When it comes to whitetail deer, bigger is always better! Hunters spend millions of dollars each year to increase their chances of harvesting a trophy whitetail buck. Modern deer hunters are increasingly trying to improve the overall health of their deer herd to accomplish this goal. With the use of food plots, building better bedding areas, digging in ponds, setting up whitetail sanctuaries, and having a supplemental feeding program of corn and protein pellets these hunters are beginning to achieve better results.

While these are all very good methods to improve your deer herd, there is another way that is as equally important as it is effective. The beauty of this method is that it does not require a lot of time or effort. Out of all the previously mentioned ways to improve your deer herd, setting up mineral sites is the least expensive and easiest to do. Just be sure to check your state regulations regarding minerals and supplements before you begin.

You too can achieve bigger deer with the use of mineral supplements.

I recommend the use of a quality mineral supplement that contains both minerals and vitamins for optimum results. Giving the whitetail deer the minerals and vitamins they are lacking will help maximize the bucks’ potential by ensuring the deer get everything they need for greatest amount of growth. If you provide mineral supplements year round, you will notice an increase in both body size and antler development. Mineral supplements are also very beneficial for lactating does too, replacing valuable minerals and vitamins they lose while feeding their newborn fawns.

To set up a mineral site you must first pick its location. Look for heavily used trails that come together, scrape and rub lines and also locations near water when possible. Locations where you already hang a tree stand or set up a ground blind work perfectly. Remember to set your mineral sites in a spot that favors the prevailing wind for your stand and blind locations.

A properly placed mineral site can achieve quick results like the one pictured above. Location is extremely important.

Once an ideal spot has been selected, you want to clear an area five feet in diameter. Remove all leaves and vegetation for the minerals to work properly. Once the area is clear, use a rake and loosen the soil then add your mineral supplement.
You may want to consider installing a trail camera when possible so that you can monitor how frequently the deer are visiting your site. This will give you a better understanding of the herd’s tendencies too. Plus, you can watch the transformation as the deer improve in size with help from your mineral supplements.

It is recommended that you replenish your minerals every two months. The use of trail cameras will help you monitor the sites traffic and help you decide when more is needed.

Heaviest consumption will likely occur from early spring through the fall as deer bulk up for winter. Do not overlook the winter months though, as providing minerals year round will maximize the health of the deer herd and equal larger deer in your future.

My name is Tom Lester, and to view more tips on improving your mineral sites please visit the Monster Raxx website. Thank you.