Whitetail Scrapes

[oldleclercrd]

Just wondering if you guys make mock scrapes, find/add scent to existing scrapes, or just hunt over a natural scrape? Also, what brand do you guys use in your scrapes? I use Buck Fever Synthetics for my scrapes. I also have a spray for the licking branch also made by Buck Fever. The thing I like about this brand is the fact that its synthetic so it never spoils and lasts for months. Not really looking for advice, just wanting to talk whitetails.

[oldleclercrd]

Here's a pic of the stuff I use...

[grundy53]

I've never tried it but am very interested. What do recommend doing making your own or finding a real one and adding scent?

sent from my typewriter

[oldleclercrd]

Personally I do both. I will add scent to existing scrapes and seem to get the most action, but my mock scrapes get hit as well. I've found its really up to how aggressive the buck is in the area.

[buckfvr]

I do all the same , usually with the same.....I also like the fact it doesnt go bad any time soon.  I also fresh scrapes naturally myself........

[oldleclercrd]

I do all the same , usually with the same.....I also like the fact it doesnt go bad any time soon.  I also fresh scrapes naturally myself........

I read one time about this guy that would dig up the dirt in a scrape and put it in a bag then he would find another scrape a couple miles away and do the same. He would just exchange the dirt from both scrapes and "naturally" drive em wild.

[oldleclercrd]

Hey buckfvr have they started hitting your scrapes yet?

[buckfvr]

I wait till after opening weekend of elk to set up.............just incase anyone stumbles onto anything.........activity here is zero or worse with the summer weather.  We are desperate for some weather.  Will be out again in the morning to take a look from another spot, but so far, horns are only moving after dark.  Sure we see an occassional pecker head, but the ones we know and want are keeping their heads down for now.

I know when time is near, as they start tearin up my 3-d targets as fast as I can put them back up.

[oldleclercrd]

Yeah I saw this coming Tuesday's low was in the 20's... 

[MuleySniper]

Thanks for the tip I might have to try that stuff. I've used buck bombs. I just started the late archery whitetail thing about three years ago so I haven't experimented too much, just gained knowledge mostly from trial and error. Really confident I have a chance at a good buck this year. I can't wait for the day after thanksgiving.
MS

[buckfvr]

We're cold every mornin, and foggy, but less then 5 mins away, it clears......thats an inherant problem of being on the west slope of the huckleberries above the Lake.

THere is a camping spot on state land 2 minutes away.....only 2 camps this year, and we havent talked to anyone who has taken a buck.  No bucks around here anymore is the word.....

[buckfvr]

Thanks for the tip I might have to try that stuff. I've used buck bombs. I just started the late archery whitetail thing about three years ago so I haven't experimented too much, just gained knowledge mostly from trial and error. Really confident I have a chance at a good buck this year. I can't wait for the day after thanksgiving.
MS

My advice........dont wait.  Start out in 101, and from my experience, its better west of the Kettle Crest.  We have had some amazing action right off the bat nov 10th.

[huntnnw]

I use buck fever synthetics also. I started my scrapes in April. I had deer visiting within a week.

[oldleclercrd]

I use buck fever synthetics also. I started my scrapes in April. I had deer visiting within a week.

I started my scrapes in the summer and had a few here and there check em out, but I don't usually get a ton of action til November.

[pianoman9701]

I did it in NH and it worked well. Never hunted Whities out here.

[oldleclercrd]

Gonna head out this weekend to refresh my scrapes. Its looking to be a snowy one. 

[Jonathan_S]

I use buck fever synthetics also. I started my scrapes in April. I had deer visiting within a week.

I started my scrapes in the summer and had a few here and there check em out, but I don't usually get a ton of action til November.

I noticed that it either increased activity in a buck or decreased it dramatically.  The more aggressive bucks, diurnal ones seemed to visit more after the scrapes were down in July.  The nocturnal and younger bucks stopped coming close for a few weeks after a BFS scent was laid down.

This was observed on only about 25 bucks on three different drainages so I'm not making any wild claims.  Just my two bits.

In my opinion, it was a good thing because I don't want to bother with the more finicky, nocturnal bucks.  Too frustrating.

[oldleclercrd]

What did you put in the scrape? The pre/post rut, or the rut? The pre/post shouldn't scare the deer. A scrape is made as a sign of dominance to other bucks in the area during the rut, but during the early/late year, its just a social stop for most deer. It wouldn't scare em if you do it right. Although, if there is ANY human scent in the scrape the gig is up.

[Jonathan_S]

It was the BF gland scent that spooked some of the bucks off, not the pre-post rut.  I guess I wasn't clear on that.  I put that on a broken limb above 50% of my scrapes to compare behavior.  I noticed the described behavior on those scrapes with a gland scented twig nearby.

I was as careful with scent as I could be.  I wear rubber boots to and from all areas, don't touch anything without rubber gloves and I don't even spit or scratch my head when I'm in a camera / scrape area.