The 4S Granular Deer Mineral Made a Bold First Impression
In the relentless pursuit of managing and improving the whitetail deer herd on my property, I’ve experimented with various mineral supplements over the years. This quest led me to the 4S Granular Deer Mineral, a product promising to unlock the full potential of my deer herd through a scientifically developed formulation. It’s 4S’s flagship product, so I had high hopes.
My property, like many others, suffers from mineral deficiencies in the native forage. I’ve seen firsthand the impact of these deficiencies on antler growth and overall herd health, prompting my search for an effective and reliable mineral supplement.
Upon receiving the 4S Granular Deer Mineral, the first thing I noticed was the granular consistency, which promised slow dispersal and prolonged mineral site life. The strong, almost sweet aroma also stood out, hinting at the highly attractive flavor advertised. Compared to other mineral supplements I’ve used, many of which are dusty or have a faint, almost chemical smell, the 4S Granular Deer Mineral immediately felt like a step up in quality. Others have a more powdery texture, but this felt more substantial.
The price of $18.49 for the bag is competitive, and I chose it over cheaper alternatives because of the inclusion of organic chelated minerals, which are supposed to be more bioavailable. I bypassed trying to formulate my own mix, as this promised to give the deer everything they needed. My initial impression was positive; the product seemed well-designed and carefully formulated, making me excited to see its impact on my deer herd.
Real-World Testing: Putting 4S Granular Deer Mineral to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the 4S Granular Deer Mineral involved establishing a new mineral lick site deep within my property, a heavily wooded area frequented by several bucks and does. I chose a location near a frequently used game trail, ensuring easy access for the deer. Following the instructions, I cleared a small patch of ground and poured the 4S Granular Deer Mineral directly onto the bare soil.
The deer showed interest in the mineral lick almost immediately, with several does and young bucks visiting the site within the first few days. Even during a light rain, the mineral seemed to hold its form and release its scent effectively. I noticed that the granular consistency helped prevent the mineral from simply washing away. The flavor also seemed quite palatable to the deer, as they actively consumed the mineral and pawed at the ground.
Initially, I was concerned about other animals being attracted to the mineral site, but I only observed deer using it. There were no other issues, other than some initial skepticism about whether it would work as advertised.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of continuous use, the 4S Granular Deer Mineral proved to be remarkably durable and effective. The mineral lick site remained active, with deer consistently visiting and consuming the mineral. There was minimal waste, as the granular consistency prevented the mineral from being easily scattered or eroded by the elements.
I did notice some minor depletion of the mineral over time, particularly after heavy rains, but this was easily remedied by replenishing the site with additional 4S Granular Deer Mineral. The site held up through several rainstorms. Compared to some of the salt-based mineral blocks I’ve used in the past, the 4S Granular Deer Mineral seemed to be significantly more attractive and beneficial to the deer. The deer also seem to be healthier and have better coats.
Maintenance was straightforward, requiring only occasional monitoring and replenishment of the mineral site. The overall experience with the 4S Granular Deer Mineral has been positive, consistently exceeding my expectations for a granular mineral supplement.
Breaking Down the Features of 4S Granular Deer Mineral
Specifications
The 4S Granular Deer Mineral boasts a carefully selected blend of minerals and vitamins, specifically designed to address nutritional deficiencies common in whitetail deer. It includes organic chelated minerals, such as zinc, manganese, copper, and cobalt, known for their superior bioavailability. These chelated minerals are crucial for supporting immunity, reproduction, skin and hoof integrity, growth and muscle development, milk production, fiber digestion, and energy metabolism.
The granular form is designed for slow release into the soil. The strong aroma is designed to attract deer from long distances.
These specifications are essential for promoting overall herd health and maximizing antler growth potential. The bioavailability of the minerals ensures that deer can effectively absorb and utilize the nutrients, leading to improved physical condition and antler development. The granular form also contributes to the longevity of the mineral site, providing a consistent source of essential nutrients over an extended period.
Performance & Functionality
The 4S Granular Deer Mineral performs its job exceptionally well. It effectively attracts deer to mineral lick sites, provides essential nutrients, and promotes overall herd health. The mineral is consistently consumed by deer and seems to be highly palatable.
The strengths of the 4S Granular Deer Mineral lie in its carefully balanced formulation, high bioavailability of minerals, and granular consistency that ensures slow release and prolonged site life. One minor weakness is the need for occasional replenishment, particularly after heavy rains, but this is easily addressed. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a granular deer mineral supplement.
Design & Ergonomics
The 4S Granular Deer Mineral is designed for ease of use and effectiveness. The granular consistency is easy to handle and distribute, while the strong aroma attracts deer from a considerable distance. The materials used appear to be of high quality, ensuring the longevity of the mineral and its effectiveness in providing essential nutrients.
There is virtually no learning curve associated with using the product. Simply locate a suitable site, clear the ground, and pour the mineral. The granular form does a good job of staying together even in the rain.
Durability & Maintenance
The 4S Granular Deer Mineral is designed to last for an extended period, slowly releasing its nutrients into the soil. Durability is enhanced by the granular consistency, which prevents rapid erosion or scattering. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional monitoring and replenishment of the mineral site as needed.
I expect it to last at least a month before needing replenishment. Replenishment may be needed earlier based on rainfall and deer traffic.
Accessories and Customization Options
The 4S Granular Deer Mineral does not come with any specific accessories, but the Manufacturer, 4S, recommends topping it off with CORN SPIKE to jump-start the mineral site. No other customization options are available for the mineral itself, but users can choose to supplement it with other attractants or feed as desired.
The mineral is compatible with standard mineral feeders or can be used directly on the ground, providing flexibility in how it is administered. Additional attractants, such as apple scent or molasses, can be added to enhance the lure of the mineral site, further increasing its effectiveness.
Pros and Cons of 4S Granular Deer Mineral
Pros
- Attracts deer effectively with its strong aroma and palatable flavor.
- Provides essential minerals and vitamins to support overall herd health and antler growth.
- Organic chelated minerals offer superior bioavailability, ensuring maximum nutrient absorption.
- Granular consistency ensures slow release and prolonged mineral site life.
- Easy to use and maintain, requiring only occasional monitoring and replenishment.
Cons
- Requires occasional replenishment, especially after heavy rains or intense deer traffic.
- May attract other animals, although this was not an issue in my experience.
Who Should Buy 4S Granular Deer Mineral?
The 4S Granular Deer Mineral is perfect for hunters, landowners, and deer enthusiasts looking to improve the health and antler growth potential of their local whitetail deer herd. It is also ideal for those seeking an easy-to-use and maintain mineral supplement that provides essential nutrients in a bioavailable form. This product is great for deer managers.
Those who should skip this product include individuals with limited deer populations or those unwilling to invest in regular mineral supplementation. Those just looking to make a quick buck, or attract deer briefly during hunting season, would be better off using a cheaper, less effective product.
A must-have accessory to pair with 4S Granular Deer Mineral is CORN SPIKE, as recommended by the Manufacturer.
Conclusion on 4S Granular Deer Mineral
The 4S Granular Deer Mineral is a highly effective and reliable mineral supplement that delivers on its promise to unlock your deer herd’s potential. Its carefully balanced formulation, high bioavailability of minerals, and granular consistency make it a superior choice compared to many other products on the market. The price of $18.49 is justified by the quality and effectiveness of the mineral.
I would personally recommend the 4S Granular Deer Mineral to anyone seeking to improve the health and antler growth of their whitetail deer herd. Invest in the 4S Granular Deer Mineral today and witness the positive impact it can have on your deer herd!