Homemade Fortified Deer Block

[@terrier53]

Great video. Thank you so much for posting.

[@kelvinharvey2016]

this is really cool I'd like to see trail camera photo's of critters eating on it lol

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Thank you Kelvin, indeed many critters will eat it lol. Couple of raccoons can eat entire block in one night

[@allisonryanmcdowell6047]

Just got done making mine 😌 can't wait to put it out for the tomorrow 🙌 thank u bootleg outdoors.

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Did it work?

[@capebreton3706]

Nice video. I made my own recipe last night, baked it, compressed it and let it chill 24 hours at 5 degrees Celsius but it was “loose” when I dumped it out tonight. I may have used too much molasses and not enough sugar, if as you say it’s the sugar crystallizing that binds it together. I used whole corn, oats and lay mash and some peanuts for the dry ingredients…I’ll try again!

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Thanks for sharing! Indeed, the melted sugar acts like glue and maybe the whole corn is a bit more difficult to bind with other ingredients as well? There’s always a little trial and error, but the deer and other critters sure don’t seem to mind if it’s in block form or crumbled on the ground. ;-)

[@teacheng3795]

Very good vid, well done from Australia. Must give this a try! BIG LIKE!!

[@bootlegoutdoors]

teach eng thank you kindly!

[@renee1132]

Great feed block!

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Renee Haggerty thanks for the feedback :-)

[@sharonsmith1203]

So you made granola for the deer! Minus the corn meal. Excellent.

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Lol, yes basically

[@back40ranch]

If i had the stuff in the cubbard i would try that

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Yeah and things are not cheap at grocery store, so I’m also exploring different ingredients

[@tomrudd1118]

The pre-mixed bowl idea is really cool. During baking, you need to be sipping white wine or sherry.

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Tom Rudd haha, yes that's a perfect time to sip wine and eat some cheese while my deer block is baking lol

[@stevenbabb2958]

Nice job, thank you for sharing. NBWildman has a similar block as yours. He is on KZbin as well with many “how to” videos.

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Thanks! I have seen some of the videos on NBWildman and they have great content.

[@Thunderchickenbr549]

I think putting block on a tree stump works great cuz even after blocks gone they still work on the stump cuz it soaks into the wood

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Paul Hanuska Jr. great point!

[@curtbutterfield1966]

I tried it with maple cinnamon syrup and it worked good

[@bootlegoutdoors]

curt butterfield awesome, thanks so much for sharing!

[@grega5059]

Going to give this a try!

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Let us know how it turns out!

[@bearslayer2147]

Bears would run off with it in my neck of the woods

[@paulmoss7940]

Yup. You wouldn't believe what they have torn up. Hyde Co. NC

[@miman-ck9jv]

Always mix the dry goods together first then add the liquid last

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Thanks for the advice.

[@curtbutterfield1966]

Did one tonight with Karo syrup. ..need to thin it with really hot water 1/4 c of water then proceed as normal

[@bootlegoutdoors]

curt butterfield please submit a foto to our website if you have time. Would love to see what it looks like before the deer eat it!

[@bootlegoutdoors]

curt butterfield great idea

[@gerryemery1466]

Add some tart cherry juice concentrate to the mixture, and it will attract deer from miles around.

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Thanks for the tip!

[@spinoboi2786]

Um so mine came out a lot darker I did everything right but was it because I was using normal brown brown sugur instead of light? Or was it molasses I got cause the molasses I got came straight from Tractor supply and it’s specifically for deer

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Sometimes the “feed” molasses has a lot of additives in it and what you want is pure sugar so it melts and hardens when cooled to glue everything together

[@17goodluck]

thanks for the video. lots of good info in it. I know this works for the deer but was wondering how to make it stick in a block. just let it sit? No frig? thanks again. I will use salt in mine I know they like it. middle Georgia

[@bootlegoutdoors]

sam Jones thank you! I try to press mine together very tightly when it’s still warm out of the oven. The melted sugar will act sort of like a glue and when it hardens, it should keep it stuck together in one block.

[@DoctorColg8]

Speaking of sticking in a block, one wonders if you could embed a stick in the block (like a furling stip with a spiked end) so you could make the block into a big deer lollipop (without nailing into a tree). Asking for a friend.

[@bootlegoutdoors]

@@DoctorColg8 I definitely think that’s possible. Might take a little trial and error ;-)

[@jim8191]

Could you add Himalayan Salt, or would it degrade the structuring of the block? Thanks.

[@jasonpalmer7401]

Salt wouldn't hurt..

[@bootlegoutdoors]

I agree, I don’t think small amount of salt will effect how it holds up and of course deer love salt!

[@marlinganderson]

I followed these directions and ingredients exactly, compressed into container tightly and let set for 1 1/2 days and it never got hard. Took it to the field where I had pictures of deer on camera everyday and set it up on a broken limb of a pine tree and a screw in the middle to hold it there. After 3 days I had no deer anywhere near it and it was covered with bees. Are you sure it’s not a deer repellent?

