I have to laugh at a lot of the posts I see on social media regarding deer minerals. It’s either someone claiming they see a noticeable increase in antler size once they started using a product that doesn’t even have the minerals needed for antler growth or it is someone promoting a “home brew” that they swear “works” better than anything on the market. Most of the time these posts and the numerous responses they incite do nothing more than show how little many deer hunters really know about mineral supplementation in whitetails.
Let’s get right to the heart of the matter and ask what is meant by the word “work”. I think this can be answered two ways; do they “work” to attract deer? Or do they “work” to help bucks grow bigger antlers? There is a HUGE difference! Most “mineral” products marketed to deer hunters absolutely will attract deer as will most home brews. These are high-salt products and deer naturally crave salt. So while these products will work to attract deer, most will NOT “work” to grow bigger antlers no matter the advertising claims attached to them.
As a deer hunter you need to consider the reason you are putting out mineral products. If your goal is to simply attract deer to a game camera location without any regards to how the product will help deer, then basically any product will probably work to some degree. In fact if this is your goal then you should probably just consider buying a bag of cheap stock-salt at your local farm store or even the cheapest water-softener salt you can find. You will honestly get the same results at a fraction the price.
Now let’s look at the question that serious land managers really want to know; can mineral products help bucks grow bigger antlers? The answer is a definitive “YES”, but there are a lot of factors that need to be considered. It is not quite as simple as putting out minerals in the summer and magically seeing bigger bucks in the fall.
Can whitetail land managers increase the size of the antlers on their bucks through mineral supplementation? The answer is “yes” but it is not quite as simple as it seems.
Let’s start by addressing an argument that many nay-sayers throw up when they try to debunk the idea that deer minerals can help grow bigger antlers. They will state that there is no scientific research that shows minerals help grow bigger antlers. That’s true but to my knowledge there has also never been scientific research that proves minerals do not help with antler growth. The fact is, it is impossible for true scientific research to prove either way. You simply cannot feed a group of bucks mineral and know what size antlers they would have grown without it, or vice versa. Again, this type of scientific “proof” is simply not possible so we will have to rely on an open mind and common sense to help us draw conclusions.
By looking at the livestock industry it is very easy to see the value of minerals in animal diets. Essentially every livestock farmer or rancher in the United States uses minerals as part of their nutrition program. Volumes of research proves the value of minerals for increased growth rates, better reproductive performance and increased health of the animals receiving it. Think about it, these animals are being fed scientifically developed feed rations to maximize health and production and yet there are still many research-proven benefits by also feeding them minerals. I think it is fairly easy to conclude that a whitetail deer consuming a random diet could also benefit from mineral supplementation.
Real World Wildlife Products nutritionist Dr. Aaron Gaines provides the following perspective on the mineral demands of whitetail deer, “The milk produced by a whitetail doe has twice the level of mineral as cows milk, so if a farmer provides his cows with minerals why wouldn’t a serious whitetail land manager provide a mineral supplement to his deer herd?” To take this a step further, Dr Gaines provided the following requirement comparison for a lactating doe vs. a buck that is growing antler; during a 60-day lactation period a doe needs around 215 grams of calcium and 166 grams of phosphorus. In comparison a buck that is growing antler (900 grams total weight) needs 199 grams of calcium and 98 grams of phosphorus. The take home message from this comparison is that BOTH does and bucks have a high requirement for calcium and phosphorus. It is easy to conclude that a whitetail deer consuming a random diet in the wild is no different than a cow grazing a pasture; both benefit from mineral supplementation. Further, this does not even factor in the numerous micro-nutrients that whitetails also need which are often lacking in their diet.
Let’s look at this topic from another angle. The biggest whitetail antlers generally come from those regions of the country with the richest soils. Soils are essentially minerals. Those soils that grow the most productive farm crops also grow the biggest bucks. A farmer growing corn on the richest soils in the Midwest will supplement the nutrients available to his crop through fertilization. Even in these highly fertile soils any crop is limited by the required nutrient that is in shortest supply. The same principal applies to a buck growing antlers. To deny that minerals can help a buck grow a bigger rack is like saying a farmer gets no benefit from fertilizing his corn fields. Let’s also recognize that captive deer breeders growing giant antlers on their bucks are feeding minerals to their entire herd, both bucks and does.
I hope by now you are open to the idea that mineral supplementation absolutely can help a buck grow bigger antlers. We have only reached the starting point however because there is a whole lot more we need to understand in order to maximize the antler growth of the bucks on the properties we manage. It is a little more involved than just putting out mineral and thinking that your bucks will instantly start to grow bigger antlers.
We have to start by looking at the differences in mineral products. Most products marketed to deer hunters are simply high-salt mixes made to turn a big profit margin. They contain minimal amounts of beneficial minerals and in fact are almost always totally void of many of the required nutrients needed for antler growth. Because deer crave salt, they do consume these products and thus many hunters assume they “work”. The brutal truth is that while they do work to attract deer, they absolutely cannot possibly do anything to help a buck grow bigger antlers.
