09/24/2025
Here is one example of how scrapes can work. In this particular area, there aren't a lot of other bucks on camera. This, coupled with it being early Sept, is why this buck isn't working the scrape too aggressively in the first clip. He comes in on the second clip and scent checks the area. Since no other buck had visited the scrape, he briefly checks the licking branch and leaves.
If another buck had worked the scrape since he had, he would have reworked the scrape, thus spending more time in the area. That's where scents come in. I believe you will get the best results using high-quality scents from real deer. Using synthetic scents and other attractive scents will certainly draw curious deer to the licking branch and might get them to work the licking branch. It will, however, not paint the picture of another buck leaving his scent to announce his presence in the area. I think an important aspect of a mock scrape is to drive the mature bucks crazy, thinking another buck/bucks is intruding on their territory. That's why real scents from deer are vital for maximizing a scrape. We believe Smokey's has the best pre-orbital scent available, which is why we had him create a 4-Buck Pre-orbital compound exclusively for us. We want to paint a picture of 4 new bucks in the area every time we apply the scent to the licking branches.
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