On our hunting property, we like to do all we can to keep the deer around and help them grow bigger and fuller. One of the things we like to do is give the deer something they’ll come back for every day. That ingredient is salt. We have been making our own salt licks and mineral licks for years so I wanted to share our recipe on how to make your own salt lick attractant.
The ingredients
You can buy the following items from your local feed store, Rural King, Southern States, Tractor Supply, etc.
- 1 part Di-Calcium Phosphate
- This is used as a feed additive for cattle, horses, goats, and swine. Comes in a 50 lb bag for around $30.
- 2 parts Trace mineral salt
- This helps promote digestion and growth. Comes in a 50 lb bag for under $10.
- 1 part Stock salt
- Just ice cream salt. Comes in a 50 lb bag for under $10.
Our recommendations
These are the items we use year-round – two come from Amazon.
Di-Calcium Phosphate
Crazy as it sounds – there’s no great online option for this that we’ve found. Our local Tractor Supply usually has it in stock, though – the brand we get is Sprout and runs ~$26
Trace Mineral Salt
[aawp box=”B00AOJOB2A”]Salt Stock
[aawp box=”B00AOJOB1Q”]Making the salt lick
Once you have all your ingredients purchased, do the following:
- Mix all minerals together in a large bucket.
- Find a spot where deer frequently walk and dig a hole about 8 inches deep.
- Pour the bucket of the mineral mixture into the hole. If you have an old tree stump pour it all around it too.
- Place your trail camera next to your mixture hole and watch for deer.
Hope this helps you save a few bucks. With the 50 lb bags, you will have enough to create salt licks in different locations on your property (ideally near a food plot to keep that deer herd growing while you wait for hunting season to start.)
FAQs about Salt Lick for Deer
What type of salt should be used to make a salt lick for deer?
How much salt is needed for an effective deer salt lick?
Are there any minerals or other ingredients that should be added to the mix when making a salt lick for deer?
Is it necessary to package the salt lick in some sort of container or can it simply be placed on the ground?
Where is the best place to set up a salt lick for deer?
How often should the salt lick be replenished or replaced?
Are there any additional steps one can take to attract more deer to use a homemade salt lick?
Don’t want to DIY?
If you decide you just want to buy a few small blocks instead of making your own deer lick, we highly recommend these from American Stockman: [aawp box=”B005OKWPCW”]
Would it help to add water to the mix?
nope. It will gather moisture.