Scrape Hunting - Wildlife Research Center

“Scrape Hunting”
Hunt Scrapes More Effectively
32 Cutting-Edge Pages
Bill Urbaniak of Hugo, MN
couldn't believe his eyes
when he latched on to
this,180 3⁄8", the 4th largest
P&Y buck ever taken with a
bow in MN. Active Scrape ® on
his boots and in the Ultimate
Scrape-Dripper ® made the
difference.
Note the buck as he
looks up at an Ultimate
Scrape Dripper ®, with
Wildlife Research Center ®
attractor scent in it, hung
over a "mock" scrape.
TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
“SCRAPE HUNTING”
Introduction
1. Understanding Natural Scrapes
2. The Ultimate Scrape-Dripper
®
3. Understanding a Whitetail's Sense of Smell
4. Minimize Human Scent
5. Scrape Locations
6. "Mock" Scrape Construction
7. Multiple "Mock" Scrapes
8. Positioning Your Stand
9. Timing Your Hunt
10. Hunting The Site
11. Late Season "Mock" Scrapes
Conclusion
Wildlife Research Center, inc. © Copyright 2002 - 2006
1
INTRODUCTION
This book was written to provide hunters with valuable information
about whitetail bucks and how they relate to scrapes. We will explain what a
scrape is and what you need to know about both "mock" scrapes and natural
scrapes, to use them to your advantage.
At Wildlife Research Center, inc. we study whitetail deer and focus on
their sense of smell. We offer practical products and methods that help
hunters increase their odds of success. Whether you hunt with a gun, bow,
or camera, whitetail are fun and exciting to pursue and a challenge to get
close to.
2
1
Understanding Natural Scrapes
To begin with, one must understand what a scrape is. In the fall of the
year a scrape is made by a whitetail buck to mark breeding territory. They
are multi stimuli markers made by a buck to be deciphered by all of the deer
in a given area. The fall's decreasing sunlight triggers extremely elevated
amounts of the hormone testosterone to be released in a buck's body.
Through most of the whitetails' range this begins to happen during the end
of August and beginning of September. In extreme southern latitudes, however, it can vary by a couple of weeks. The increase in testosterone influences the buck into becoming more and more territorial and incites the buck
into making scrapes as the season progresses. Scrape activity ramps up as
the fall season progresses.
A buck makes a scrape by scraping away the leaves and ground
vegetation with his front feet, exposing bare ground. The area can range in
size from a dinner plate to the hood of a vehicle, or even larger. The scrape
is typically positioned five feet below an overhanging branch that the buck
rubs with his forehead (and/or) pre-orbital gland.
A communal scrape will usually have an overhanging inter-action branch. This branch is a
critical element in the overall effectiveness for communications between whitetail bucks.
3
1 - Understanding Natural Scrapes
Bucks will chew on these
overhanging branches
leaving scent from saliva.
They also rub their
forehead glands and
antlers on the branches
depositing additional
scent.
Much of the time, depending on the type of tree it is, the buck will also
chew on the overhanging branch, then urinate down his back hocks onto his
tarsal glands and into the scrape. They don't always go through all the steps.
Yet most often, the older breeding-age bucks will do all these things when
they make a scrape that will be used repeatedly throughout the season.
A scrape is made by a buck to mark territory to ALL of the deer in an
area. Scrapes are very important territorial markers to other bucks and does
who also visit and check them out. When a doe checks out a scrape, her purpose is to gather scent-transferred messages by the buck who made the
scrape or those who have freshened it. A scrape is made by a buck to mark
and define breeding territory. And, they are made to let all the deer in an
area know this, not just the does nor just the other bucks.
If the buck checks a scrape and encounters the smell of a doe, it is
unlikely the doe will be waiting at the scrape for him, but he will be interested in analyzing her smell. Among other things, he can decide if the doe who
visited the scrape is in a stage where she may be ready to breed and how
recently she was at the scrape. As we know, both bucks and does who visit a
scrape leave information in the form of smells.
4
1 - Understanding Natural Scrapes
Indications can be seen when actual breeding is taking place. Does
are commonly trailed and followed by bucks. Sometimes bucks can be seen
chasing and “sheep dogging” does. He'll breed as many does as he can in
his territory. At times, bucks leave their territory and enter different areas in
search of does to breed.
An area with a lack of scrapes may have an "out of balance" buck to
doe ratio. In spots where there are too many does, there is usually less
scrape activity. There is less competition amongst the bucks and they are
less territorial. Obviously there are not as many bucks in this given area to
do the scraping. But, with the bucks that are present there is less scrape
activity than normal because they don't need to continually define their
breeding territory.
There is a definite correlation between the size and amount of scrapes
in an area, and the buck to doe ratio and age structure in that specific herd.
