Field-edge scrapes versus back-in-the-woods scrapes

[BSK]

In previous posts on the topic, I had mentioned my data on this topic - buck use of field-edge scrapes versus back-in-the-woods scrapes - and mentioned that field-edge scrape usage in daylight rapidly declines over the course of the season, while it only slowly declines for back-in-the-woods scrapes. In addition, I had pointed out that my trail-cam data showed that woods scrapes see more daylight usage most of the season, especially post-October.

However, I noticed something interesting while doing a deep dive into this data last night. It turns out the trend of more daylight usage of woods scrapes does NOT hold true in an acorn failure year. In fact, field-edge scrapes see more daylight usage in an acorn failure year, and this is true throughout the season. Daylight usage still declines a little from month to month as the season progresses in an acorn failure year, but each month's daylight usage percentages for field-edge scrapes are still higher than for woods scrapes.

Just a FYI.

 

[Hillbilly Hunter]

Do you think it is because the does are forced to graze in the fields more due to the mast failure?

 

[Lost Lake]

Do you think it is because the does are forced to graze in the fields more due to the mast failure?

I'm seeing this a lot this year. Woods are dead.

 

[BSK]

Do you think it is because the does are forced to graze in the fields more due to the mast failure?

Yes. The bucks scrape where other bucks are, and other bucks are in the fields because the does are in the fields.

 

[backyardtndeer]

Pretty sure the buck my son shot at yesterday afternoon laid down two new scrapes yesterday afternoon, they were both fresh. Found them last night when we went back to check for sign he hit the deer. They were both on the edge of a brush pile. Got pics this morning of another buck working a scrape on the edge. We did have a fair acorn crop this year, so not sure how that plays into your data. I will have to pay closer attention to the scrapes in the woods, I know one that was in front of one of my stands has gone cold.

 

[Hillbilly Hunter]

For whatever reason, they are scraping more on my place than previous years.

 

[BSK]

Pretty sure the buck my son shot at yesterday afternoon laid down two new scrapes yesterday afternoon, they were both fresh. Found them last night when we went back to check for sign he hit the deer. They were both on the edge of a brush pile. Got pics this morning of another buck working a scrape on the edge. We did have a fair acorn crop this year, so not sure how that plays into your data. I will have to pay closer attention to the scrapes in the woods, I know one that was in front of one of my stands has gone cold.

Over the years, I've noticed that on my place - with an excellent sex ratio and decent buck age structure (7-8% of bucks are mature) - we will see a 7-10 day period where the scrapes "go dead." And by that, I mean the scrapes stop being reopened. Now cameras on these scrapes show yearlings and 2 1/2 year-olds are still visiting during this "dead" period, but they are only working the overhanging limb and not pawing the scrape. Then suddenly, bucks start reopening the scrapes again. I've always suspected this 7-10 day dead period is lockdown - the peak of breeding. Once the peak number of does have been bred, bucks go back to what they were doing just before peak breeding - cruising, scraping, and pestering does.

 

[Bgoodman30]

This season is the least amount of scrapes I have ever seen. They were everywhere last season.

 

[backyardtndeer]

Over the years, I've noticed that on my place - with an excellent sex ratio and decent buck age structure (7-8% of bucks are mature) - we will see a 7-10 day period where the scrapes "go dead." And by that, I mean the scrapes stop being reopened. Now cameras on these scrapes show yearlings and 2 1/2 year-olds are still visiting during this "dead" period, but they are only working the overhanging limb and not pawing the scrape. Then suddenly, bucks start reopening the scrapes again. I've always suspected this 7-10 day dead period is lockdown - the peak of breeding. Once the peak number of does have been bred, bucks go back to what they were doing just before peak breeding - cruising, scraping, and pestering does.

That makes perfect sense. They probably don't engage in as much scraping activity while they are locked down on does. Our peak of the primary rut here is usually the second week of November.

 

[kaizen leader]

As usual your info is invaluable and much appreciated. You certainly have a passion to understand deer behavior. You must have a fantastic place. Thank you.

 

[Hillbilly Hunter]

Over the years, I've noticed that on my place - with an excellent sex ratio and decent buck age structure (7-8% of bucks are mature) - we will see a 7-10 day period where the scrapes "go dead." And by that, I mean the scrapes stop being reopened. Now cameras on these scrapes show yearlings and 2 1/2 year-olds are still visiting during this "dead" period, but they are only working the overhanging limb and not pawing the scrape. Then suddenly, bucks start reopening the scrapes again. I've always suspected this 7-10 day dead period is lockdown - the peak of breeding. Once the peak number of does have been bred, bucks go back to what they were doing just before peak breeding - cruising, scraping, and pestering does.

I agree, and from what i have seen the last 7 days is that they are locked down right now. Young bucks are mostly still chasing does but overall my doe group sightings are way down.

 

[backyardtndeer]

doe group sightings are way down.

They are for the most part grouped back up here. Had I think 9 antlerless at one point yesterday morning. There are still a few singles around though, buck my son shot at yesterday afternoon was following one. Your rut there must be just a little behind ours.