[water_runner]

I am looking for bulk molasses. I know that some people have posted that they have used this for their bear bait sites, but I thought I would ask the deer guys whether they know as well. Where did you purchase it from? The last time I was in to the bulk barn for molasses people gave me funny look after I had 5 1L containers in my cart. I really wanted more, but I thought I would leave some for the other customers.

 

[mocasonman36]

have you checked crosbys in st.john?

 

[Bowtech]

You can buy unsweetend "cattle/feed" molasses in bulk, as much as you want from most feed supply store, bring your own container and they will fill it. Last I got was from the co-op in Sussex and bought it in 5 gallon pails.

 

[nbdeerhunter]

not sure what size costco sells but I will look next time I am in

 

[water_runner]

Thanks mocasonman36, Bowtech and nbdeerhunter. Bowtech, I guess I should have thought about it a bit more since it is used in cattle feed that there was a good chance they sell it to farmers in bulk. I tracked some down from the co-op as well, $34.00 for a 5 gallon pail.

How much have people used in the past to kick start salt licks? I know it is late, but I figure I can use the molasses with the salt licks I have already started. I put out the licks over a month ago (+1L of molasses) with limited results so far (3:1 salt to dicalcium phosphate). There is a pile of deer in the area, but they didn't seem to be too interested. I may have been late getting the licks out I know, but I thought that I would see more activity than this given the warm temperatures we had and the amount of deer walking right past it! So, what do you think, too little too late?

 

[water_runner]

Bears are also not an issue in this area, so I am not worried about baiting them in.

 

[Tobiquer]

Where are you located that bears arent an issue? Any where around my area that you dumped molasses, it would instantly change from deer lick to bear bait.

 

[water_runner]

Tobiquer,

I know what you are saying about the bear issues. I have stands that DEFINITELY can't have any molasses around, or much feed in general for that matter. These sites probably have more bears around then deer. It would totally ruin the site, and no offense to the bear hunters, but it just isn't what I am after. I like to refer to these sites as my "deeper woods" sites. The other sites I have are my "lawn ornament" sites where a few litres of molasses would have to bring a bear 5 km from any bear sign I have ever seen. The only reason even for having a lick at the latter sites is in order to concentrate deer on a few trails to get within bow range. Eventually I imagine I will get a random bear passing through. If it does happen I will likely dig up any of the lick that has had any molasses added to it and lug (wheel barrow) it out of there. But, don't get me started on the racoons! That is a separate issue.

 

[Tobiquer]

If you use alot of molasses dilute it by mixing it with boiling water, and you get more mileage out of a jug. Ive done for bear baiting and it works good.

 

[water_runner]

Dilution, sounds like a plan. The last stuff I put out the deer ate rings where I drizzled it on the lick. They still didn't tear at the lick too much though. What do you think Tobiquer, cut it half and half with water?

 

[Dan the man]

Did you ever tried Soya sauce ? I have been using this for many years and it's working great. Just add one bottle of soya sauce on salt block and you will see the difference. I'm adding up one bottle every month. I think it's a lot cheaper then molasses.

 

[water_runner]

Dan the man, Soya sauce? I have never heard of that before. Just wondering what you use for a lick. Is it coarse salt, salt block, trace mineral or other fine salt? Have you noticed any bears in your area that have taken an interest to the soya? I may try it at one of the "deep woods" sites if bears don't take a liking to it, but I will try it at my "lawn ornament" site for sure. Any cheap soya sauce floating around? I am always game for new ideas. Thanks.

 

[Dan the man]

I'm using it on a salt block. It seem that the deer will find your salt lick much faster with the soya because of the smell.

Since I'm using it I never had any bear coming to it. But I have some moose pics on my trail cam. I'm buying my soya from Sobey's it's less than 2 dollars a bottle. If you want to test it, it's not a big investment.

 

[Tobiquer]

Yes 50/50 is good - you can dilute it even more than that if you like.