Many hunters have heard, "the bigger the scrape, the bigger the buck." For
the most part that is true. Larger scrapes typically do equal larger deer. Yet,
sometimes younger bucks will work-over sizable scrapes originally made by
larger breeding-class animals. A good portion of scrapes that are made by
year-and-a-half old bucks are created and then never freshened again. The
older bucks that get to do the majority of the mating will frequently create
the scrapes that are freshened again and again.
One scrape may be used by many different bucks. These scrapes
are typically "field-edge" or border area scrapes and scrapes made in hightraffic areas.
Field-edge scrapes are usually made and
freshened at night. However, if you can find a
scrape in a high-traffic area used by multiple
bucks, it can be a true “hot-spot”.
5
1 - Understanding Natural Scrapes
There may be several bucks that use the same scrape. Field-edge
scrapes are usually made and freshened at night. However, if you can find
a scrape in a high traffic area used by multiple bucks, it can be a true
"hot spot".
Scrapes are most often found along territory borders, closer to bedding areas and along the well used travel corridors and trails. Transition
areas, where there is a change in the type of cover or terrain, are also great
spots to search for scrapes. These transition areas can help you to define the
borders of a buck's territory.
Preferred scraping areas tend to get used year after year. It may be an
area containing many scrapes, or it could be one specific tree in the right
spot that gets used year after year. These annual scrape locations are also
great spots to key in on.
Aside from usually making larger scrapes, the older, breeding-age
bucks also tend to start to make scrapes earlier in the season and make
scrapes more frequently than subordinate animals. Scrapes that you see
open up the earliest in September are usually made by the more dominant
animals in a herd. Also, after peak breeding, when the bucks start to reacquire their territories once again, the older, dominant bucks will tend to be
more vigilant in keeping up their scrapes. The buck-to-doe ratio and the age
structure of a given herd can have influence, but as stated, an older buck will
also usually scrape more often than younger less-dominant bucks.
Scrapes vary in size from
a small Frisbee, all the way
up to as big as the hood
of the car.
6
2
The Ultimate Scrape-Dripper
®
Too many times we have heard hunters tell stories similar to this, "I
hunted that scrape for several days. Every time I hunted it, it looked like it
had been freshened, but I never saw a buck." In some instances this person
possibly over-hunted this site. It's not a good idea to go to the same stand
location day after day. However, the simple reason for this is more likely
because a good number of scrapes are made, checked, and freshened at
night. This is one reason that the Ultimate Scrape-Dripper® was devised. This
scent-dispersing unit is designed for use on "mock" scrapes or over natural
existing scrapes. It is heat activated and drips during daytime only. It conditions nocturnal bucks into showing up during legal shooting hours.
One must be careful not to use too much scent in the Ultimate ScrapeDripper®. The Ultimate Scrape-Dripper® will hold four ounces of liquid.
However, it is important that you only use 1 to 11/2 ounces. This amount
will last on average six days in the Ultimate Scrape-Dripper®.
It's simple how it works: Because you just partially fill the Ultimate ScrapeDripper®, you are leaving an air pocket inside. When air heats, it expands.
It is simple how it works: Because you just
partially fill the Ultimate Scrape Dipper,®
you leave an air pocket inside. As the
temperature rises the air pocket expands,
forcing out scent. As the temperature
stabilizes, it shuts off. It naturally
conditions bucks to come in during
daylight hours.
The Ultimate Scrape Dipper ® will hold 4
ounces of scent. However it is important not
to use more than 1 to 11/2 ounces to get
maximum performance from your dripper.
7
2 - The Ultimate Scrape-Dripper®
When it cools, it contracts. Temperatures generally rise during the day,
so it pushes out scent during the day. When it starts to cool down, the
Ultimate Scrape-Dripper® shuts off. A buck can tell when urine was deposited
on a scrape, probably by how evaporated it is. If he wants to intercept the
deer who urinated on the scrape, he will have to come by during daytime
hunting hours. Using an Ultimate Scrape-Dripper® is a great way to get bucks
to show up during the day, come by more frequently, and hang around longer.
Steve Bartylla "This huge buck came in on a trail of Special
Golden Estrus ® leading to an Ultimate Scrape-Dripper ® with
Active Scrape.® Scent Killer ® products were also key. Wildlife
Research Center ® products are the best I have ever used."
8
Drips by day, not by
night, conditioning
bucks to visit scrapes
during hunting hours
Use Genuine Wildlife Research
Center® Active-Scrape® Scent,
a special combination of doe
urine with estrus secretions
and buck intrusion scent.
Improves your
chances of bagging
that previously
nocturnal, trophy buck.
1. The ULTIMATE SCRAPEDRIPPER® operates during
the day, shuts down at night.
Repeats this cycle each day –
conditioning bucks to try to
intercept the doe during the
day, instead of at night.
4. Hang it over a natural
or mock scrape.
5. Set it up 4 to 5 days
before you hunt.
It will operate for about
a week on only 1 oz. of scent.
