Are these claw marks or buck rubs?

[hunter399]

The first two do look like rubs that, pic 3 hard to tell they do look really deep in there, if it was a deer most be something big. but just guessing 

[kirkthoma]

Buck. But I would also bet he is not one of those you have on camera. Those in the first two pictures look like they were made by eye guards. Also doubt its elk due to the height of the marks.

Maybe it's this guy on the first two? (See pic below)  I can't tell for sure but he seems to have eye guard's.  I have a hard time telling the difference between bucks, and have been debating with myself if he's the same deer as the above 3 pt.  Been soaking up a lot of info since getting back into hunting last year.  I didn't put my camera up until I shot a smallish forky in this area.  Then I saw what I should have held out for. Oh well, my 6 yr old son was with me, and it was nice shooting a buck while still-hunting with him....

[kirkthoma]

The first two do look like rubs that, pic 3 hard to tell they do look really deep in there, if it was a deer most be something big. but just guessing 

I agree.  They are deep and don't have any side marks like rubs often do.  Almost like incisions.  That's what got me wondering (and checking my back trail often) 

[_TONY_]

There's an old skid road in an area that I hunt that has every single tree with marks like that last one.... I'm talking like at least 50+ trees in a couple hundred yards... Almost all of them are to high up to be BT...

[UrbanTrapper]

Look for the shavings still on the tree.  Claw marks can only leave shavings at the bottom of the 'rub' because the animals are always pulling down, but a buck rubs up and down so there could be shavings at the top also. Attached is a picture of a bobcat scratch post.

[Brute]

Elk do not have canine teeth or incisors.  Both of which are referenced to teeth of the upper.

mtncook

Elk have ivories and will scrape - gouge a tree with them.

[ElaphusElatus]

kirkthoma - Here are rubs caused by cow and calf elk.  I watched them do it.  Note all heights, and all the way down to the wood.  They get fixated on rubbing, maybe they are just bored.  Compare them to yours.

[kirkthoma]

Very interesting.  I would never have guessed those were done by cow/calf.  They do look similar to other marks I have seen on trees in that area (that aren't buck rubs).  I will look at them a little more next time I check my trail cam.