Use of artificial mineral licks by white-tailed deer in Louisiana.

Abstract

We examined white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) use of artificial mineral licks on 3 properties in southcentral Louisiana. High deer use of licks extended longer into summer and fall than reported for areas in more northern latitudes. Estimated monthly mineral consumption averaged 538.0 g/deer (SE = 70.8) and was associated with total moisture and crude protein reported for native plants on forest range in central Louisiana. Consumption from individual licks was positively associated with adjacent soil P concentration (P < 0.001).