There’s no need to visit the area
again before you hunt. This
eliminates the risk of contaminating
your hunting area with human scent.
2. ULTIMATE SCRAPEDRIPPER® is temperature
activated. It begins to drip scent
as the temperature rises and shuts
off as it stabilizes or falls (at night).
3. Actual outside temperatures
have no effect on the
dripper, so it performs in all
climates. (The temperature
could rise from 30° to 40°
or from 80° to 90°; the
change in temperature
activates the dripper.)
Patent’s
5,220,741,
5,279,062,
5,361,527
USCRAPELTIMATE
DRIPPER
For our catalog of scents & scent elimination products, please call:
1-800-655-7898
WWW.wildlife.com
®
3
Understanding a Whitetail’s
Sense of Smell
Before we go any further regarding "mock" scrapes, it's important that
we all try to comprehend what we're up against in a whitetail’s olfactory system. The olfactory region of the brain is the part of the brain that is assigned
the chore of measuring and computing smells. In a whitetail, it is approximately ONE THOUSAND TIMES LARGER than the same area in a human’s
brain. In the back of our nose we have "nasal receptors". These tiny little sensors help us to differentiate between smells. We have approximately one
hundred million nasal receptors while a whitetail has hundreds of millions.
Then coupled with the fact that their nasal passage is about eight times larger than ours and runs in a straight line, whereas ours is curved and has hair,
the whitetail get a good clean burst of smell to analyze. If God gave us the
ability to smell things as acutely as a whitetail, we would probably all freak
out from the sensation. For sure, one whiff of human scent can send a whitetail bolting for the next county.
Active-Scrape ® and the Ultimate Scrape-Dripper ® put this beautiful 4 x 4 right where
Jim Billman (OH) wanted him.
10
3 - Understanding a Whitetail's Sense of Smell
Not only can a buck tell doe urine from buck urine, they can tell when
does are nearing or in estrus. They can even decipher dominant bucks from
bucks that aren’t dominant. In fact, when a younger buck encounters the
smell of a dominant buck, it can be really interesting watching him perk-up
and check out the area to make sure he isn’t in serious trouble.
Tracy Hope used the Ultimate Scrape-Dripper ® loaded with Trails End ®
#307® and Special Golden Estrus ®, got scent free with Scent Killer ® and
took this huge buck at 8 yards.
11
4
Minimize Human Scent
Whether you're creating "mock" scrapes or not, anytime you hunt or
scout for whitetail, you should be concerned about reducing human odor
and all other scents. Scent Killer® Products can really help.
Scent Killer® Spray is applied to your clothing and boot bottoms. We
have tested Scent Killer® Spray extensively in the field, with amazing results.
We have found Scent Killer® to be extremely effective at stopping human and
other odors. Besides our own field-testing, we had Scent Killer® lab tested at
Rutgers University. Scent Killer® was found to be over 99% effective at
stopping replicated human odor, in testing at Rutgers University. That’s
Serious Performance!
In addition to Scent Killer® Spray, Scent Killer® SoapTM, Scent Killer®
Clothing Wash, Scent Killer® Anti-PerspirantTM, and Scent Killer® ShampooTM
are all key products to eliminate human odor.
The Scent Killer ® System is a must it you want to boost the odds in your favor. Keeping your
human scent to a minimum will greatly increase your success.
12
4 - Minimize Human Scent
Scent Killer® Spray can be applied to your hunting clothes when they are
dried after washing. Spray it on liberally and let the clothes dry again, then
store them. Or, you can apply Scent Killer® as you go into the field. Scent
Killer® works great when you first put it on wet and the active ingredients
keep right on working after it dries. A good heavy application keeps working
for quite a few days of hunting. *If you hang up an Ultimate Scrape-Dripper®,
be sure to spray it with Scent Killer® too.
Aside from reducing our direct odor we must also avoid leaving
smells behind, or transferring odors. The above mentioned Scent Killer®, rubber gloves and rubber boots will be the best tools for this job. Every time
you brush against a tree, your pant leg rubs against grass, or you touch a
piece of brush, you may be transferring odors to that object. It depends upon
the temperature, humidity, whether your clothing has been treated, and several other factors as to how strong the smell will be and for how long the
smell will stay there. And granted, even a mature whitetail will sometimes
tolerate a small amount of indirect human contact. But, let it be known that a
contaminated sleeve brushed up against an overhanging branch as you hang
your Ultimate Scrape-Dripper® can be all it takes to goof things up on a
mature whitetail.
Whether you’re creating a "mock" scrape or
scouting for sign, you want to take every
precaution not to leave behind foreign
human odors.
