Quick Answer
Missouri whitetail deer are attracted to a variety of attractants. The best attractants for these deer include mineral licks, food plots, and scents. In Missouri's Ozark region, deer tend to focus on areas with abundant food and water.
Selecting the Right Mineral Licks
When creating a mineral lick for Missouri deer, it’s essential to include a mix of minerals that are crucial for the deer’s health, such as calcium, phosphorus, and salt. A good mineral lick should be easily accessible and visible to deer. Consider using a 2:1 ratio of calcium to phosphorus in your mineral mix. Place the mineral lick in a location where deer tend to congregate, such as near a food source or water source.
Creating Effective Food Plots
In Missouri’s Ozark region, deer tend to prefer food plots with a mix of cool-season and warm-season crops. Consider planting a mix of winter-hardy crops like oats, clover, and winter peas in the fall, followed by warm-season crops like corn, soybeans, and sunflowers in the spring. A good rule of thumb is to plant a 1-acre food plot with a mix of 50% cool-season crops and 50% warm-season crops. Aim to plant the food plot in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Using Scent Attractants
In Missouri’s Ozark region, deer are highly sensitive to scent attractants. Consider using a combination of doe-in-heat scents and buck-attracting scents to create a scent trail that is attractive to both does and bucks. Place the scent attractants in locations where deer tend to congregate, such as near food sources or along trails. Consider using a total of 10-15 scent attractants per acre to create a strong scent trail.
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