best bait for deer elk to get pics with game camera

[NW-GSP]

Im going to order a camera today and am wondering what is best to use as bait for deer and elk, salt lick ect. there are alot of different products out there and I dont want to waste money on gimmicks

[jackelope]

try salt...like table salt or rock salt or whatever's clever. it works and is cheap, but in a couple years you'll have a huge hole in the ground where the salt once was...

[NW-GSP]

Thats an awesome Idea, so do they smell it or is still a good Idea to try to find a game trail to put this on. I was going to try to put the camera off the beaten  path up on a gated fireroad, This area has really thick brush so it would be really hard to find game trail up there. so I was just wondering if the salt will bring them into an area off their trail. thanks for the help

[Antlershed]

Peanut butter and if you have access to an apple tree then pick some apples too. They don't seem to eat the store bought ones with wax on them.

[NW-GSP]

Peanut butter and if you have access to an apple tree then pick some apples too. They don't seem to eat the store bought ones with wax on them.

I can get apples so I will try that, I will post pictures with the results

[scudmaster]

I use an equine salt/iodine lick.  I move my camera around and wanted the lick to be easy to move as well.  They are cheap as well and cleaner to move than apples etc.  My 

[Antlershed]

That's why i said if you have a source (free). Then you don't need to worry about moving the bait, just bring more apples.   

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I have done some experimenting and this time of year salt works.... but those little bricks (corn/molasses or apple/molasses) of flavored minerals seeem to work all year. If you find a spot on a saddle or bench that is fairly level and about 10-15 off of an established game trail, within 35-50 of a clearing but still in cover.Clear away all leaves, etc in a 4-5ft area and start it with salt or Deer-cane or something similar. Sprinkle the powder and place a mineral block on top. After it rains you should get activity and after a few months you will have a sizeable hole in the ground with plenty of cleared area around it to check for tracks.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

here is a couple.

[WAcoueshunter]

I've had a regular iodized salt block and a red mineral block out for a couple years now.  I'm still on the original salt block, but I'm on the third mineral block.  Just put out one of the molasses blocks about a month ago, and it doesn't appear they've touched it.  I'm definitely getting more deer this year than in the prior two.  Not sure the reason...maybe they just know where it is now?  Maybe as the trails get more defined, they just follow them to the block?   

Haven't used any real "bait" (apples, peanut butter, etc.) yet.  Wonder if that would keep them around longer?  Seems they don't come into the mineral block much later in the summer.  Anybody have suggestions on how to keep them around later into the year?

[stumprat]

Buck Jam.

[SHANE(WA)]

really depends on money and how far to pack, salt is a one time deal 50# and cheap. Now sweet mix and apples they love.

[fishcrazy]

I just picked up 1 gallon of buck jam to try. Will see what likes it.

Kris

[Perrymedic]

 I use Black Magic. I have several spots going and it works great!

[CastleRocker]

What is "Black Magic" and where do you get it?

[Antlershed]

Found out that those Trophy Mineral blocks that Cabelas sells will get licked by Elk and Bear Cubs.  

Oh yeah, fawns will lick them too.

[Old Dog]

What is "Black Magic" and where do you get it?

I'm not sure what it is, but it's made by the same people that make deer co-cain.  Wholesale Sports has it for 7.99 a bag.  I think they are 5 lbs.

[h2ofowlr]

Does the salt kill everything around it, or do the animals clean it up pretty well?

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

The salt soaks into the dirt and the animals actually eat the dirt.