13
4 - Minimize Human Scent
Rubber does not transmit odor like leather and other materials. Rubber
gloves and rubber boots will help you to significantly cut down on how
much odor you are leaving behind. Elbow length trapper's gloves work great
for making scent set-ups like "mock" scrapes. When actually making a scent
set-up, setting up a tree stand or creating a ground blind, knee high rubber
boots, hip-boots and even waders can be worn to help protect against scent
transfer. Although great for making a set-up, we suggest a rubber-bottomed
pac boot or something that lets your feet breath better, be worn while hunting. A knee-high rubber boot, hip-boot or wader is a warm, moist, enclosed
area, and is a breeding ground for L-serine bacteria (human scent) to form.
If you do wear knee-high rubber boots while hunting, wash the boots both
inside and outside with Scent Killer® SoapTM and rinse thoroughly, frequently
throughout the season.
Good clean rubber boots and rubber gloves are actually used by fox
and coyote trappers who take animals the first night. Fox and coyote have
great noses, are smart, and nearly always on guard, so this further demonstrates that rubber boots and rubber gloves really help.
Scent Killer®Spray works at the molecular
level to stop odors from forming a gas.
No gas, no odor! It lasts for days even
after it dries.
14
5
Scrape Locations
A hunter can’t randomly just go into any location and pick any tree
with an overhanging branch, make a "mock" scrape and expect to have success. Targeting the right area is important if you wish to consistently draw
responses. Field edge scrapes and scrapes made by first year bucks are
probably not the best starting point, because field perimeter scrapes or
scrapes made in open areas are typically made at night. Also, a good
majority of scrapes made by one and a half year old bucks are made and
then never touched again, because a first year buck is not as territorial as
the older bucks in the herd.
A hunter must take into consideration the big picture of the entire
hunting area. Where do you believe the buck's bedding area(s) to be?
Where are the does bedding and feeding? What is the major food source
at that time?
You want to look for the scrapes that open first, the largest scrapes,
clusters of multiple scrapes and the scrapes that get freshened again and
again. These are typically going to be the scrapes from the animals that will
get to participate in the breeding ritual and are characteristically more territorial than younger, less-dominant bucks. The ideal spot would be an area
where there are multiple, large scrapes that you know to have been freshened several times.
Great spots to target are funnels between a buck's bedding site and
doe bedding and feeding areas. Pick an area that you think the buck is going
to want to defend. I guess that's difficult to explain because whitetail do not
think as humans. The point is, you want to get close enough so that your
"mock" scrapes are a priority to that buck. Yet, you must maintain distance
enough so that you don't put too much pressure on and blow it.
As stated, Ultimate Scrape-Drippers® will also work on a buck's real,
existing scrapes. Just as with creating "mock" scrapes, you will have better
luck using larger scrapes, scrapes that are near several other scrapes and
especially the scrapes that you know have been freshened again and again –
a scrape line. Also, just as with "mock" scrapes, you must be very careful not
to transfer odor to that spot. Goof-ups like brushing an untreated sleeve
against the overhanging interaction-branch or stepping in the scrape as you
hang your Ultimate Scrape-Dripper® will send you home with a full quiver or
a clean bore.
15
5 - Scrape Locations
Since we want to see our buck during the daytime, it's best to target
areas where a buck would feel comfortable being during the day. For the
most part, these could be places closer to the bedding areas, thicker areas
with a canopy overhead or spots known to have daytime deer traffic.
Contrary to what some may tell you, big, mature whitetail bucks do move
during the day. You need to be where they decide to move to. Create your
"mock" scrapes in areas that are easy for
the deer to access.
The first time you watch a nice buck work
your “Mock" Scrape, it will give you a mental
picture you’ll never forget!
During the Minnesota deer season I used your
product; Trail's End ® No. 307 ®. I used your
product to "scent" a scrape the day before
season and then again the morning of opener.
One hour later three bucks had checked the
scrape. A small spike, a huge 140 to 150pt
Boone & Crockett, and the big guy that I took.
The last buck scored 194 4⁄8 Boone & Crockett
non-typical.
Tim Johnson
Upsala, Minnesota
16
6
"Mock" Scrape Construction
Now that you've found the right area, let’s get specific. Where should
you set up your "mock" scrape? The best bet is to find the "hottest", freshest
scrape in that area and go a short distance upwind of that scrape until you
find the same height overhanging branch on the same type of tree that the
buck favored with his original scrape. Obviously winds change, use the prevailing wind for that area at that time of year as your guide. It's best to be
within fifty yards of the buck's real scrape, but it can work further away
depending upon the type of area, timing, and demeanor of that specific buck.
Setting up your "mock" scrape as close to the real scrape as possible is best.
As stated, you want to make it seem as if you are taking over that buck's
area.
You may choose a location that does not have any natural scrapes in
the area. Try to pick a spot that is similar to the places where you have found
good scrapes.
Typically, the overhanging interaction-branch is about five feet high.
However, it can hang a little higher or lower. It's best to find a branch that is
the same height, and on the same type of tree as the buck seems to be
favoring in that area.
Setting up a "mock" scrape can really
add some excitement to your hunt.
Many bucks are taken each year using
this method of hunting.
