Seems like yall are a bit lost.
The deep cuts WERE NOT made by a deer - that I can guarantee you. (Unless there is some deer that has headgear that resembles Edward Scissorshands > > > > > > Bucky Hatchethead?)
But from what I see in the first pic it looks like a rub to me from what I can see. The deeper gouges likely from some brow tine work.
Look further than the rub to establish authenticity.
1. Look at the shavings and bark at the base of the tree. Do they look like a sharp instrument was used?
2. Carefully look at the ground around the base of the tree and envision a buck and what he would be doing to work a tree. Where would his feet be? Are there footprints or disturbances where his footing would have been working?
3. And rubs are typically around other rubs (read up on rub lines). Look for other rubs in the area. Rub lines when hunted propoerly can prove deadly for a buck.
P.S. We are having some good rubs appearing here this last week or two also - scrapes too.