According to Dr. Grant Woods, a leading whitetail biologist, the best time to put out minerals is late winter to early spring. “I recommend February in the South and March in the Midwest and North,” Woods said. “I place one bag of mineral per site and generally have only one site per 160 acres, depending on deer density. Naturally, the best spots to place minerals are in areas where deer already like to go, such as trail crossings, travel corridors and natural funnels.”
Biologist Matt Harper added: “I believe the best minerals come in granular form. It’s simply easier for deer to eat it than licking on a block. Plus, my goal when placing minerals is to mimic a natural lick. I find a good trail or crossing, then move off it 5-10 feet, scrape up the ground with a hand rake and pour the minerals on the ground. As the minerals get rained on they’ll leach into the soil and deer will lick the dirt to consume them. That’s how it works at a natural lick.”
If hunters have never used minerals on a property, Harper recommends placing small doses at several locations, then replacing it at only the spots that show the heaviest use. “That way, you’re letting the deer select the spot where they feel most comfortable,” Harper said.