Minerals and deer- helpful or not

["J"]

I've done a ton of research on minerals and have formed my own opinion, one I feel is very informed. My opinion is that minerals help does and herd health more than antler growth. There is a ton of research on cattle that outlines the positive impacts of mineral supplementation. The research on whitetails is less substantial. However they are both ruminants and have similar digestive processes, so it is reasonable to assume certain comparisons are safe to make. Minerals supplementation has been proven to improve protein retention in the milk of dairy cattle. Milk richer in protein makes for healthier calves and healthier calves can grow bigger, stronger, faster. My experience in 9 years of mineral supplementation on our farm is that fawn weight (as estimated from pictures) has increased. I truly believe our does are healthier because they have access to minerals (much like we are when we have a proper diet) and in turn, they produce healthier fawns.

As for buck and big racks, I do not believe minerals will take a 140 to a 160. For a buck to grow his biggest rack he needs genetics, age and nutrition in that order. Mineral supplementation can very well add a few inches of antler over the life of a buck, but it will not make a genetically inferior or unhealthy deer grow a much larger rack. By filling the gap in his diet, minerals can help him maintain a healthy diet and over the course of his life, it will help him maximize skeletal development which ultimately helps him focus on growing his best rack. A buck born to a healthy doe who has milk richer in protein thanks to minerals, gets the full benefit of mineral supplementation from birth to death.

Minerals are no wonder substance, but are often marketed as such. Nor are they worthless. Be realistic about their place in the scheme of things and you won't be disappointed.

That there is an edumakated redneck.... Great post Jesse.....

 

[giles]

Is there proof they hurt anything?

Areas with EHD and other transmitting diseases, yes. Data shows that mineral sites are a great place to spread those nasty things.

 

[Big_Holla]

EHD isn't a transmitted disease, it's passed on by a midge. If a mineral site holds water that becomes stagnant then perhaps the midge could possibly thrive.

 

[giles]

Would you believe me if I said I was mislead? Lol. I'm 99% positive that at the Summit the guy said that it could be transmitted through saliva. Or is another one possibly transmitted through saliva?

 

[Big_Holla]

CWD and tuberculosis can be.

 

[Urbanhunter]

That's correct. EHD is Midge's and die around water.

CWD: it is thought to be spread by many things saliva being one possible. It can also be in the soil.. But you have to wonder if the high concentrate of salt would kill it.

 

[Mooosie]

I had a mineral lick used up and the pigs and deer then they dug up the ground where it used to be

 

[bowhunter1023]

Just because a deer has access to amble browse that should supply all vital nutrients and minerals does not mean said deer is getting that supply. It should be rare that we first world humans lack in vitamins and minerals given the plethora of food we have available. However most of the populace is deficient in something.

 

[Jackalope]

I provide salt for my deer in hopes that they get high blood pressure and can't run as far. Come November I crush up Viagra for them to make for some awesome rutting action.

 

[at1010]

I provide salt for my deer in hopes that they get high blood pressure and can't run as far. Come November I crush up Viagra for them to make for some awesome rutting action.

rotflmaorotflmao

 

[Hortontoter]

You may be on to something Joe. Crush up a dozen Viagra about Nov. 1, put them in your favorite funnel to hunt and let the games begin.

 

[Urbanhunter]

 

[Bigslam51]

View attachment 28298

Haha!

 

[Big_Holla]

Lmao!

 

[Hoytmania]

View attachment 28298

I'd guess him to be a solid 2.5 yr old.

 

[finelyshedded]

I wonder what supplements put James Jordons 206" typical back in 1913 and the Ohio Hole in the Horns 328" on non-typical inches back around 1940 into the record books?

Genes in both the doe and buck go a loooooong way before mineral supplements do one damn thing, IMO.

 

[Hortontoter]

Great point. I'm guessing Hole In The Horn ate the limestone along the railroad tracks he was found near. I probably should write that. There will be a run on limestone this spring.

 

[at1010]

I wonder what supplements put James Jordons 206" typical back in 1913 and the Ohio Hole in the Horns 328" on non-typical inches back around 1940 into the record books?

Genes in both the doe and buck go a loooooong way before mineral supplements do one damn thing, IMO.

aint that the truth!

 

[Mooosie]

Jackalope that is one terrific plan you are a geious