Let’s go back to the livestock industry for a bit. The mineral product that a farmer gives to his lactating dairy cows is a totally different mixture than what he would give to his beef calves. The various mineral blends fed to livestock have been scientifically formulated by professional nutritionists to maximize their benefits to the specific animal ingesting it. So why would deer be any different? A deer is not a cow so feeding mineral products developed for other species to whitetail deer is not the answer.
Every livestock producer in the country recognizes the benefits of mineral supplementation and provides mineral to their animals. Why would deer be any different?
Clearly, research involving whitetail nutrition falls short of what has been done with livestock. Still, enough has been done that a quality whitetail mineral product can be formulated. The key is not only in which specific minerals, vitamins and other nutrients need to be included but just as importantly, at what levels and ratios. While I have seen a lot of “home-brew mineral mixes” shared via the internet, all have gaping nutritional holes that will limit their effectiveness, if they even have any effect on antler growth at all.
Now let’s look at providing mineral products to wild deer and what one can expect as far as results in terms of increased antler growth. First of all, getting the most of a deer mineral supplementation program is a long term endeavor. I think a whitetail land manager needs to be looking 5 years ahead before the full benefits of mineral supplementation will be truly realized. Again, research from the livestock industry fuels my opinion on this.
A study at Oregon State University focused on “fetal programming” of beef calves. The researchers were looking at the possibility of pushing calf performance throughout life by increasing the mineral intake of cows during pregnancy. In this trial researchers showed that calves born to cows that had received increased mineral supplementation performed better and were healthier throughout life than calves born to mothers without it. This is in spite of the fact that both groups of calves got proper mineral supplementation after birth. In other words, once a calf was born it was too late for him to catch up to other calves; he had already been programmed as a fetus. The calves born to cows getting the extra minerals grew faster and had fewer health issues all the way to slaughter. It is important to note that neither group of cows in this study were “mineral deficient” but instead one group simply got increased levels of minerals. What this study showed is that once a calf is born, it is too late to push him to his genetic potential in terms of growth.
After 25 years of research with captive whitetails I believe the same is true with bucks. To really get a buck to reach his genetic potential for antler growth, it really needs to start before he is even conceived! It is extremely important for a whitetail land manager to have his entire deer herd, including his does, on a high-quality mineral supplementation program if he expects to increase antler growth. It is those unborn fawns that will one day produce the full rewards of a quality mineral program in terms of antler production.
This photo from roughly 25 years ago shows me with my captive research whitetail herd
As mentioned, for nearly 25 years I owned a research herd of captive whitetails. I focused my studies on genetics and nutrition. Several years ago one of my research projects involved mineral supplementation. My goal was to determine if mineral supplementation affected antler growth to any noticeable degree. I started by acquiring 7 sets of twin buck fawns and then separated the twins into two pens so that I had 7 buck fawns in one pen and 7 in the other. Each buck had a twin brother in the opposite pen. Both pens received the very same feed ration out of the same feed bin. The difference was that the feed in one pen was top-dressed daily with a mineral product I was developing.
Each fall after the shedding of velvet I would tranquilize each buck and then score and remove his antlers. I would figure up the total inches of antler from each pen for comparison. Remember, every buck in pen A had a twin brother in pen B. Eventually I had to abort the study and while I will readily acknowledge that this study was very limited in its scope and not of sufficient breadth to stand up to scientific review, I did see enough to form an opinion. I am convinced that mineral supplementation can increase antler growth in whitetail bucks. “To what degree?” is the big question. My best guess is that a long-term mineral supplementation program using a high-quality whitetail specific mineral could add somewhere between 10-20% to the gross antler score of a mature buck. Certainly some individual animals will respond differently than others.
In conclusion, I am convinced that mineral supplementation can indeed increase antler growth in whitetail bucks. To be brutally honest however, most of the mineral programs currently being practiced by well meaning whitetail hunters and land-managers are a waste of time and money. They will do little more than draw deer to a game camera location.
Which Deer Mineral is Best?
To this point I have purposely neglected mentioning any products by name and won’t get started on bashing products. I do however need to plug Real World Wildlife Products Maximizer and Maximizer Plus mineral products. While I played a role in the development of each product it was really a team process that took many years to perfect. Nutritionists Dr Aaron Gaines and Brent Ratliff played key roles as did world-renown whitetail veterinarian Dr Clifford Shipley of the University of Illinois.
Maximizer and Maximizer Plus each have over 20 different minerals, vitamins and key nutrients in very specific ratios and levels. Maximizer Plus also contains Real Worlds exclusive Expect Healthy Deer Technology® for added health and performance benefits. Captive deer breeders have taken notice of these products and are feeding them to their herds in increasing numbers. Consider this fact – there is probably not a captive deer breeder in the world feeding one of the numerous mineral products marketed to deer hunters to their herd with one exception … MAXIMIZER! If you are looking to take the bucks on your property to their genetic limits while maximizing herd health, Maximizer and Maximizer Plus are honestly your very best option.