17
6 - "Mock" Scrape Construction
If there is not an interaction-branch to your liking, one can be created.
Simply wedge freshly cut branches in-between other limbs or secure the
branches in place with rope or other fasteners to create a man-made interaction-branch.
If there isn’t an over-hanging branch at the location you’ve selected for your "mock" scrape,
you can create one. Simply wedge freshly cut branches in-between other limbs or secure
branches with rope or other types of fasteners to create a man-made inter-action branch.
Preferably this branch would be the same type that the bucks favor on the natural scrapes in
the area. Another great option is to trim the overhanging branch from an existing scrape you
have no intention of hunting. Secure that branch to your "mock" scrape. It will naturally
contain all the right smells your buck is looking for.
18
6 - "Mock" Scrape Construction
Hang your Ultimate Scrape-Dripper ® above the interaction-branch if at
all possible. While wearing rubber gloves, make sure you apply Scent Killer®
to the Ultimate Scrape-Dripper ®. Washing the Ultimate Scrape-Dripper®
before its first use with Scent Killer® Clothing Wash™ is a good idea. It is possible bad odors could have gotten on the cloth covering on the Ultimate
Scrape-Dripper® from handling out of the package.
The ideal spot would have a five foot high interaction-branch and then
another branch directly above that one a good seven feet high or more. Pull
the higher branch down with a pruner or long branch and hang your
Ultimate Scrape-Dripper ® high.
By hanging the Ultimate Scrape-Dripper ® high, it reduces the chance
that a buck will notice it when he is working the scrape.
The actual "mock" scrape is best made with a stick or branch found in
that area. Touch the stick only while wearing rubber gloves. With your stick,
under the interaction-branch, clear an oval area free of leaves and other
debris approximately three feet wide by four feet long. It's important that the
area does not contain any budding saplings or small growing pieces of
brush. It's best if the area is cleared down to the dirt and is free of all leaves
and other obstructions.
Filling the Ultimate Scrape-Dripper ® and then hanging it is best done
before you create the actual scrape. This way you do not have to worry
about stepping in the scrape after it is made and it is easier to properly position the "mock" scrape directly below the Ultimate Scrape-Dripper®.
19
6 - "Mock" Scrape Construction
Scraping the ground clean with a stick from
the area, approximately 3 feet wide by 4 feet
long, best creates the "mock" scrape.
Once you’ve hung the Ultimate ScrapeDripper®, spray it with a little Scent Killer ®
to be sure to eliminate human odors.
Try to keep the Ultimate Scrape-Dripper ®
positioned above the inter-action branch if at
all possible.
By placing some territorial scent into the
scrape you will inspire quicker interest in
your "mock" scrape.
20
7
Multiple "Mock" Scrapes
Because of something that we (humans) don't know, it may be suggested to use multiple "mock" scrapes in your set-up for two reasons. One,
because multiple scrapes are the way a real rival buck would announce his
presence; and two, you increase your odds of drawing a response because
for some reason only a whitetail knows, the overhanging branch is wrong,
the ground isn't flat enough, there's a piece of brush in the way, or something we haven't got a clue to, is wrong with the scrape. With several "mock"
scrapes usually there's something right with at least one of them that will
draw a response.
With multiple "mock" scrapes your odds go up. With a series of
"mock" scrapes, you are creating your own "fake scrape line" similar to the
way a real buck would. How many "mock" scrapes are enough? Two will
increase your odds and we've tested as many as a dozen in an area of about
one acre with success. Usually three to six will work well in most situations.
Most hunters do not own six Ultimate Scrape-Drippers®. Use as many
Ultimate Scrape-Drippers® as you can afford on the scrapes, so that you feel
the most confident in drawing a response.
When one uses multiple Ultimate Scrape-Drippers® it may be good
advice to vary the scent that you use. By far, the most popular scent used in
an Ultimate Scrape-Dripper® is Active-Scrape®. Yet, many hunters continue to
have success using Trail's End® #307®, Hot-Musk®, Mega-Tarsal Plus®, Special
Golden Estrus®, and others. If you have a chance to check on your "mocks"
before you hunt them, and preference is shown towards one scent, change
all of the Ultimate Scrape-Drippers® over to that one scent. You can put in
the new scent without cleaning or you can clean out the Ultimate ScrapeDripper® with Scent Killer® SoapTM and water, then rinse thoroughly.
21
7 - Multiple "Mock" Scrapes
Two nice bucks checking out a “mock” scrape under an Ultimate Scrape-Dripper ® .
22
7 - Multiple "Mock" Scrapes
One thing that many leading "mock" scrape authorities agree on, is
that "mock" rubs can also increase your chances. With a pruner, wood rasp
or small saw, target a few poplars, cedars or whatever the bucks favor to rub
on in your area, and rake 'em up. The visual stimuli of creating rubs helps
sell your scenario to the buck. That is what a real buck would do in this situation. He would more than likely make rubs as well as scrapes.
