Scrape Activity
 

I have a few quick questions about scrapes for the experts and more experienced hunters out their.

From what i have learned, scrapes are usually created in October (at least here in Ohio), and that their are basically 3 types of scrapes;

The quick ones alongside fields and travel routes with no overhead branch.

The regular ones with an overhead branch that get checked regularly by a buck checking for does (pre-rut)

And the community scrapes (maybe the same as ^)

Now it is my understanding that once does go into heat that bucks will stop using scrapes for a few weeks. My question is, will they re-open the scrapes after the rut is over?

Im wondering this because my trail camera had 65 pics on it the 1st time i checked it (October 31), 30 pics on it the second time (November 6th) and only 20 pics today. It was situated over a well used scrape that i found 3 years ago and have gotten lots of good pics on. And the stand that i have been primary hunting this year is located on this scrape line (at least 8 scrpaes in a 150 yard line). Woudl it be better to move off the scrape line and hunt doe trails, or stick to it?

RE: Scrape Activity
 

I just killed a decent buck over a scrape last weekend kind of. it was more like a huge scrape is 10 yards from my stand and the buck walked by it coming back from breakfast. i experienced the same thing as you i had a trail camera on it from the 19th of october through the 22nd i took it down because i was afraid of it getting stolen. in those 3 days i got 4 differdnt bucks and countless does.

RE: Scrape Activity
 

I had 3 mature bucks, andthree orfour 1.5 year old bucks visiting the scrape.But last week nothing.I think im going to leave itthere and see if the activity ever picks back up, and ill put my other camera overa good doe trailand see ifi can get soem chasing.I did have two 1.5 year old bucks walk down the line today...but both walked by the scrapes without stopping. Last week i had one at least stop and sniff for a moment.

RE: Scrape Activity
 

I shot this buck in '06 as he was working a scrape.

Date was 12/9.

RE: Scrape Activity
 

Ive read that deer have a "2nd rut" thats happens a month after the first. This may be a reason bucks would open scrapes back up around the end of November. Do you believe thats what your buck was doing Jeff?

RE: Scrape Activity
 

Caleb I've seen bucks open scrapes up all the way through December into January. Right now there probably abandoning there scrapes much more being there In chase mode right now. I'd bet In a couple of weeks or so they will be hitting these scrapes again.

RE: Scrape Activity
 

Thanks Steve

RE: Scrape Activity
 

We have a lot of does, here....and I don't think it's possible for all of them to be bred during their first cycle. I honestly believe that bucks will be rutting here through our closer (12/17).....in some manner.

It also happens a lot here (the rut) at night. So...we don't get to see it like a lot of you do. Find the ladies.....and there's a chance you'll find a hot one anytime here from Nov. 1 on.........

Throw in the late estrous fawns.......and it's anybody's guess!

RE: Scrape Activity
 

We don't have as many does as you do Jeff (from what ive read from you at least), and i believe we have more bucks. Ive never thought of the fawn thing though...we have LOTS of yearlings running around and i never knew they would come in heat in their first year.

RE: Scrape Activity
 

X2

RE: Scrape Activity
 

They still visit scrapes in the chase mode also. I used to think differently until i got a trail cam a few years back.

RE: Scrape Activity
 

I don't recall ever seeing a true whitetail scrape without a licking branch???? Guys, correct me if I'm wrong, but even the "quick ones" alongside field edges always have them. Am I missing something here?

RE: Scrape Activity
 

This isnt always the case.

RE: Scrape Activity
 

May not be the norm, and I am certainly not the one to correct you cause Im not sure either, but I have 100% found and seen scrapes made by deer without a licking branch anywhere to be found...Not sure how common it is, but they do exist.