Creating ground licks

As with feeder placements, remember a mineral lick is not a magic wand. Make your lick site where deer already travel, and it should create more deer traffic and a consistent presence, but don’t expect deer to move from far outside of their normal travel patterns to access your site. Remember these sites are useful as an attractant but also in antler development so if you can place them in an area with good hunting access (check local game laws) but also easy access for big bucks you optimize their potential.

When creating a ground lick most products suggest a shaded area as sunlight tends to dry out the site quicker. Clearing the area of plant growth is also recommended. The best sites are in soil with a high clay content as sandy soil tends to absorb or filter the mineral contents down instead of holding them in a basin fashion. Once these sites are established simply replenish periodically depending on manufacturers recommendations. If you are making you own mix replenish as use diminishes or every few months.

Remember these sites are useful in antler development and as an attractant so maintain them year round or at least spring, summer and fall if at all possible.