Deer Attractants and Minerals

Deer season is fast approaching in Missouri and Kansas. Whether you are hunting or observing deer, now is the perfect time to get the attractants and minerals you need. FELDMANS is here to help. Here are some important facts about attractants and minerals to keep in mind that will help make this deer season one to remember!

What Attracts Deer?

In order to better attract deer, it is important to understand their diet. Deer primarily browse on leaves, acorns, twigs, buds and forages in the spring, summer, and fall months. Because this diet is largely deficient in sodium, deer crave sodium during these months. This is why deer attractants are mainly composed of salt.

The Pros and Cons of Salt Attractants

Salt attractants are great for short-term deer attraction. They are inexpensive and work very well if stationed in areas with protective cover. The natural attraction of the salt will be amplified if deer feel safe enough to stop and consume it. For short-term deer attraction, we offer many salt attractants like Evolved Habitats Deer Co-Cain, one of the most effective lines of attractants.

If your deer nutrition program relies heavily on salt attractants, however, the antler growth of deer in your area will suffer. This is because sodium plays only a very small role in antler growth.

Minerals are Critical to Antler Growth

Minerals like selenium, calcium, zinc, copper, phosphorus, and magnesium play a key role in antler growth since they make up roughly 55 percent of hardened antlers. Minerals are also important for fawn growth and doe lactation. Mineral supplements, unlike salt attractants, provide deer with these essential minerals. We carry mineral supplements from Whitetail Institute and Evolved Habitats.

Care must be taken when using mineral supplements for several reasons. First, minerals must be placed in areas where deer feel comfortable enough to consume them. Second, mineral supplementation will be less effective if not begun in the spring time. Third, mineral supplements by themselves may not satisfy the mineral requirements of a large herd. And if minerals are scarce, any ingested will not go toward antler growth. Instead, they will be used to satisfy more basic bodily functions.

Take Advantage of a Food Plot for Superior Herd Health

Food plots are an excellent solution for long-term mineral supply! In addition, food plots are a great source of protein, which is crucial for antler growth and overall health. FELDMANS offers both warm-season and cool-season food plot forages.

The most important factor in a successful deer plot is proper preparation and maintenance of the soil. There are three main steps:

1. Test the soil pH – Most forage plantings need a a neutral pH ranging from 6.5-7.5. This allows for a better uptake of nutrients. We offer several types of inexpensive but effective soil pH test kits.

2. Apply lime – If the soil pH is too low, it should be raised by tilling lime into the soil at a depth of six to eight inches. We carry the lime, tillers, and Whitetail Institute herbicides to see you through this project. We even offer no-till forage blends (like Evolved Habitats Throw & Gro) for those food plot areas that do not have access for tilling equipment.

3. Fertilize – Food plots need the appropriate level of fertilizer, usually 13-13-13. Apply according to the instructions on the product label. We carry spreaders (push, pull-behind, ATV, and 3-point) as well.

Where Should I Plant a Food Plot?

Space will pose a limitation for any food plot. Beginning with a one-fourth to one-half acre plot is a good choice, especially since deer prefer to feed along the edges of plots. If deer observation is your primary goal, plots can be placed in open areas. However, if hunting is your goal, it is best to provide deer with a more secluded area. They will feel safer and use the plot more often.

Feed Supplements – Rounding Out the Diet

We also carry deer feeds like whole corn, deer corn, deer blocks, and feed supplements that can be used as a supplement to food plots and natural forage, especially in the winter months when there is a reduction in available forage. These products are a good source of fat, protein, and carbohydrates and can serve as a short-term attractant as well.

Important note: Make sure to consult your state and local laws because these supplements contain grain and are therefore considered to be bait in many areas.

Count on FELDMANS for Your Deer Needs

In addition to all of your deer attractants, minerals, and food plot forages, we stock a wide selection of winter clothing, including camouflage. You can also buy your hunting licenses here. We stock winches and ramps to get your catch home, and jerky kits, sausage kits, and dehydrators to process it. Whether for observation or hunting, count on FELDMANS for your deer supplies!