Hopefully the attachment is viewable, but it is a topographical map of my hunting location. I am considering hunting over mock scrapes to draw dominant bucks into shooting range. I am unsure as to if the location is suitable for a realistic application of a mock scrape. I'm thinking of placing two possibly three in a line near the traveling routes, but right on top of them. If placed they will be 20 yards from my stand providing for a comfortable shot opportunity. I don't expect them to come running out of the bedding area right to the scrape during the weeks of the rut, but I can catch a big buck checking the area that holds "sign of other bucks in the area". I would like to know if I should place these mock scrapes in this location and also when I should make them (Today's date 10/17/2011). Let me know if this tactic would better my odds of shooting a dominant buck. Thanks. Further Intel: -My stand is located on a ridge overlooking a small wooded funnel. Approximately 50 yards in front of me starts the thick cover of small trees, switchgrass and willow trees that provide for great big buck cover. -My trail-cam pictures and hunting encounters indicate that the deer move out of the bedding area and travel either to the left or to the right of my treestand as shown in the topographical map. -There is a sufficient amount of deer movement in this location to label it a great rutting stage area.
I would place 2 or 3 on the funnel like you said it won't hurt as long as you don't leave any human scent in and around the scrapes I have had luck with them in the past and they can be an effective tool at bringing the big boys in. Just make a couple with a nice licking branch and spray some dominant buck urine in them. As for when I would say the next afternoon you get the chance too bows a good time to be hunting scrapes as the buck movement will soon be picking up. Good luck!
I don't use them personally because corn and other baits are legal in Texas, but I am constantly hearing good things about them. If you have acorns or other natural food resources, place the scrapes near other things that are likely to draw deer. The rut will be starting soon. I saw two or three rubs this weekend in the forest. I rattled on saturday and had 2 bucks come in. The rut is barely getting started here in texas, and I'm sure it will start for you relatively soon as well. good luck
Eddy, I understand what your saying about the bait being used over the scrapes but they are much different attractants a mature buck in the rut or pre rut wont stop at bait and eat he will just step on it its outside his interest but if you had a scrape with some dominant buck urine or doe urine you better have your bow ready because hes gonna be looking hard...
I'm going to setup a scrape or 2 in a few days when I get back out in the woods. Better late than never I guess.
