For hunters who want pure attraction, a plain salt block or apple-scented mineral block works well on private land with light pressure. For high-pressure or public land, a rock-shaped lick or loose powder that blends into the soil keeps your location hidden. If herd nutrition and antler growth matter, a supplement-based lick beats straight salt. Match the form and formula to your land situation first.
- Evolved Habitat's apple-scented mineral block adds scent attraction on top of salt to pull deer in faster.
- Evolved Habitat's powdered attractant spreads over a larger area, letting multiple deer feed at once.
- Trophy Rock's rock-shaped lick conceals your hunting spot from other hunters on pressured or public land.
- Standard cube-shaped blocks last through heavy rain but are difficult to pack deep into remote hunting areas.
- Supplement-based licks may be classified as baiting in some jurisdictions. Check local regulations before use.
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Deer attractants like salt and protein licks can draw deer into your hunting area. Many also provide added nutrition for better rack growth and a healthier herd. To choose the right deer lick, you should consider whether you want to provide just salt or added supplements, a block or granular form, and whether you care if the lick is obvious to passersby. Here are some of the best salt licks for deer.
Best Salt Licks for Deer: Our Picks
Salt Or Supplement?
This mineral block features added apple scent to attract deer. Evolved Habitat
All hooved mammals love salt, so licks made only of salt do a fine job of attracting deer. Licks with added flavors, minerals, and nutrients can be even better, especially if you find one the deer in your area really love. Try different kinds until you find what works for you. And always check the applicable hunting laws in your area, as some jurisdictions consider protein supplements to be baiting and have banned the practice.
Block or Granules/Powder?
This powdered attractant lick can be poured directly on the ground and requires no mixing. Evolved Habitat
Salt and mineral/protein attractants
are mostly available in block form and powder/granule form. Blocks last longer in inclement weather, and even a very hard rain won’t wash them away. However, large ones can be a chore to carry way back into the woods. Powder or granular supplements are one of the best salt licks for deer and can be spread over a larger area, providing space for several deer to use them at once.
Obvious or Unnoticed
This salt/protein lick is made to look like a rock and blend into its surroundings. Trophy Rock
If you hunt on public land or in other areas with heavy hunting pressure, a conventional cube-shaped protein or salt block can reveal the location of your prime hunting area to other hunters. For that reason, many companies make salt/mineral blocks that look like rocks or other natural objects. Powders/granules can also be better in that situation, as once they’ve leached into the soil a little, the only way you can tell they are there is by all the deer tracks. If your area has little hunting pressure and you aren’t worried about giving away your hotspots, blocks of any shape work fine.
To make the best salt licks for deer at home, here’s our guide.
