Spring Mock Scrates: Ready, Set, Go

Spring mock scrapes are an excellent way to inventory new deer entering your property. After the hunting season, bucks filter into new areas vacated by harvested bucks. A well-placed mock scrape allows new deer to introduce themselves through their glandular communication, and it helps them learn about the deer already on the property.

The first place to make mock scrapes is outside of a bedding area. Locate the bedding area’s primary entrance and exit routes, and place a mock scrape at each location. Almost every deer entering or leaving the bedding area will stop to hit the scrape. Hang a trail camera or cellular camera and keep a close eye on the activity that will take place.

Natural funnels make an excellent place for a spring mock scrape. Again, I like to put a mock scrape at both ends of the funnel. I want deer to communicate as they enter and leave the funnel. Each time a deer stops at one of the scrapes, my trail cameras have the opportunity to catch it in action.

Brian Kightlinger will continue this post tomorrow.  Mock scrapes can be magical, and he is the master.