The breeding season changes the movement and activity dynamics of deer. Bucks create scent stations to display their dominance and attract mates. Scrapes and rubs are typically the physical signs, and they will be created throughout a buck’s home range in conspicuous and obscure locales.
Every month, beginning as early as September, does will go into estrus for a 24-hour period. Biologically, they must be bred during this ovulation period to become pregnant. Several days before ovulation occurs, does begin to emit a unique odor carried with their urine. Bucks create scrapes, and does will deposit their urine as they approach ovulation.
As activity levels increase and many does come into estrus, bucks will make a series of scrapes on a well-traveled path to be checked at least once per day. Along with making scrapes in the dirt under overhanging limbs, bucks will also make a series of rubs to establish their territory among the other bucks within the area. While many different bucks will use some of the same scrapes, freshly-established and routinely-maintained scrapes are prime locations to watch during the peak October season.
Bucks will travel night and day checking their scrape lines as often as possible. They are promiscuous and will make every effort to spread their genes all throughout the local herd.
But all scrape lines are not created equal. Bucks will make scrapes from deep in wilderness areas to the edges of fields and along roadsides. The majority of scrapes in open areas will more often be checked nocturnally or as the opportunity presents itself. The best scrape lines on which to encounter heavy buck activity are generally in protected, wooded areas. Often, bucks will use the same travel ways to establish scrapes and rub lines year after year.
These areas are prime places to set up a stand and watch for several days in a row until the dominant buck shows up looking for a mate. Observe prevailing winds and location of nearby bedding areas. Bucks will always visit their scrape lines from downwind to detect any use of their scrapes.
Editor’s note: This article is part of the Be transparent feature in the October issue of South Carolina Sportsman. Digital editions can be downloaded right to your computer or smartphone.
Be sure to subscribe to ensure you don’t miss a single information-packed issue of South Carolina Sportsman.
Be the first to comment