Choosing the right feed or attractant is a small investment that yields big returns: more consistent game presence, healthier deer, and better scouting or hunting opportunities. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, cross-referencing expert field guides, and analysis of real-world consumer feedback to identify dependable options for a range of budgets and uses.
How we tested and chose
What we evaluated:
- Attracting power: How effectively the product draws and holds deer and other game over time.
- Durability & weather resistance: Whether the product withstands rain, heat, and freezing temperatures.
- Nutritional or mineral value: Presence of salt, calcium, phosphorus, or forage value (for seed mixes).
- Ease of use: Setup, placement, and maintenance required.
- Value: Price per pound or per effective season and overall versatility.
- Safety & legality: Non-toxic formulations and guidance for responsible use.
These factors were assessed through a combination of field trials on private properties, review of manufacturer specs and ingredient lists, and aggregation of verified user feedback across hunting and wildlife forums. Products selected are those that consistently delivered visible results, required reasonable maintenance, and offered clear guidance for placement and use.
Apple Salt Block
A compact, apple-flavored mineral/salt block that delivers long-lasting attraction at a low cost. Contains added calcium and phosphorus to support antler growth and herd health. Time-release and weather-resistant — simple to place on a stump or mineral site with minimal upkeep.
Why this is the Best Budget Pick
The apple-flavored mineral block is a low-cost, ready-to-use attractant that punches above its weight. Its blend of salt, calcium and phosphorus provides both an attractant and a nutritional supplement, and the dense block form resists washing away in rain. For landowners or hunters on a budget, it’s an easy, low-effort way to establish a mineral site or augment existing feed. Practical tips: place on stumps or in a shaded mineral lick area and rotate sites seasonally to limit overuse.
Whitetail Hill Kill Plot
Premium seed mix formulated for small food plots — blends brassicas, clovers, and chicory for strong attraction throughout seasons. Designed for high palatability, fast growth, and sustained browse that supports scouting and localized deer concentration.
Why this is the Premium Choice
This kill-plot mix is engineered for hunters who want a purpose-built, high-performance food plot. The brassicas provide late-season browse, clovers and chicory supply protein and persistence through spring and summer, and the overall mix tolerates typical plot conditions with minimal tilling. It’s more labor- and cost-intensive than a block or corn but returns higher consistent attraction across seasons and improves body condition of local deer. Technical note: best results come from preparing a clean seedbed or using no-till techniques as directed and managing signage and human scent to avoid spooking deer.
Critter Corn Bulk Bag
A high-capacity, whole-shelled corn bag that’s ideal for feeders, troughs, or ground spreading. USA-sourced, cleaned corn provides high energy and wide species appeal — an economical option for creating repeat feeding spots across large properties.
Why this is the Best Value for Money
The large 44 lb bag gives excellent per-pound value and flexibility: use it in gravity feeders, spread it on the ground to create a feeding lane, or supplement food plots. Corn is a reliable attractant in many regions, particularly in colder months when energy needs are higher. It’s not a nutrient-rich mineral supplement, so pair with a mineral block or plot seed for long-term herd health. Storage suggestion: keep in a cool, dry place and rotate stock to prevent spoilage or pest issues.
Black Magic Mineral Block
A dense, molasses-enhanced mineral block that blends high mineral concentration with aromatic attractants for strong, repeated visitation. Time-release, weather-resistant, and designed to both attract and supplement deer nutrition all year round.
Why this is our Editor’s Choice
This mineral block strikes the best balance between attraction, longevity, and nutritional benefit. The molasses flavoring significantly increases palatability, and the dense formula resists washout, making it reliable across seasons. It’s simple to deploy — place in shaded mineral sites or on stumps — and needs little maintenance. For hunters who want a dependable, low-effort attractant that also contributes to herd health, this block consistently produced repeat visits in field testing. Pair it with corn or a food plot for a complete strategy.
Quick Comparison — Key Differences
- Apple Salt Block (Best Budget Pick) — Best for low-cost mineral supplementation and establishing simple mineral sites. Lightweight and long-lasting.
- Whitetail Hill Kill Plot (Premium Choice) — Best for targeted, high-return food plots; requires some prep but draws and holds deer season-long.
- Critter Corn Bulk Bag (Best Value for Money) — Best for large properties and feeder use; versatile and economical per pound.
- Black Magic Mineral Block (Editors Choice) — Best all-around attractant: very palatable, mineral-rich, weather-resistant, and easy to use.
Best overall: Black Magic Mineral Block — blends attraction, nutrition, and durability for most hunting contexts. Alternatives: choose the kill-plot mix if you want a long-term habitat improvement, or the bulk corn if you need inexpensive, flexible feeding over large acreage.
Final Recommendation
After extensive field testing, expert consultation, and review of user experiences, the Evolved Habitats Black Magic mineral block stands out as the most reliable single-product solution for attracting and retaining deer. It pairs well with corn for immediate attraction or with a food-plot program for long-term herd health. If you’re on a tight budget, the apple-flavored salt block gives exceptional bang for the buck; if you want a premium, high-return investment, plant a dedicated kill plot with the Whitetail Hill mix.
All picks here were chosen for real-world effectiveness, ease of use, and measurable results in attracting game. Match the option to your goals (quick attraction, nutrition, large-area feeding, or habitat improvement) and follow local regulations and best-practice guidance for wildlife feeding in your area to ensure ethical and legal use.