I use the mock scrapes on occasion during the pre rut and the beginning of the rut. I use a dripper over head along with the scrape. I make the scrape with a stick as to not put any of my actual smell on the disrupted soil. I have a lot of success during this time of year. I have set up mock scapes in the dark in the early morning and with in 15mins had bucks coming in, I have also had does leave there scent in them during the early rut too. Sometimes the sound of the stick in the leaves with the smell can get deer close by to come and investigate, its worked like that for me before. Id say there good if used properly.