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Homemade Deer Salt Blocks

Deer in the wild scavenge the land for food, water and salt. Pure salt is not the only thing they need to survive. They also need sources of minerals and vitamins, especially in the spring when bones are growing and antlers are forming. Many hunters make salt licks or place salt blocks to attract deer in the areas where they hunt. Blocks obtained from feed stores intended for horses and cattle work well for the purpose of attracting deer but often lack the specific minerals that deer require. Don't worry about this, because you can make your own deer-specific salt blocks.

Things You'll Need

25 lbs. salt
25 lbs. dicalcium phosphate
50 lbs mineral salt
25 lbs dried molasses
Large container
Water, hot
Ladle
Block forms

Instructions

Mixing Block Material
- 1
  Pour all the ingredients except the water into a large container. Each of the ingredients provides important minerals required for deer growth. Use a 50-gallon container to mix the ingredients. You can mix smaller quantities of ingredients to make fewer blocks as long as you keep the ratios the same.
- 2
  Stir the mixture with the ladle until the mixture is uniform.
- 3
  Add hot water to the ingredients slowly until it reaches a thick mortar-like consistency. The hot water will aid in the dissolution of the ingredients. The dried molasses liquefies and binds the mixture together.
- 4
  Heat the mixture over a fire until it boils. You may have to add a small amount of water to facilitate formation of bubbles. Take care not to burn the mixture.
Forming Blocks
- 5
  Arrange the block forms in an area where you can work around them after the salt blocks have dried. You will need room to remove them from the wooden forms.
- 6
  Pour the mixture into each form with the ladle. Fill each form to the top and pack the mixture down with the ladle. Packing the mixture tightly will aid in drying and help the blocks hold their shape when removed from the forms. The molasses will dry and the water will dissipate, leading to the formation of solid blocks.
- 7
  Allow blocks to dry for a few weeks. You can test their dryness periodically to determine when the blocks are ready for use. The molasses may leave a sticky feeling to the block, but the block should feel hard.
- 8
  Break the blocks away from the forms and stack them in a dry place out of the elements and away from moisture.

Animals & Science