Scrapes are an essential part of whitetail behavior, and creating a mock scrape can help you to capitalize on this age-old deer habit. But what does it take to create your own mock scrape in order to stop a deer dead in its tracks? Let’s take a look at the right steps to make your own mock scrape to help you better hunt this season!
1. Target the Right Area
Scrapes do not just magically appear in all areas, so you must get strategic when deciding where to put a mock scrape. Pay attention to scrapes that are made closer to areas like bedding areas and secure travel routes. You want to place a mock scrape in an area where a big buck is already claiming it as his own. Move into this area and make it seem as though another big buck is invading his territory. Look for areas where there are already a lot of scrapes, and place your own.
2. Make It as Visible as Possible
Besides the obvious scent that will attract a deer, you should also make your mock scrape look as visually appealing as possible. This will help to catch a buck’s attention that is just passing through that may also be upwind and not able to get a whiff of the mock scrape. This visual attraction must look natural enough so that it does not spook a wary buck, but big enough to be noticeable. An easy way to do this is to put a little bit of a rub on a nearby tree right next to the scrape. Bucks will see this and want to check them out.
3. Place Scent and Wait
Finally, you will want to lay the scent down. After clearing out a small area on the ground, place your scent as this is what will attract the deer to the spot. The entire idea is to get a passing buck to stop in the area to smell it, giving you the opportunity to shoot as they are stopped. Use the right type of scent that is specially made for mock scrapes. Careful not to overdo it, and use the recommended amount for just the right amount of scent.
Final Thoughts
Making a good mock scrape is very simple, but hopefully, now you have a few more ideas and tips in order to make a better one. All it takes is the right scrape in the correct area and you can kill that next buck of a lifetime!
Interested in learning more about deer hunting? Check out these articles:
How To Hunt Everything: Mule Deer
All About Big Game: Differences Between Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, Elk and Antelope
7 Facts About the Whitetail Deer Every Hunter Should Know
The Ultimate Deer Hunter’s Guide to Playing the Wind
For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.
