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Scrape Locations

A hunter can’t randomly just go into any location and pick any tree with an overhanging branch, make a "mock" scrape and expect to have success. Targeting the right area is important if you wish to consistently draw responses. Field edge scrapes and scrapes made by first year bucks are probably not the best starting point, because field perimeter scrapes or scrapes made in open areas are typically made at night. Also, a good majority of scrapes made by one and a half year old bucks are made and then never touched again, because a first year buck is not as territorial as the older bucks in the herd.


Consider the Big Picture

A hunter must take into consideration the big picture of the entire hunting area. Where do you believe the buck's bedding area(s) to be? Where are the does bedding and feeding? What is the major food source at that time?

You want to look for the scrapes that open first, the largest scrapes, clusters of multiple scrapes and the scrapes that get freshened again and again. These are typically going to be the scrapes from the animals that will get to participate in the breeding ritual and are characteristically more territorial than younger, less-dominant bucks. The ideal spot would be an area where there are multiple, large scrapes that you know to have been fresh- ened several times.

Great spots to target are funnels between a buck's bedding site and doe bedding and feeding areas. Pick an area that you think the buck is going to want to defend. I guess that's difficult to explain because whitetail do not think as humans. The point is, you want to get close enough so that your "mock" scrapes are a priority to that buck. Yet, you must maintain distance
enough so that you don't put too much pressure on and blow it.


Mock Scrapes

As stated, Ultimate Scrape-Dripperswill also work on a buck's real, existing scrapes. Just as with creating "mock" scrapes, you will have better luck using larger scrapes, scrapes that are near several other scrapes and especially the scrapes that you know have been freshened again and again – a scrapeaccess.  line. Also, just as with "mock" scrapes, you must be very careful not to transfer odor to that spot. Goof-ups like brushing an untreated sleeve against the overhanging interaction-branch or stepping in the scrape as you hang your Ultimate Scrape-Dripper®will send you home with a full quiver or a clean bore.

Since we want to see our buck during the daytime, it's best to target areas where a buck would feel comfortable being during the day. For the most part, these could be places closer to the bedding areas, thicker areas with a canopy overhead or spots known to have daytime deer traffic. Contrary to what some may tell you, big, mature whitetail bucks do move during the day. You need to be where they decide to move to. Create your "mock" scrapes in areas that are easy for the deer to access.

Provided by: Wildlife Research