how can some one tell a old rub from the year or years before. If anyone can answer this it would be help full. Thanks
James Parker

the old rubs will be dry and dark.some from years past will have bark starting to grow around it.

fresh rubs will be light brown or white.some will have sapp running out. look under them and you will find the shreds of bark from new ones. after you see one new one and one old one then you will see the difference. hope this helps.

I am not a hunter I am a whitetail population reduction specialest

remember keep your back to the sun, your knife sharp, and your powder dry.

With fresh rubs, you'll see the new wood, white or light colour of the tree. Also the bark should look green, meaning it is still alive.

Old rubs will be discoloured, or dirty looking. Bark will look dead and frail.

Will deer ever rub on a dead tree?

Tree climber and Skeeter 7MM Have it right often the several year old ones kill the tree. disease gets in thriugh the wound.

A deer will GENERALLY not rub a dead tree. For some reason, they like the aroma generated from a good rub. In fact, some research says that deer sometimes choose one tree over another simply because of the aroma.
Of course, there is always the exception. Rubs on fence posts, telephone poles, etc.

ALWAYS CALL YOUR SHOT.