It depends on the type of trees in the area, how territorial the bucks in
that area are and the size of the trees as to how many rubs are sufficient.
Usually half a dozen or so on key trees will work, but you can create many if
you wish. Just as with the scrapes, be very careful not to transmit any bad or
foreign odors as you create your "mock" rubs. It's probably best to choose
trees that are the same size as the ones that your target buck is using. If the
bucks in your area aren't "rub crazy" don't go overboard.
The secret ingredient for many of these "mock" rub users is a scent
called Mega-Tarsal Plus®. A small amount of this scent is poured down a few
of the key rubs in the area. Mega-Tarsal Plus® is a territorial intrusion scent.
That's exactly what you are trying to mimic, that you are a foreign buck
intruding in his territory.
Just as you increase your odds by using multiple "mock" scrapes, you
will boost your chances even more by having several areas with "mock"
scrapes going at one time. You can make two set-ups for one buck or target
multiple bucks in different areas. When making two set-ups for one buck
you may find that you're competing against yourself. If you have different
spots to hunt, it's wise to make your "mock" scrape set-ups in separate areas
for different bucks.
Your "mock" scrapes can prove themselves effective in a number of ways:
• The most obvious is if bucks actually take over and start working your
"mock" scrape.
• Sometimes bucks will create their own scrape a short distance (5 – 15
yards) away from your "mock" scrape. We call this a competing scrape.
• Sometimes bucks simply come in and check them on a regular basis,
but do not paw the ground and maintain the scrape.
In all these circumstances, the "mock" scrape is an effective way of
bringing in the buck on a regular basis.
23
7 - Multiple "Mock" Scrapes
Dominant bucks like to leave signpost
rubs for other deer to see. These rubs are
meant to define breeding territories. They
stimulate competition.
One thing many "mock" scrape authorities
agree on is that mock rubs can also
increase your chances.
Using a rasp or another sharp object you can
make your own "mock" rubs. This visual will
increase the senses as your target buck
encounters your "mock" scrapes.
24
8
Positioning Your Stand
When hunting natural existing scrapes or "mock" scrapes, stand placement, or your "hunting vantage", is very important. If you've hunted whitetail
for long, you understand that "a whitetail lives by its nose". It is important to
anticipate how a whitetail will use the terrain and conditions.
"Playing the wind" takes on two meanings. Yes, it is important for a
hunter to try and remain undetected from a whitetail's nose. We should try
to stay downwind or cross-wind from them as much as possible. However,
learning "how the whitetail plays the wind" can be a much larger solution to
the puzzle of where to place your stand.
A whitetail is not going to spend a great deal of time in an area where
it can't use its nose to its full potential. We hear hunters say all the time that
"they only hunted the site when the wind was to their advantage." That’s
fine. This hunter has at least recognized that to be fairly consistent you need
to keep hidden from a buck's nose. However, we would rather hunt the site
when the wind is at the "whitetail's advantage", yet still play the wind to stay
undetected from his nose. A whitetail is more likely to access an area and
spend extended periods of time there if he is comfortable with the conditions
at that time for that spot. The trick is to recognize the conditions when a
whitetail will want to use the spot and then position yourself so you can
intercept him without being detected.
When a hunter tries to understand the wind currents, just by what’s
hitting him on the side of his face, he is most likely not aware of the full picture.
The best way a hunter can help himself understand the “where, when, why,
and how” a whitetail uses the air currents, is to observe it by using a visual aid.
A visual aid can range from using goose down feathers, to light pieces of fiber,
to powders that are squeezed out of a bottle. As they float through the air, you
will be amazed at the complexity of some of the directions and changes in the
breeze. You will be able to better understand thermals that result from the thermal effect of heating & cooling of water, rocks, trees, and swamps, combined
with the thermal effect when air heats and cools. Even when thermals are not a
major factor in your immediate area, the trees, vegetation, objects, hills, dips,
and general terrain all have a major impact in redirecting the wind or breeze.
Once you are able to actually see these air currents, it opens up your
eyes as to why a whitetail may take a certain travel route under different
conditions or why a buck may like to bed in a certain area at different times
of the day or under various situations.
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8 - Positioning Your Stand
Our goal is to find an area where the whitetail will feel comfortable
during the conditions we want to hunt, and then setting up downwind or
cross-wind of where we think the animal will travel. Let the whitetail use the
wind, yet still find an ambush where you can remain undetected.
Tree stands are best placed downwind of a scrape area for two reasons. One, simply because our scent will be blowing away from where you
hope the whitetail will travel. And two, because a buck, especially a mature
buck, will much of the time scent-check the scrape area from downwind
before traveling into it.
Winds tend to change, so it may be advised to set up two or more
sites to play different wind directions. As stated, you want to hunt the site
when you think the conditions are favorable for the buck to want to spend
time in that area, and then, remain downwind or cross-wind under those
specific circumstances.
