First Thoughts on the Apple Flavored Mineral
The Apple Flavored Mineral from LBM promises an easy way to attract deer and promote healthy antler growth. At a price point of $13.99 for a 20lb bucket, it’s an affordable option for hunters and landowners looking to improve their deer population. But does this product live up to the hype?
My main reason for seeking out a mineral supplement was to improve the overall health of the deer on my property, hoping to see larger, healthier bucks. I was also looking for something that required minimal effort to deploy, as my time is limited.
The first thing I noticed was the simplicity; a straightforward 20lb bucket that stated “No site prep. Just dump it out.” This was exactly what I wanted. Compared to mixing my own mineral supplements, this was significantly easier and less time-consuming. Other products I considered were mineral blocks, but I found those were often ignored by the deer or quickly depleted by rain and erosion. My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism; could something so simple actually work?
Real-World Testing: Putting Apple Flavored Mineral to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Apple Flavored Mineral in a heavily wooded area on my property that I know deer frequent. Following the instructions, I simply dumped the bucket out in a small clearing near a well-used deer trail. The weather was dry and cool, typical for early fall in my region.
The deer were initially hesitant, but within a few days, I noticed tracks and signs of digging around the mineral site. After a week, the area was significantly disturbed, indicating regular use by the deer. There were no issues with the product clumping or becoming unusable after the first rain.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Apple Flavored Mineral was almost completely consumed. The deer continued to visit the site regularly, and I observed more deer in that area than I had previously. While I can’t definitively say it directly led to larger racks in such a short time, the consistent deer activity suggests they were benefiting from the mineral supplement.
The product held up well to the elements, not dissolving too quickly even after several rain showers. Maintenance was non-existent, which was a major selling point for me. Comparing this to previous attempts at attracting deer with food plots, the Apple Flavored Mineral was significantly less labor-intensive and yielded comparable results in terms of deer activity.
Breaking Down the Features of Apple Flavored Mineral
Specifications
- LBM20 20LB BUCKET: This is the key identifier. The size and weight are appropriate for easy transport and deployment.
- Apple Flavor: This acts as an attractant. The deer are drawn to the site.
- No Site Prep: This is a huge time saver. Just dumping it out is far easier than other methods.
- Helps Develop Healthier and Larger Racks: This is the intended benefit. Mineral supplementation improves deer health.
These specifications are important because they highlight the convenience and potential benefits of the product. The ease of use makes it accessible to anyone, regardless of their experience level, and the promise of healthier deer populations is attractive to hunters and landowners alike.
Performance & Functionality
The Apple Flavored Mineral performs its primary function – attracting deer – exceptionally well. The consistent deer activity around the mineral site indicates the effectiveness of the apple flavor as an attractant. While it’s difficult to quantify the impact on antler growth without long-term monitoring, the observed increase in deer activity suggests the supplement is being utilized and potentially contributing to improved health.
The main strength is the simplicity; it’s incredibly easy to use. A potential weakness is the lack of specific mineral composition information on the bucket, which could be a concern for those looking for a specific blend. Overall, it meets expectations for an affordable and easy-to-use deer attractant.
Design & Ergonomics
The Apple Flavored Mineral’s design is basic but functional. The bucket is sturdy enough for transport and storage. The lack of precise mineral information on the packaging is a minor drawback.
It is exceptionally user-friendly; there’s no learning curve whatsoever. You simply open the bucket and pour it out.
Durability & Maintenance
The mineral itself seems to be fairly durable, holding up well to rain and moisture without completely dissolving or becoming a muddy mess. The bucket is made of sturdy plastic and should last for multiple uses if you choose to refill it with other attractants.
Maintenance is non-existent. Once you dump it out, there’s nothing left to do.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no included accessories with the Apple Flavored Mineral. You can customize the location where you dump the Apple Flavored Mineral, or supplement the mineral lick with a trail camera to monitor activity. The product is compatible with any standard trail camera mounting system.
Pros and Cons of Apple Flavored Mineral
Pros
- Extremely easy to use; no site preparation required.
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Effective deer attractant, leading to increased activity at the mineral site.
- Convenient 20lb bucket is easy to transport and store.
- Requires no maintenance after deployment.
Cons
- Lack of detailed mineral composition information on the packaging.
- Effectiveness on antler growth cannot be definitively proven without long-term monitoring.
Who Should Buy Apple Flavored Mineral?
The Apple Flavored Mineral is perfect for hunters and landowners looking for an easy and affordable way to attract deer to their property. It’s also a great option for those with limited time or resources who want to supplement the diet of their local deer population.
Those seeking a mineral supplement with a specific and known composition should skip this product. A must-have accessory would be a trail camera to monitor the effectiveness of the attractant and observe deer activity at the mineral site.
Conclusion on Apple Flavored Mineral
The Apple Flavored Mineral is a simple, affordable, and effective way to attract deer. While the lack of detailed mineral information is a minor drawback, the ease of use and observed increase in deer activity make it a worthwhile investment for hunters and landowners.
At $13.99, the price is definitely justified for the convenience and potential benefits it offers. I would personally recommend the Apple Flavored Mineral to anyone looking to improve their deer hunting experience or simply enhance the health of their local deer population. Give it a try and see the difference it can make on your property!