Buck rubs in low deer density areas
Where we hunt in Northern Michigan between the severe winters and wolves the deer herd is low.
A popular outdoor magazine claimed 10 deer per square mile,but in my opinion (and many locals) its probably 3-4 deer per square mile.
Now with the background info outta the way here's my question.
With such low deer numbers do the bucks stop rubbing as much and save energy to cover more ground looking for does?
Scouted 8 hrs this fall in mid October in old and new clear cut - hardwood edges and found only 3 rubs. The rubs were at most 1" in diameter.
Nothing compared to the number of rubs I would see 5-10 years ago looking at the same types of areas.