With a visual aid, you can watch it travel
for some distance and get a much clearer
picture as to what the air currents are
doing.
Tree stands are best placed downwind of
a scrape for a couple of reasons. Simply
because your scent will be carried away
from the scrape is one and secondly
because a buck, especially a mature buck,
will usually circle downwind to scent
check the scrape before coming into it.
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9
Timing Your Hunt
"How long should it take before your scrapes draw a response?", and
"After they are hit, when should you hunt them?", are both frequently asked
questions regarding "mock" scrapes. Timing and location are the key ingredients in how long it should take before you draw a response. It can happen
overnight or it may take several days. Usually, successful "mock" scrape sites
are hit within the first week. However, it may take longer to get a reaction. As
stated, an Ultimate Scrape-Dripper® will go through 1 to 1 1⁄2 ounces of scent
in about six days. "As a rule of thumb", if you have not had any action at
your "mock" scrape(s) within that time, you should move the "mock" scrape
or change the type of scent that you're using in it.
Plan on hunting your "mock" scrape set-up as soon as possible after
noticing activity. It's best to hit fast while the "mock" scrapes are fresh and a
new priority to your target buck. Bucks may continue to hit the "mock"
scrapes for weeks after. However, the distinctiveness eventually wears off
and it slowly loses priority on a buck's "to do" list.
Two really nice bucks checking out a "mock" scrape with an Ultimate Scrape-Dripper® set up
over it.
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10
Hunting the Site
When the conditions are favorable to hunt your site, don't throw your
work away by approaching your stand the wrong way. If it's in the morning,
are you going to be walking near a preferred feeding location? If in the afternoon, are you strolling through a prime bedding spot? It's impossible, without the use of radio tracking equipment, to know where whitetail are at all
times. Use your best guess and put the odds in your advantage. You must
avoid spooking the deer before you hunt them.
If you have to approach from the same direction you think deer will
come from, or you have to cross an area you think whitetail will be using to
approach you, be very careful not to transmit odors. Don't walk directly on
their trails if you can help it. Also, avoid brushing up against tall grass,
weeds, brush, or trees.
Laying scent trails to a "mock" scrape set-up or an area containing a
buck's existing scrapes, can be a deadly tactic. OK, you've tricked a buck into
believing that a foreign buck is invading his turf with your "mock" scrapes.
Now, what if you added extra confirmation that the buck was there NOW?
Or maybe a "hot" doe has entered the area. "Mock" scrapes will commonly get bucks to show up in the area earlier in the day more often than
they normally would and get them to hang around longer. With bucks in the
area, the fresh, immediate smells that a scent trail provides can be the
"knock-out punch".
There are a number of ways to leave scent trails. Boot Scent Pads or a
Pro-Drag® work well. My favorite way to leave a clean, controlled trail is to
take a Pro-Drag® that comes with a special string. Make sure the string has
been treated with Scent Killer® or is free from human and other foreign
odors. Next, tie the other end of the string to a four to six foot long stick
found in the area. Soak your Pro-Drag® with your preferred scent and lay
your scent trail. With the stick it is possible to drag the scent trail off of the
exact path that your feet are taking, for the most pristine, uncontaminated
trail possible. If you encounter a wet area, simply lift the Pro-Drag® and let
it contact the tall grass and weeds, instead of the ground. Obviously in thick
brush or timber it's impossible to drag a trail off of the path that you are taking, but wherever possible, it's best.
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10 - Hunting the Site
As opposed to Boot Scent Pads, this method leaves a more controlled
trail as well. With Boot Scent Pads, even when wearing one on each foot,
the scent is dispersed at whatever your step interval distance is. With a
stick drag the scent is evenly dispersed and it is very easy for a buck to
follow. Make sure to stop and re-apply scent to the Pro-Drag® periodically
as you go.
A tactic that has worked for numerous hunters is laying a scent trail of
Special Golden Estrus® into an area with "mock" scrapes. If your "mock"
scrapes are working, you’ll have a buck that's hanging around waiting for
action at the scrapes. If you introduce the smells of a "hot" doe, the target
buck wants to find her before a competing buck comes along.
A simple Key-Wick® or Pro-Wick® set-up can also work great when
hunting a "mock" scrape location. The Wick set-up is implemented by placing
the Key-Wicks® or Pro-Wicks® about five feet above the ground in a pattern
that will draw bucks from downwind. The main idea behind either the scent
trails or the Wick set-up is you are introducing a fresh, new, or unique scent
to the scene. You are giving the buck a reason to investigate it NOW, and
you're giving him something to key in on.
