Want to attract deer to your property naturally and affordably? Forget expensive store-bought deer blocks—making your own is surprisingly simple and allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a high-quality, enticing feed source for the deer in your area. This homemade deer block recipe provides a nutritious and appealing supplement to their natural diet, helping them thrive and potentially increasing sightings on your land.
Why Make Your Own Deer Blocks?
There are several compelling reasons to consider making your own deer blocks instead of buying commercially produced ones:
- Cost Savings: Homemade deer blocks are significantly cheaper than store-bought options, especially when making larger batches.
- Ingredient Control: You have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring high-quality nutrition tailored to your region’s deer population and the season. You can avoid potentially harmful additives or fillers often found in commercial blocks.
- Increased Attraction: By customizing the ingredients, you can create a blend more appealing to the deer in your area, potentially leading to increased visits.
- Satisfaction: There's a rewarding sense of accomplishment in providing a natural and nutritious food source for wildlife.
A Simple and Effective Homemade Deer Block Recipe
This recipe provides a basic framework. Feel free to adjust it based on your local deer's needs and the ingredients available to you.
Yields: Approximately 10-12 blocks, depending on mold size. Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 45-60 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Soybean Meal (high in protein)
- 2 cups Corn (provides energy)
- 1 cup Wheat Bran (adds fiber)
- 1 cup Oats (another good source of energy and fiber)
- ½ cup Molasses (acts as a binder and attracts deer with its sweetness)
- 1 cup Mineral Supplement (specifically formulated for deer, ensuring they receive essential trace minerals)
- 1 cup Water (adjust as needed for consistency)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Mold (you can use various containers like repurposed buckets, plastic tubs, or even custom-made molds)
- Large pot or stockpot for mixing and heating (optional)
- Gloves (to protect your hands from the molasses)
Instructions:
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the soybean meal, corn, wheat bran, oats, and mineral supplement. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Add Molasses and Water: Gradually add the molasses and water, mixing continuously until a thick, cohesive mixture forms. The consistency should be similar to thick mud—not too wet or too dry. You may need to adjust the amount of water based on the humidity and the type of ingredients used. Using a large pot or stockpot and heating the mixture on low heat for a few minutes will help the molasses blend better and help the mixture maintain its shape once cooled.
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Mold the Blocks: Carefully pour the mixture into your chosen molds. Press firmly to ensure the blocks are dense and hold their shape.
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Cooling and Hardening: Allow the blocks to cool and harden completely, ideally for several hours or overnight, in a cool, dry place.
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Placement: Once hardened, carefully remove the blocks from the molds and place them in strategic locations on your property, ensuring they're accessible to deer but protected from rain and other elements, ideally in areas with some cover.
Tips for Success and Variations:
- Mineral Supplement: Using a deer-specific mineral supplement is crucial, as their nutritional needs differ from other livestock. Look for options that include essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and trace elements.
- Seasonal Adjustments: You can adjust the ingredients based on the season. For instance, you might add more corn during colder months for extra energy.
- Experimentation: Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and ratios to find what works best for the deer in your area. Some people add things like cracked corn or even a small amount of salt.
- Placement is Key: Consider placing blocks near natural deer trails, water sources, or areas with good cover.
Disclaimer: Always check with your local wildlife agencies for regulations regarding deer feeding in your area before starting any supplemental feeding program. Improper feeding practices can sometimes have unintended consequences.
By following this homemade deer block recipe, you can create a nutritious and enticing food source that will attract deer to your property, giving you more opportunities to observe and appreciate these magnificent animals. Remember to always prioritize the well-being of the deer and adhere to local regulations.