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Sorry you had this experience James. We’ve had dozens of people with very positive experiences and many deer pics on trail cameras proving deer LOVE IT. Maybe your sugar did not melt properly so it could harden the block?

[@Peterama3000]

Tried to mack the block but it never got hard. I followed your recipe and added deer salt and the deer acorn bait you get at Tractor supply. I did you a cup of actual corn maybe that's why it didn't harden? Maybe I didn't pack it tight enough? Any ideas/tips anyone. Thanks

[@bootlegoutdoors]

If it’s not hardening well, then usually it’s because the sugar didn’t melt properly or indeed once you put it into a mold, you need to press it together firmly. Let me know if that helps.

[@williamfrazier4038]

How do you get your deer blocks so hard.

[@canadianneo-frontiersmen6165]

Thanks for the share bro!

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Canadian Neo-Frontiersmen my pleasure. And appreciate you taking time to watch it. Thanks!

[@shaunfowler8472]

It didn’t look like You added your cane syrup thanks looks great I’m do it just needed to know.

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Shaun Fowler thanks for your comment. I did add molasses to the mix before and actually on the finished block afterwards as well. We’ve had great contributions from viewers though about adding other types of syrup that also works well.

[@brw_outdoors0394]

Great video man!

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Big Buck Outdoors 03 thanks!

[@thebanginbucks8433]

I tried it last night and it came out a little runny and is still mushy and I left it over night but I used karo syrup does that matter

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Highlands Hunting thanks for your question. I haven’t used that type of syrup before. I think the most important ingredient for making it stick together is sugar and making sure it melts properly. I would try different syrup, maybe add more sugar and keep it in the oven a little longer. Hope this helps!

[@cheifblaccfoot2256]

Thanks great video

[@bootlegoutdoors]

King Blackfoot22 much appreciated 👍

[@mistywhitehead3046]

it worked

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Thank you Misty!

[@lawrenceturner7294]

I made this block to the recipe mine came out hard as it should have done I made six blocks they all melted within two days any suggestions. I’m assuming it was too hot I live in Mosouri. Any suggestions.

[@bootlegoutdoors]

When you say melt, do you mean it all fell apart or did it just lose its shape? I’ve never made these in August so the heat could indeed be a factor.

[@lawrenceturner7294]

I nailed them to a tree as you’ve done. I went to check on them about a week later they had lost shape and wilted off the nail. Deer tracks all around the area all of the blocks were gone.

[@bootlegoutdoors]

@@lawrenceturner7294 ok, I see. I’ve never had mine in the woods longer than a few days before they were fully eaten. You might want to try using more sugar and keeping it in oven a little longer. It’s the melted sugar that hardens and makes the block stick together, so that’s the first place I would start. Also, if it keeps crumbling up, you can always mix it with your corn and throw it out like that.

[@gavinsmitty23]

I make a similar block but some different ingredients

[@bootlegoutdoors]

gavinsmitty23 thanks, let us know some different ingredients if you think it works better in your area

[@Rjg16799]

I want to see the game camera footage of this really work or not.

[@Zet93A]

Nice gotta try it

[@bootlegoutdoors]

SouthTEXASportsman thanks!

[@windomwatts2748]

We can't use that cause of Black Bear it will be gone in couple days

[@christaylor3242]

If you make a bunch of these and keep them at the house for awhile do they need to be frozen?

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Chris Taylor Hi Chris, I’ve never kept them for very long but I just put them in a big ziplock bag or plastic wrap in room temperature. I’ve kept them this way for several days and certainly the deer didn’t mind.

[@fredmendes8982]

@@bootlegoutdoors I made some back in fall of 2019. Kept 2 until 2020 deer season Just keep in original plastic container molds. in mt garage Worked fine but it was bears that got them

[@bootlegoutdoors]

@@fredmendes8982 thanks for the comment! Great to know

[@kevinkentucky9972]

Nice vid, I'd pick a dead tree to nail into though

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Kevin Kentucky thank you!

[@Noname-lm4xu]

Tree hugger

[@jenbosworth3393]

Can you store this in freezer, for a couple months?

[@bootlegoutdoors]

I haven’t tried that, but I think a couple months in the freezer wouldn’t hurt

[@mistywhitehead3046]

and is very easy

[@ksmith56]

How long did you let it sit before you took it out

[@bootlegoutdoors]

I usually let mine sit over night

[@lilfear]

isnt the molasses only to keep squirrels away?

[@bootlegoutdoors]

lilfear thanks for your question. We had a great suggestion from a viewer on our peanut butter trick video about putting molasses on top of the jar to discourage squirrels, but honestly before I heard that, I was putting molasses on top of this fortified block to add more scent in the woods. Guess it can be good for both.

[@tonybell5043]

how long did it last?

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Usually only a couple of days unfortunately.

[@GoodDartz1]

Got any pics of the deer eating it?

