I think blacktails are pretty savvy when it comes to their food sources. They love apples that are near apple trees but I think they avoid any bait or food sources that are out of place.

I have run into a bow hunter several times in one of my spots who maintains cameras year around and he told me that every time he baits an area he stops getting pictures from that camera and he had some bombers on his memory card.

So I'd leave the mineral block there year around but loose the bait and see if they start using that trail again.
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