Could just be shot angle, but if there isn't any overhanging branches I'd almost bet this was a rutting reaction of a buck. Was either tagging along behind a doe or searching hard for one and used a little pent up "energy". I've seen bucks make as many as 7 scrapes in a 50 yard stretch when following a doe that isn't ready to "do the deed". Rubs can be the same way, especially if you don't see any others around. All signs are directional, and at the minimum you'll know that....one thing to really pay attention to with scrapes is location and direction of dirt fling...can tell ya if made before bedding or after. Rut though can simply throw everything to whack.
I agree with tynimiller. I had a nice buck chasing a doe through my yard the other night for about an hour. After dark of course. When I woke up the next morning I found a golfball size tree rubbed 30 yds from my house. Must have just been some form of aggression release. Definitely not part of a rub line.
Any chance it's man-made? No licking branch and the scrape is awful close to the base of the tree. Just wondering.
