Bucks can leave trails of scrapes while traveling, more often during the rut season. There is excitement all around! And the scrapes can be an ideal place for hunting down bucks, so it’s important to know when they’re passing by.
Yes, we know, you want to see how often bucks check their scrapes.
Not more than 12 times an hour during peak seasons where some would say the highest number is 17. A few factors such as deer population, types of scrapes, freshness, and quality of the scents integrate into buck scrape-checking behaviors. Applying some diffusive effects can make the hunt happen.
So, we won’t be stretching away, since getting right to the point is our goal, keep scrolling then…
How Often Do Bucks Check Their Scrapes
The world went a long way with research concerning buck behaviors. We have stood calm and patient with cameras, to figure out data that would help most hunters.
The expectation is set to 12 times per hour, but 50% fewer checking times won’t hurt as well. This is within the 10 to 15 days intervals of peak breeding periods.
According to other personal experiences, different accounts have told the checking time to be from 13 to 17. This is within the time frame of two to three hours. However, it did not settle a few expectations, due to several reasons.
It is not a disappointment, since we learned a lot about unpredictable scenarios.
Let’s hook onto some clear facts:
- About 80 to 90% of scraping happens at night
- Mature bucks are adapting faster and being more cautious about scraping, they don’t like the daylight for the job.
- Open areas are a total no!
- Bucks will only visit the scrapes if they find it intriguing enough
So, we must secure an environment for the buck to feel safe and sound. This is not an easy job, but not impossible also.
First, we must look at a few factors regarding scrape-checking behaviors.
Factor 1: Deer Population In The Territory
In order for the purpose to meet its needs, what is the main ingredient to look for in the rut? A predictable behavior, right? So, what is making the deer not act the way you want? The simple answer is, you have not covered yourself the right way.
The deer population plays a role here! You are probably doing too much with scents and not knowing why. Mainly, to complement the fact of doe estrus not diffusing enough to last longer.
The deer population is feeling the pressure, they are triggered subliminally not to make it work for you.
They are feeling safe with some common companions around. And so, they are avoiding open areas. Can you go to extra lengths at moving where they are crowding up? You probably will not.
Factor 2: Types of Scrapes
When a good amount of deer in the population is marking territories, they are making their presence known. Also, by building up a community, they are sharing messages through scents.
There are three types of scrapes:
- Social Scrapes: It is a social behavior that allows the deer to make things work fruitfully. Within the community, there is a heightened chance of meeting the right partner.
- Primary Scrapes: This is where you need to focus because this involves the breeding scenario. Hormonally bound species are going crazy to mate and so, they don’t care what goes around. A good shot happens when primary scraping behaviors are on top of the chart.
- Secondary Scrapes: The small scrapes are made by bucks that are growing increasingly physical about needs. It comes as a mark to achieve territorial dominance. Not a bad idea for trapping the buck also, since, it is going wild.
As you can see, you can put more focus on the primary and secondary scrapes for better results. Let’s move forward with some other factors.
Factor 3: Scrape Freshness
Scape freshness is important, it will make the deer feel good. Both bucks and does stay excited with the spotted landmarks. The happy buck begins to lick and play with the branches.
If it is happening during the daytime, you are in luck, there are a few shots you can go for. You would definitely hope that your scent won’t last long enough in the woods to not scare the bucks away.
There is a 30 days peak stage that cannot be avoided, mostly between October and November. Specifically, it spikes up within the peak 10 days time structure. This is when you will be realizing how bucks are behaving in ways to help your intents.
The scrapes checking is more profound at this period, do get ready then!
Factor 4: Quality Of The Scrape
The quality of the scrape determines the quality of the signal. This means that if the spot in the woods is nicely decorated, it makes things work. The communication outlining is clear for the does to arrive at conveniences.
A buck that is dying to mate is going to stay there and keep on checking more.
There is usually a development of an overwhelming feeling that is associated with the scrape-checking behavior. Recall how we mentioned the fact of an intrigued behavior, the buck is finding the condition sufficient.
So, it is good to work on the quality so that the space is marked safely.
What To Do To Increase The Revisit Of Bucks To The Scrapes
As stated before, the revisit of the scrape locations that happen during the night cannot be overruled. You might be counting on the 10 to 20% chances for the rut.
However, you can increase the circumstances too, let’s say, by 40%, any time of the day. The convenience of a perfect daylight shot should speak when the work is done.
We will be uncovering one of the most impactful rut-hunting strategies for 100% success.
So, the most effective method is to put something in the scrapes to capture the buck’s attention. You need a few good products, let’s find out what they are:
- Magnum Scrape-Dripper Scent Dispenser – Captures deer responses to arrive at the scrapes due to fresh and high-quality scent diffusion.
- Wildlife Research Trail’s End 307 – Can be mixed with the dripper for a strong but soothing scent spread formula.
- Wildlife Research Center Active Scrape – Makes the deer come and settle within the bow range, more specifically during daylight.
Applying the right conditions will increase the amount of scrape checking. The suggested scent applications must create enticing hunting scenarios for you to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Should you hunt near scrapes?
Yes, most hunters do that! Also, these hunters are going to be settling out mock scrapes around the deer-made scrapes. This makes hunting more efficient during the rut period.
What time of day do deer hit scrapes?
According to research observation, around 80 to 90% of the time, the hit is made during the night. You may be benefited during late November when bucks will be moving around more during the day.
Should I hunt scrapes morning or evening?
It is a very good idea to start hunting very early in the morning. The bucks will work out the scrapes all night and will be resting around after the sun has risen. It will be good for you to take the form to settle down a good target.
Bottomline
It is actually quite hard to determine how often bucks check their scrapes. The numbers are not sufficient answers, it would vary from time to time. Also, it would vary from place to place.
Stay uniformly attached to what suits your needs, hope you do well with this.
Till then, it is time to depart, Adios!
