Wildgame Innovations WGI-WLD329 Review

The Wildgame Innovations WGI-WLD329 Made a Bold First Impression

The Wildgame Innovations WGI-WLD329, a 4-pound crush salt block, might not be the sexiest piece of gear in my arsenal, but its practicality screams from the deer stand. As an avid hunter constantly seeking ways to improve my land management and attract deer, I was intrigued by the simplicity and affordability of this product from Wildgame Innovations. It promised an easy way to supplement deer diets and potentially draw them into specific areas.

For years, I’ve tinkered with various attractants – corn, protein pellets, and even homemade mineral licks. Each has its merits, but also drawbacks like cost, mess, and susceptibility to rain. I was seeking a low-maintenance, weather-resistant option. My buddy raved about mineral blocks, claiming they kept his deer healthy and coming back for more. This Wildgame Innovations WGI-WLD329 seemed like the perfect entry point.

Unboxing it (well, unwrapping it from its protective plastic) was anticlimactic. It was a solid, reddish-brown block, smelling vaguely of…salt. But the density felt good, suggesting it wouldn’t dissolve instantly in the first rain shower. Compared to loose mineral powders that wash away quickly, or liquid attractants that require constant reapplication, this felt like a more sustainable approach.

I’ve used BioRock mineral rocks in the past, which are harder and longer lasting, but also considerably more expensive. I also considered just putting out plain salt, but this Wildgame Innovations block promised a specific blend of minerals designed for deer. Ultimately, the price point and the Wildgame Innovations brand reputation for effectiveness swayed me. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would live up to its claims and prove a worthy addition to my deer management strategy.

Real-World Testing: Putting Wildgame Innovations WGI-WLD329 to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Wildgame Innovations WGI-WLD329 on my property in the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania, known for its dense forests and challenging terrain. I placed the block near a frequently used deer trail, about 50 yards from a game camera, hoping to monitor its effectiveness. The area receives decent sunlight, but is sheltered enough to hopefully prevent overly rapid dissolving.

The initial days were uneventful. No deer visited the block, at least not according to the game camera. However, after about a week, I started seeing does and fawns sniffing around it. They didn’t immediately start gnawing, but were definitely investigating. After two weeks, they were actively licking and chewing on the block. The first light rain didn’t dissolve it significantly, a definite plus.

Ease of use was exceptional; I simply placed it on a flat rock. My only concern was placement; I wanted it somewhere accessible to deer, but also somewhat concealed from human view to prevent theft. The initial lack of immediate interest was a little disheartening, but the eventual acceptance by the deer was encouraging.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of use, the Wildgame Innovations WGI-WLD329 is about half its original size. The deer continue to visit it regularly, according to the game camera footage. The block has withstood several heavy rainstorms and even a brief period of freezing temperatures without completely disintegrating.

There’s definitely signs of wear and tear; the block is significantly smaller and has a rough, chewed surface. However, it’s holding up far better than loose mineral supplements would have. Maintenance is non-existent; I simply check on it periodically to ensure it’s still in place and haven’t needed to replace it yet.

Compared to my past experiences with other attractants, this is a clear winner in terms of ease of use and longevity. While it may not provide the immediate “bam” of a corn pile, its sustained attractiveness and minimal maintenance make it a valuable tool. It definitely outperforms loose mineral mixes which are scattered and ruined rapidly.

Breaking Down the Features of Wildgame Innovations WGI-WLD329

Specifications

• Weight: 4 pounds. This size offers a good balance between portability and longevity.
• Form: Crush salt block. The compacted form slows down dissolution.
• Intended Use: Deer attractant and mineral supplement. Provides essential minerals and salt to deer.
• Packaging: Individually wrapped in plastic. This keeps it fresh until use.
• Ingredients: Salt, minerals, and proprietary attractants. These draw deer in and provide nutritional benefits.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the product’s effectiveness and ease of use. The weight determines how easily it can be transported and placed. The form ensures it lasts a reasonable amount of time. The ingredients dictate its attractiveness to deer and its nutritional value.

Performance & Functionality

The Wildgame Innovations WGI-WLD329 performs admirably as a deer attractant. Deer are consistently drawn to the block, as evidenced by game camera footage. Its primary strength is its sustained attractiveness and low-maintenance nature.

However, it’s not a “magic bullet.” It doesn’t instantly draw deer from miles around like some overly-hyped products claim. It requires patience and strategic placement. It meets my expectations as a supplemental mineral source and attractant, providing a steady draw for deer.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is simple: a solid, compressed block. It’s easy to handle and transport despite the weight. The block’s weight gives it stability.

It is user-friendly. There is absolutely no learning curve. Simply unwrap and place.

Durability & Maintenance

The block is reasonably durable. It withstands typical weather conditions without completely dissolving. Maintenance is virtually non-existent. I only need to occasionally check its location and remaining size.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wildgame Innovations WGI-WLD329 is primarily a standalone product and doesn’t require accessories. However, a trail camera placed nearby is highly recommended to monitor deer activity. There are no customization options for the block itself, but its placement can be customized based on terrain and deer patterns.

It is compatible with any standard trail camera mounting system. Furthermore, it can be paired with other attractants. For example, placing a small amount of corn near the block may help to initially draw deer’s attention.

Pros and Cons of Wildgame Innovations WGI-WLD329