Mock scrapes

[owlbait]

Made a mock scrape last week with a home brew lure from some buck testicles and had 2 bucks visit it. When my son-in-law and daughter  went to check the camera there were 5 bucks hanging out with-in 20 yards. Good lure or coincidence?

[jamesh76]

Only time will tell.  I am assuming you sat a trail cam on it?

My first thought is coincidence though.

[owlbait]

Trail cam was set-up. Got pics of 2 different bucks at the mock scrape. The 5 bucks were just hangin' there in the opening near the mock scrape. I figure coincidence too, but nice to know the lure made 2 of them curious enough to get their pictures taken  :D

[Ryan Rothhaar]

They are probably hanging around waiting for the mock deer that made that mock scrape to show up.


I'd think this time of year any reaction to your mock scrape is curiosity towards something "new" rather than typical scraping behavior.  It would be interesting to pour out some other scent - non deer related - and see what pics you get - I bet it wouldn't differ much from the mock scrape.  Did any of the deer scratch around in it or urinate/defecate?

R

[owlbait]

Hard to tell from the pics. My son-in-law moved the camera to "HIS" spot. I don't think he liked the fact that at least I had deer visit this spot. I need to get a camera of my own and see if reactions to non-deer scents would be similar. Now, I will give a full report during hunting season on how these lures work, too. What non-deer scents would you recommend Ryan?

[Arwin]

If it were September, I would say there is something to it. I agree with Ryan, it's probably  more out of curiosity.
Check that scrape again in a few days. If they are using it, maybe tease the spot with straight doe pee a couple times before season.
Don't hang out in there too much though, you can make a great scrape go cold with too many visits.