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

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BSK

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Mar 11, 1999
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Location
Nashville, TN
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.
 
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.
 
IMG_7472.webp

For whatever reason, they are scraping more on my place than previous years.
 
backyardtndeer said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
BSK said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
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.
 
BSK said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
BSK said:
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.
Click to expand...
Glad you posted this. Tried to make two rope scrapes and per your advice made them in the woods. No deer have used them... Did find 2 in the woods that deer made. They have dried up and/or have leaves in them. I do have post oaks and they do produce most every year that I can recall. They produced this year, but unlike most years where there are so many of those tiny things that there are always left overs, this year there are none, because there are hardly any other acorns. Scraping is always sparse on my place, but generally there are always some on the powerline (field edge) and some in the woods. This year the two I have found have been in the woods near post oaks.
 
BSK said:
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.
Click to expand...
I think that is where I am. mature bucks have disappeared. Last week when I had to be at work for two days straight every large buck I had on my place was out during the daylight at some point, while I was at work... by the time I could get out there, it was slow. I did see a 2.5 8 pt (maybe a 7 pt) with a doe, on the gun opener. He chased a spike off and left with her. He was back 3 days later by himself, but disappeared completely for 3 days.
 

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