What to Expect Using Trophy Rock 

If you're a whitetail hunter, you've probably heard of using Trophy Rock to attract deer. But just what is a Trophy Rock? It's Redmond's all-natural deer lick mined from an ancient seabed in Utah, USA. Trophy Rock contains simple ingredients: just unrefined mineral salt. And every lick has a full spectrum of minerals deer need for optimum health and growth potential. Deer love the Rock, and for nearly two decades hunters and herd managers have trusted it as a high-quality, natural choice to attract and nourish whitetails.

If you already use and love the Rock, we’ve got tips in this blog to help you use it better. If you're new to the product and have questions, keep reading for recommendations to get started right. Or if you're still shopping your options, you can compare Trophy Rock to mineral blocks here. Let’s talk rocks!

Does Trophy Rock Really Work?

Let's say you just picked up a Trophy Rock from your favorite outdoor or online retailer. What happens next? What should you expect from your mineral lick, and how do you know if it's working? Here are five things to watch for:

• High usage. Expect whitetails—and other animals—to visit your site often, especially in spring and summer.  Increased intake of Trophy Rock during summer months is due to three things:
  1. Deer often operate at a sodium deficiency due to higher potassium and water content in summer forage. 
  2. Summer heat increases hydration requirements, and Trophy Rock restores vital electrolytes.
  3. Bucks need the 60+ minerals for antler growth and does need them to continue milk production.
• Sweet shots. Got trail cameras set up nearby? Get ready to capture some share-worthy pics and video of critters using the lick.  
• Lasts longer. Trophy Rock holds up better in the field than manufactured mineral blocks, which means you'll get more use and more bang for your buck.
• Animal antics. Animals do funny and sometimes frustrating things with Trophy Rock. We’ve caught bears on camera packing rocks off, elk rolling them around for play, cattle breaking down fences to get access. And just recently, a Redmond Hunt member had three stolen by a masked bandit (raccoon) that stowed them under a tumble-down shed. Critters love these licks, and when one crosses their path? Don’t be surprised if they check it out, taste it—and sometimes steal it. 
• August decline. Deer usually leave mineral sites around mid-August. This is expected, and we’ve got the solution to keep your herd coming back. But more on that in a minute.

How To Use Trophy Rock

Setting up your Trophy Rock is really pretty simple. Just place it in a spot you can easily access and where deer frequent and feel comfortable using it. Near staging or bedding areas usually work best. Once you've picked your site (find more info on setting up mineral sites here), elevate Trophy Rock on a stand, stump, or another flat rock for best use. That's as complicated as it gets. 

Want a few more in-depth tips and tricks for using Trophy Rock? Check out the video below for insider secrets from Redmond Hunt experts Gene and Kirt.

How Long Does Trophy Rock Last?

We often get asked how long Trophy Rock lasts and why some rocks disappear in only two weeks. It depends, but one to three months is generally the time frame most elevated rocks last in the field. You want to swap out your lick when it's about the size of a softball. Longevity depends on these three things: placement, weather, and usage.

Placement

Trophy Rock lasts much longer if you avoid mud puddles, so get it off the ground! We recommend setting it on a stump, stand, or larger rock. Deer will also appreciate it being elevated, as they can lick it in a less defensive posture. If it's sitting in a puddle of rainwater on the ground, a rock can dissolve in a matter of days. Keep in mind, if that does occur, not all is lost! The minerals are still there in the soil for the deer to use.

Weather  

Rain, snow, and humidity are things you can’t control. If your area experiences particularly wet weather and your Rock is out in the open, it will dissolve faster. As mentioned, elevating it keeps it out of puddles that melt it more quickly. You might also consider adding a high roof or covering overhead for protection from rain and snow.  

Usage 

Several factors play into how much Rock deer use. Is your herd large? Is it spring or summer? If so, they’ll lick it more. Deer generally hit minerals hard from March to mid-August—which is the peak season for antler growth and does supporting growing fetuses and nursing fawns. Check out the graph below to see which months Trophy Rock is used most.

What to Do When Deer Stop Using Mineral Licks in Fall and Winter

It’s totally natural for Trophy Rock use to drop significantly around mid-August. By then bucks’ antlers are going to a hard horn and most does are weaning nursing fawns, which means their nutritional needs change and mineral demand dives. 

You can ensure deer keep coming back through fall and winter by adding Bomb, our long-range attractant, to your site. We recommend introducing Bomb around July 4th and keeping it supplied through December. Gradually increasing it works best to avoid alarming or putting off animals with a sudden change.  

Bomb is satisfyingly sweet, smells amazing from even far away, and is a great way to supplement feed. It comes in Apple and Cherry flavors, with palatable protein ingredients and vitamins and minerals to attract and nourish your herd. 

Stock the Rock Year Round 

While deer may decrease use of Trophy Rock towards the end of summer, it’s important to keep it available at mineral sites year-round. Whitetails will still lick it through fall and winter, and having access to balanced minerals helps them recover from the stress of the rut and survive winter better.

Make sure to visit your mineral site and replace or recharge Trophy Rock and Cherry Bomb when needed. Click below to stock up on both quality Redmond Hunt products today!