Captive deer breeders use mineral supplementation as part of their nutrition program. You wont find any serious deer breeder using any of the products marketed to deer hunters with one exception – a growing number of captive deer breeders are using Real Worlds Maximizer deer mineral!
Getting Started
Implementing a good mineral program on your property is really very simple but a few things need to be considered. For best results have at least 1 good mineral station for every 40 acres of land. These should be established in high deer traffic areas. You want every deer on the property to pass within close proximity of a mineral station each and every day.
To start a mineral station simply find a suitable location and kick away any leaves or other debris in about a 3’-4’ circle and pour about 20# of mineral in a small pile. There is no need to work it into the soil although it won’t hurt anything to do so. It is important to keep each mineral site replenished with plenty of Maximizer or Maximizer Plus mineral every 30 days or so. Keep in mind that mineral consumption increases in late winter and continues through the summer. In the fall and early winter consumption will not be as heavy. Remember, proper mineral supplementation is not a quick way to grow bigger antlers but instead is a long term commitment resulting in healthier deer AND bigger antlers.
Key Nutrients for Whitetails
Maximizer deer mineral contains over 20 different minerals, vitamins and other nutrients. Here is a list of some of them and the role each plays –
Calcium – Calcium is used in the formation and maintenance of bones, teeth and antlers on deer. It also functions in transmission of nerve impulses and contraction of muscle tissue.
Phosphorus – Phosphorus works in conjunction with calcium in the formation of bones, teeth and antlers. Phosphorus is also involved in the chemical reactions of energy metabolism, reproduction, cell development, and the absorption of vitamin B and strengthens genetic material and DNA.
Magnesium – Magnesium is an activator of many metabolic enzymes. These enzymes control reactions include the breakdown of glucose for energy and the replication of DNA, which is necessary for cell division.
Potassium – Potassium is ubiquitous in the body of mammals because it is required in large amounts by most organ systems for normal functioning. It is necessary for normal cell maintenance, water metabolism, to regulate body temperature and for muscle growth
Sulfur – Sulfur is present in protein, certain vitamins (thiamin and biotin), enzymes and other compounds. Sulfur deficiency symptoms include decreased feed intake, unthrifty appearance, dullness of the
Cobalt – Cobalt is required for synthesis of vitamin B12 by ruminal bacteria.
Copper – Copper is important for fertility and the immune system. Deficiency symptoms include anemia, loss of color in the haircoat, digestive upset and poor animal performance (growth, lactation and/or
Iodine – Iodine is essential for production of thyroxin, a hormone that regulates metabolic rate. A deficiency in iodine causes a condition called goiter, which is characterized by an enlarged thyroid gland. Other deficiency symptoms include weak or hairless animals, reduced reproductive performance and retained
Iron – Iron functions in oxidative enzyme systems involved in energy metabolism. It also enables the hemoglobin in red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues of the body.
Manganese – Manganese functions as a part of numerous enzyme systems and is used in the body for normal reproduction and fetal development.
Chlorine – Chlorine maintains the volume, pH and osmolarity of body fluids. Chlorine is essential for hydrochloric acid production in the abomasum and for carbon dioxide transport.
Selenium – Selenium is required for growth and to aid resistance to diseases, being involved in the production of antibodies and in the killing of micro-organisms engulfed by macrophages.
Zinc – Enzymes for protein and carbohydrate metabolism require zinc. The immune system also requires zinc to function properly. Good for healthy hooves and skin
Riboflavin – Vitamin B2, also called riboflavin, helps the body to convert food (carbohydrates) into fuel (glucose), which is used to produce energy.
Niacin – Also known as Vitamin B3, Niacin helps the nervous system function properly and is also useful in helping the body utilize fats and proteins. Niacin also assists in the synthesis of various hormones, primarily in the adrenal glands. It also helps to improve circulation.
Choline – Choline serves various functions and is important in the rapid development in fetuses and
Thiamine – Also known as vitamin B1 is important for energy production, cardiovascular functions, eye health, brain function, and the development of myelin sheaths which are the protective covering of the
Pyridoxine – Is known as vitamin B6 and is required for the utilization of energy in foods, the production of red blood cells, and proper functioning of nerves.
Vitamin A – Vitamin A plays an important role in reproduction and sight.
Vitamin D3 – This is important for the formation of bones and calcium.
Vitamin E – This vitamin helps fight infections both topically and internally
Salt – Salt is needed to provide sodium and chlorine requirements however in most deer mineral products it is used in too high percentage because it is cheap.
Does the mineral product you are currently using contain all of these important nutrients? Dare to Compare!
