Me and my dad were out turkey hunting the other day when we came across some fresh deer scrapes. I took me a few mintues to actually convince myself that these were really there lol. Has anyone ever seen this? Is it immature deer? or do they just do it year round?
There are scrapes that are hit year around. They are actually pretty rare in my area but I do see them from time to time. Depending on it's location (and if it is even huntable) a scrape that conditioned could be one sweet spot once your season opens.
I never saw one in May, but I have seen them hit hard on a daily basis until the end of February on one occasion. I suppose it's possible for sure. I would first suspect turkey scratching or something less sinister..... but I'm sure it's possible. Some over hormoned youngster feeling his oats...... or an old swamp buck remembering when he was in charge. LOL Just like people.
I've seen them in July, so I could certainly believe your seeing them in May. Everything that I have read about scrapes like these that are made out of breeding season are usually made by the dominant buck. Just going off of what I've read.
These are the exact answers I was hoping for There on a new tract of land we got permission for this year, really excited to see whats out there now!
The other day while turkey hunting I came across a scrape from last fall. The ground was a little dug up freshly and the licking branch was screwed with too. I'm starting to really think they hit these licking branches all year. Kind of a communicating thing. Troy (shed) I bet could answer allot of your questions here with this.
Sure they were deer scrapes and not turkeys scratching? Did it have a licking branch? I have T/C'd and watched bucks work licking branches in June-Aug... never seen them scrape too much until July/Aug... I like starting my mocks in July... they will hammer then all summer.. at least scent check them and hit the licking branch..
I'll be starting mine in August again on 1 of my properties... mock scrapes that is... in an attempt to possibly repeat last years magic. As far as finding a scrape in May... I agree with Buckeye that I would pay special attention to these scrapes as the summer longs. But watch your scent!!
There was an article titled Springtime Signposts in d &dh magazine awhile back I think it was researched and written by CA and it was a very interesting read and fits this topic perfectly. I can't find it right now but when I have a little more time I am going to see if I can find it and link it here.