Soak the Key-Wicks® or Pro-Wicks® with your lure of choice and place
them out cross-wind of your location. Key-Wicks® or Pro-Wicks® come as a
package of four in a resealable plastic bag. This makes them easy to use
without rubber gloves. Simply pour the scent into the bag with the KeyWicks® or Pro-Wicks®. Now, ease each Key-Wick® or Pro-Wick® out of the
bag with your fingers and hang it on a branch or twig about 5 feet above
the ground, making sure not to touch any surrounding branches or
vegetation with your hands. With this method you are trying to lure the buck
in from downwind of the scent.
After soaking the Pro-Wicks with the scent of your
choice, ease the wicks up and onto a branch about 5
feet above the ground. This way you eliminate the
need for rubber gloves and will get excellent scent
dispersal.
®
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10 - Hunting the Site
A simple Wick set-up can also be extremely effective when hunting your "mock" scrape. Place
the Wicks in the above pattern. You are giving the buck a new scent to key in on as he comes
to investigate the scrape.
Laying a scent trail into the "mock" scrape
when you decide to hunt it can be a deadly
tactic. Imagine the buck hitting that trail
and sensing that the competing buck is at
the scrape right now. Or a "hot" doe is at
the site. He will want to check it out.
Using a Pro-Drag® lay your scent trail off to
the side of the trail your boots take . The ProDrag® comes with a length of heavy-duty
string you attach to a short stick. Holding the
Pro-Drag® off to the side will enable you to
leave the most pristine scent trail possible.
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11
Late Season "Mock" Scrapes
After peak breeding, bucks will once again go back to keeping up their
territory. Once again, they are susceptible to being fooled with "mock"
scrapes. A problem in some areas of the country during extremely cold temperatures is, the scent in an Ultimate Scrape-Dripper® may freeze, but when
it warms up a little, it will begin functioning again.
"Mock" scrapes can also be maintained with the use of Key-Wicks®,
Pro-Wicks®, Super-Wicks® or Quik-Wiks™. If an Ultimate Scrape-Dripper ® is not
there to drip into the scrape, when you originally create the scrape you'll
want to pour a small amount of Active-Scrape® scent into the scrape and
hang a Wick soaked with it on the interaction-branch or slightly above.
The Super-Wick® or Quik-Wik™ can substitute for Key-Wick® or ProWick®. The Super-Wick® or Quik-Wik™ is designed for extreme convenience
and also sheds water when it rains. These wicks help disperse larger quantities of scent molecules. If you use the Super-Wick® or Quik-Wik™ it is best
advised, just as with the Ultimate Scrape-Dripper®, to hang it just out of the
whitetails’ "nose reach" or treat it with Scent Killer®, let it dry outside, and
touch it only while wearing rubber gloves after that point.
For "mock" scrapes, neither of these two methods are as effective as
the Ultimate Scrape-Dripper®, because you must physically go in to freshen
your set-ups every time, where an Ultimate Scrape-Dripper® does it automatically during daytime hunting hours.
Because the Super-Wick® or Quik-Wik™ is
self-contained, you can fill it with scent in
the field or before you leave camp or home.
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Conclusion
If you apply the products and methods covered in this book in combination with observing and learning about the deer in your area, you should
have a major advantage over many other hunters.
For many hunters, experimenting and trying new methods, tactics and
equipment are the most fun parts of hunting. The one thing that is for sure
about a whitetail, just when you think you know it all, they surprise you.
If you believe a new tactic might draw a buck better, try it. If you find something that works, let us know about it. Experiment, have fun and success
will follow.
Chad Burroughs took this buck
from a natural scrape he
doctored with Special Golden
Estrus. The buck scored 189 6⁄8"
and weighed in at 245 lbs.
dressed. It was the largest
whitetail taken with archery
gear in the state that year.
®
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How to get Wildlife Research Center® products:
W
ildlife Research Center® products should be available at your favorite
hunting products supplier. If they are not in stock, ask them to bring in the
products that you want right from either a distributor or direct from WRC. They can
easily have the products in stock within a few days by making a phone call.
DON'T ACCEPT SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS.
If you would like our most up-to-date catalog, write or call:
Wildlife Research Center, inc.
14485 Azurite St. NW
Ramsey, MN 55303
http://www.wildlife.com
”Scrape Hunting”
Scrape hunting is probably the overall most effective way to harvest
quality Whitetail bucks.
Wildlife Research Center® is the leader in scrape hunting products. Over
the years, we have received numerous questions and inquiries on various
aspects of scrape hunting.
The “Scrape Hunting” book is loaded with practical information and
methods that work. Take a look at the table of contents for the major categories.
The “Scrape Hunting” book contains information that we’ve never seen
in print nor heard discussed outside of Wildlife Research Center®, but we have
known for many years. One example is competing scrapes – one of the common responses to "mock" scrapes that utilize an Ultimate Scrape-Dripper®.
The combination of general information, technical know-how, practical
methods, and product recommendations, can really jack-up your odds of taking quality bucks – even if you’re already a top hunter.
Ultimate Scrape-Dripper ®
Photo by Leland McCall
Suggested Retail
$4.99