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Anthony Brych definitely, we’ll try to post some on our website bootlegoutdoors.com. Thanks for asking

[@thecrittergitter7576]

I have been watching a lot of videos on bait attractants and find a lot of ways to make this and that. However, I don't see proof of the results of the attractants. Is it possible to add pictures of wildlife in action on these particular attractants? On a side note as for types of attractants/baits. What works in Michigan might not work in VA/NC. For instance in Michigan deer love beets and carrots not in VA/NC. I think some attractant/baits work in any area such as peanut butter and corn. Again any videos of the results of the efforts? also locations (while not specific but maybe by state) where used might not be a bad Idea. On another side note I bought a Molasses 31% protein for livestock from TS for $40. I have not had any sign of activity eating or licking it in NC. While it might work in other areas. Also, watch out for molasses as a bear attractant. Thanks for the idea.

[@bootlegoutdoors]

The Critter Gitter g thanks for sharing your thoughts and definitely I agree using bait or attractants alone will never guarantee success in the woods. If you have a large crop of white oak acorns on the property next to yours for example, then this little block isn’t going to change your deer’s feeding habits. However, certainly having that little extra edge in the woods to bring a deer a little closer, make them stop a little longer, or even those little things that give us the confidence to stay in the tree a little longer make a very big difference. For me, making these attractants at home is an enjoyable activity and even if the deer show up at night to eat it, it’s still a lot of fun to see the trail cam pictures and try new things. As hunters, we all have a DIY approach and this is something small that comes naturally, but hopefully feeds our larger DIY habits as hunters. 👍

[@westindigenoustrading5443]

Bootleg Outdoors amen

[@terrytrexler9340]

I would add some coarse salt to this mixture.

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Thanks, great idea

[@caseycambre5189]

Can you add a little salt to it?

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Casey Cambre I think adding a little salt is a great idea. We all know deer need salt! Thanks for the idea

[@curtbutterfield1966]

Have you tried maple syrup or peanut butter

[@bootlegoutdoors]

curt butterfield that is a great idea. I think there are many things you can add or substitute. I think corn syrup or maple syrup could be used instead of molasses if that is what you have. I would get the cheap stuff though of course since deer and other critters will eat it fast!

[@curtbutterfield1966]

Where is your website I do have pics....

[@bootlegoutdoors]

curt butterfield awesome, please join the site! Its all free of course. www.bootlegoutdoors.com

[@bcalvert321]

No hunting videos just more home made stuff.

[@bootlegoutdoors]

BEN CALVERT exactly, just homemade stuff and outdoor hacks 👍

[@davidbird6475]

How does it hold up after a few good rains?

[@bootlegoutdoors]

David Bird great question. Not positive, but I will come back and tell you as I’m sure it will happen sooner or later. I suspect it will hold up fine in light rain no problem, but the grain might spoil if left wet for too long.

[@terrydurham5171]

Most of it will break off and be on the ground after a day or 2 or rain wouldn't it

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Terry Durham deer will still eat it on the ground but it’s pretty solid, so it should hold up ok. We need to do more field tests, but deer season is around the corner!

[@MrDustin713]

have you had much success with this block? Went to the website, unable to find any clarification on the matter.

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Dustin French yes, we’ve had a lot of success on the trail camera, but sometimes the raccoons get there first!

[@MrDustin713]

@@bootlegoutdoors glad to hear, thanks for the response

[@waynerobinson2301]

Dustin / every mammal will go in for peanut butter . Also salt anything else you add will be carrying those elements on them / as far as an attractant anything peeks the “ curiosity “ one of best is mineral salt blocks like you put out for cattle or horses .

[@waynerobinson2301]

Smear some skunk essence near by as ever deer will snoop to see what went on .

[@Thunderchickenbr549]

How long does block last for y’all? Thanks!

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Paul Hanuska Jr. thanks, it depends on couple factors. Rain will make it soft, raccoons will tear it up, but overall the deer like it and it’s a lot of fun to make. Just make sure to check your local laws on feeding deer. 👍

[@BREEZEONE1]

You must not have bears in the area..

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Pig Farmer Ben ha, no but we have raccoons and they will definitely eat this

[@BREEZEONE1]

I put out a peanut butter pack to see what it would do last year, after checking the camera I noticed it really pulls in the bears. I don't like thinking about bears when im sitting in my ground blind with a bow at 5am in the morning. hahaha So I quit putting out peanut butter. I still want to try this while its the off season to see how it does. Thanks for the video!

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Pig Farmer Ben my pleasure! Please let us know what happens and I completely agree with you about bears and ground blinds lol

[@BREEZEONE1]

Will do.

[@jamesmoran7958]

It's not deer it's bear

[@sharonsmith1203]

Ah, racoons climb trees!

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Sharon Smith yes, unfortunately!

[@sharonsmith1203]

@@bootlegoutdoors My granola block fell off the tree in ten minutes. It was still too wet. But the racoons enjoyed it I am sure.

[@bootlegoutdoors]

Sharon Smith any more attempts?

[@rusharley134]

Can't hear you.