Motion-sensor trail cameras have become routine as a deer scouting tool. These cameras work 24/7, “see in the dark,” and provide a host of other advantages over human observation. One way to maximize the images of deer in your area is to lure them to a specific spot, such as one near your tree stand. Bait is one option such as corn or deer attractants, yet these can have negative consequences especially if you have black bears in your area. Establishing a mineral site is preferable.
Bear Experiment
I hunt in Western Maryland, not exactly a black bear hub, yet an exploding population has dramatically changed deer behaviors. Normal travel routes were abandoned by deer and I wanted to find out what was going on. As an experiment, I cut five stalks of field corn and placed them near my tree stand with a trail camera to cover the aftermath. Incredibly, it took just two hours for a bear to find the corn. In succeeding days, a few deer were attracted, sniffed the corn stalks, and left.
By contrast, I began a mineral lick with minerals from a local Tractor Supply store and began catching deer on cameras, but not bears. Dr. Craig Dougherty discussed the importance of beginning mineral licks in mid summer in this Outdoor Life post, yet I wanted to add why minerals are better than bait. Here’s Dougherty’s take on establishing a mineral lick for better summer scouting:
The deer are on the minerals and we’ve got a couple of thousand trail cam shots to prove it. Establishing mineral licks has become de rigueur for deer managers these days, and in the past month or so, our email inbox has been overflowing with trail cam pics of deer on minerals. We’ve been seeing more cute little fawns with their moms than we care to mention. But now, bucks in velvet are starting to show up. Tis the season—and if you’re not running mineral in front of a trail cam, you’re missing an opportunity to get a good look at what’s going on in the woods.
