At night. lol Seriously, I don't think there's much future in sitting over scrapes/scrape lines. JMHO
So why do I read so many success stories and see so many mock scrape kits purchased and advertised? Is it because a buck may come out to put his mark on it durring the day to let the "other buck" know its his area?
This topic is so large there is no way I could convey it over the internet. Ask a specific question and perhaps you'll have more luck.
He might hit a scrape during the day, but odds are waaay against it. I wouldn't waste the time during the rut waiting for a ghost to appear.
From a early season scrape which are most likely being hit at night is where a day time dripper will eventually bring them out to investagate during day light , i seen it happen on my cameras , they kept getting later and later in the night in which eventually turned into day break .
My favorite scents during pre rut , the rut and post rut is Buck Reaper and Full Estrus here is the link http://www.mastinsdeerscents.com/Deerscents2.html
I hunt my mock scrapes the last week of October and the 1st week of November. Location is key. I put them in secluded food plots as then I have the best of both worlds with doe traffic and buck traffic. Secluded is also key as they feel safe there during hunting hours. I killed my bow buck this year on Nov 4 at 945 AM (3 hours after shooting light). To say they are only hit at night and are a waste of time is simply not true. In 2010 I killed my buck over a mock on Oct 21. It is a great tactic that shouldn't be overlooked. I use VS Border Crossings ever calm deer herd in a stick on the licking branches and my own #1 in the scrape.
Your correct Pat , but by those dates you mentioned they arn't so nocturnal anymore , what i was saying with the dripper is it will bring them out in the day light quicker , seen it on my cameras where i had drippers and places i didnt .
I have read some thing about pre orbital gland and how they do wonders when used on a licking branch even with out bare earth under the branch. Have you guys ever used it on your licking branches?
I have killed many bucks "near" scrapes. I try to find the area where does exit the bedding areas. We don't ever know for sure if a buck is going to come to a scrape but you know they will likely be following the does during the rut. The scrapes just let us know a bucks is using an area but most bucks make way more than one scrape. The biggest key is putting in the stand time where there are deer. Rattling near a thicket can be very productive but don't be naive enough to believe they will get stupid enough to ignore human scent. Get as high as possible, (in the tree) stay put and avoid shooting the does if you are looking for a buck. Using a buck bomb can also help. I have used my Therma-Cell with the old used up cards soaked in Doe P. Light the Therma -Cell and leave it where you want the buck to go and Voilla', an instant buck bomb that is reusable.
Yep therma-cells have multiple uses , and it does work i tried it myself two years ago with the old mats soaked in doe pee , one day while drinking a few beers in my bow room on a rainy day the idea crossed my mind ......go figure ......lol.....anyways it did bring in a few doe's that were in the area .
Make sure the old cartridge is depleted though I doubt it would hurt much if a little is left as I have never had a deer spook from my thermacell. How long it lasts, depends on how much you put on it. I just kind of get it good and wet and after several hours it is still smelling strong. It weakens some as it dries out but lasts for an afternoon or morning hunt. I have had bucks and does go straight to it. You should try it. I keep waiting for Therma-cell to offer deer scented bug repellent. LOL
It's true, I believe most visits to scrapes are going to be at night...however like always there are exceptions. #1 Exception: Rain or weather causing them to not make it to the scrape/while also making the scrape in need of fresh scent<---Right after a rain can be deadly. #2 If you can sneak into and hunt the bedding edge scrapes, you have the chance of seeing bucks at any time merely stretching, doing a little scraping, nibbling then back to the bed. #3 I'm a believer that the week right before the majority of does start coming in bucks are in full bore "college frat boy" mentality. Rubs and scrapes just pop up everywhere and bucks are looking hardcore for does and if they can't find them...you can find them making sign posts (scrapes and rubs) pretty much whenever they feel the urge. Just my opinion.
I was quite sober but I saw the price of a Buck Bomb... single use... no way. Thought it was worth a try... Only thing is down South, I still usually need it for mosquitos.
Thanks for the advise and i believe that they are like frat boys too right before they come into heat.
