warm season forage. Secluded corners of soybeans are perfect. Also food plots like cowpeas, lablab, jointvetch, red clover, etc. are great. Expect mostly night pics, but lots of them. I actually prefer this method so that I do not enter the deers comfort zone any more than necessary. A spooked big deer aint no fun to hunt in the fall... IF he is still in the neighborhood.
7. If possible, look for clay soil to start a mineral site. The attractant (typically salt) will last much longer on clay than sand. You can expect up to three months on clay soil.
8. Refresh your sites on sandy soil monthly, as the salt will leach out quickly. Vitamins also break down relatively quickly and benefit from being replenished monthly. The calcium and phosphorus do not leach nearly as fast, but they will not be consumed without the salt as bait.
9. Leave the site alone! Checking cams every two to four weeks is OK, but please do not go in there every other day.
10. Mineral sites offer a great way to ensure that your deer will always have access to bone building nutrients when they need them. Keep them available year round. Deer are rebuilding their skeletal systems even after antler growth and lactation is complete!
11.Check out http://bioplots.com/Mineral_supplement_deer.php for all of your mineral supplementation needs!
Hope this helps and good luck.
Sincerely,
H.R. Carver
