First Thoughts on the BIG&J BB2-LG5 Legit Mineral Mix
In the world of deer attractants, the market is saturated with promises and gimmicks. Many products boast of drawing in the big bucks, but few deliver on that promise. That’s why I was intrigued, but also skeptical, when I first encountered the BIG&J BB2-LG5 Legit Mineral Mix. Offered by BIG&J, it claims to be more than just a glorified salt lick, instead offering essential minerals and long-range attraction. The intense apple aroma was the first thing that caught my attention.
Having spent over a decade in the outdoor and tactical gear industry, I’ve seen my share of attractants, and most fall flat. I needed a reliable mineral mix to establish a new lick site on a property I recently acquired. This property was notoriously mineral-deficient, which was affecting the health and antler growth of the local deer population.
The BIG&J Legit Mineral Mix stood out to me for a few reasons. Compared to generic salt licks or corn-based attractants, this promised a balance of essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus. Other mineral mixes I’d considered, like the Redmond Hunt Big 6 Mineral Deer Attractant and the Ani-Logics Outdoors Black Magic Mineral, seemed to focus heavily on salt content, with minerals as an afterthought. Legit’s apple scent also gave it an edge, appealing to a deer’s natural foraging instincts.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The granular mix had a potent, almost artificial apple scent, which concerned me slightly. However, the promise of vital minerals at an affordable price of $8.99 made it worth a try. My hope was that it would genuinely improve deer health and antler development, not just provide a temporary sugary fix.
Real-World Testing: Putting BIG&J BB2-LG5 Legit Mineral Mix to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the BIG&J BB2-LG5 Legit Mineral Mix took place on a new lick site within my recently acquired property. I chose a secluded area near a heavily used deer trail, scraping away the topsoil and depositing the entire 5lb bag of mineral mix. The environment was fairly dry, with recent light rainfall.
I monitored the site using trail cameras. Within 24 hours, deer began investigating the area, cautiously approaching the mix. The aroma, despite my initial skepticism, clearly had an attracting effect. Deer pawed at the ground, licking and consuming the mix readily.
The ease of use was remarkable. Simply finding a suitable location and pouring the mix onto the bare earth was all that was needed. No issues were encountered during this initial application. The intense apple aroma seemed to hold up even after exposure to light rain.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of monitoring the site, I observed consistent deer activity. The BIG&J Legit Mineral Mix was being actively consumed, and deer were returning frequently. This wasn’t a one-time curiosity; it was becoming a regular part of their routine.
Despite exposure to several rainstorms and varying temperatures, the mineral mix remained effective. There were no signs of it dissolving completely or losing its attractiveness. The deer continued to visit the site consistently for over a month.
Maintenance was virtually nonexistent. Once the initial mix was deposited, there was nothing further required. In comparison to previous experiences with corn-based attractants, which required constant replenishment, this was a significant improvement. The BIG&J Legit Mineral Mix demonstrated greater longevity and overall effectiveness.
Breaking Down the Features of BIG&J BB2-LG5 Legit Mineral Mix
Specifications
The BIG&J BB2-LG5 Legit Mineral Mix boasts several key specifications:
- Weight: 5 lbs per bag. This is a manageable weight for easy transportation and application.
- Mineral Content: High calcium and phosphorus content to promote antler growth and overall health. This addresses mineral deficiencies in the natural habitat.
- Trace Minerals: Includes essential trace minerals that are critical for reproductive function and healthy bone/antler development. This is key for a thriving deer population.
- Attractant: Intense apple aroma and flavor designed to attract deer from long distances. This feature differentiates it from basic mineral supplements.
These specifications are important because they directly address the core needs of a healthy deer population. The high calcium and phosphorus levels are crucial for antler development in bucks and reproductive success in does. The apple scent provides long-range attraction, drawing deer to the mineral site.
Performance & Functionality
The BIG&J Legit Mineral Mix performs its job effectively. Deer are drawn to the site by the intense apple aroma, and the mineral content contributes to their overall health. I observed increased activity around the lick site, indicating that the product is fulfilling its intended purpose.
A key strength is its long-lasting effectiveness. Unlike some attractants that quickly lose their appeal, the BIG&J Legit Mineral Mix remains attractive to deer for weeks, even after exposure to weather. A potential weakness could be its strong, artificial apple scent, which may deter some deer in areas with more natural food sources.
Overall, the product meets and, in some ways, exceeds expectations. The ease of use and sustained attractiveness make it a valuable tool for deer management.
Design & Ergonomics
The granular design of the BIG&J Legit Mineral Mix makes it easy to handle and apply. The weight of the bag is manageable, allowing for convenient transportation to remote locations. There is no real learning curve involved; simply open the bag and pour the contents onto the ground.
The focus is on functionality rather than aesthetics. The product is designed to attract deer and provide essential minerals, and its design reflects this purpose.
Durability & Maintenance
The longevity of the BIG&J Legit Mineral Mix depends on factors such as rainfall and deer activity. However, based on my testing, a single application can remain effective for several weeks to a month or more. Little to no maintenance is required after the initial application.
The mineral mix is designed to withstand exposure to the elements. It does not dissolve completely in rain, and the intense apple aroma persists for an extended period.
Accessories and Customization Options
The BIG&J BB2-LG5 Legit Mineral Mix does not require any specific accessories. It can be used independently to create a mineral lick site. However, the effectiveness of the site can be enhanced by combining it with other attractants, such as deer corn or molasses.
There are no specific customization options available for this product. Its purpose is straightforward – to provide essential minerals and attract deer to a designated location.
Pros and Cons of BIG&J BB2-LG5 Legit Mineral Mix
Pros
- High Calcium & Phosphorus Content: Promotes antler growth and overall deer health.
- Long-Range Apple Attractant: Draws deer from a wide area.
- Easy to Use: Simply pour onto the ground; no mixing or preparation required.
- Long-Lasting Effectiveness: Maintains attractiveness even after exposure to weather.
- Affordable Price: A cost-effective solution for deer management at $8.99.
Cons
- Artificial Apple Scent: May deter deer in areas with abundant natural food sources.
- Potential for Soil Contamination: Concentrated mineral content could alter soil composition in the immediate area.
Who Should Buy BIG&J BB2-LG5 Legit Mineral Mix?
The BIG&J BB2-LG5 Legit Mineral Mix is perfect for hunters looking to attract deer to specific locations for scouting or hunting purposes. It’s also ideal for landowners seeking to improve the overall health and antler development of their local deer population. Anyone looking for an easy-to-use and affordable deer attractant will benefit from this product.
Those who should skip this product include individuals who are opposed to using attractants for ethical reasons. Additionally, hunters in areas with strict regulations regarding the use of attractants should verify legality before purchasing.
A must-have accessory to complement the BIG&J BB2-LG5 Legit Mineral Mix is a quality trail camera. This allows users to monitor deer activity around the lick site and track the effectiveness of the attractant over time.
Conclusion on BIG&J BB2-LG5 Legit Mineral Mix
The BIG&J BB2-LG5 Legit Mineral Mix is a valuable tool for attracting deer and promoting their health. Its high calcium and phosphorus content, combined with its long-range apple attractant, makes it an effective and easy-to-use solution. The value proposition is strong. At $8.99, it offers an affordable way to enhance deer management efforts.
I would personally recommend the BIG&J Legit Mineral Mix to hunters and landowners seeking a reliable deer attractant. Its sustained attractiveness and essential mineral content make it a worthwhile investment. Give your local deer population a legitimate boost – grab a bag of BIG&J Legit Mineral Mix and see the results for yourself!