Creating a Realistic Mock Scrape: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a deer hunter, you have probably heard a lot about “mock scrapes.” These are artificial scrapes that hunters make to attract deer to a particular area. By rubbing their antlers on trees and leaving a scent, bucks can communicate with each other and establish dominance. If you want to create a successful mock scrape, there are a few things you need to know.

First, it’s important to choose the right location. Look for a spot where deer are likely to pass by, such as a trail or a well-used feeding area. It’s also helpful to create a mock scrape near an existing scrape, as this will increase your chances of attracting bucks. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, it’s time to gather your tools and get to work. Follow these simple steps to make your own mock scrape and improve your chances of a successful hunt.

10 Simple Steps to Make a Mock Scrape

Step 1: Choose the Location

The first step in making a mock scrape is by choosing the right location. A location with high deer traffic, like near feeding areas, bedding areas, and those with deer trails, is the perfect spot to create a mock scrape. You can also choose an area near a deer scrape or rub to mimic natural deer behavior.

Step 2: Clear the Area

Once you’ve chosen the location, it’s important to clear the area of any debris, leaves, or grass. Use a rake or your feet to clear an area about three feet in diameter.

Step 3: Dig a Hole

Use a stick or any long, thin tool to dig a hole about six inches deep in the cleared area. The hole should be about 12 inches in diameter.

Step 4: Add Scent

Add some deer scent to the hole. You can use doe urine to attract bucks or estrus scent to attract does. Be sure to use fresh scent to mimic natural deer behavior.

Step 5: Add Soil and Leaves

Cover the hole with soil and leaves, creating a mound around the hole. This will make the mock scrape look more like a natural deer scrape.

Step 6: Add Licking Branch

Find a low-hanging branch above the mock scrape and cut it down to about four feet. Use wire or rope to attach it to a nearby tree at a height of four to five feet. This will encourage deer to lick the branch, further mimicking natural deer behavior.

Step 7: Add Urine

Add some deer urine to the licking branch. Doe urine or buck urine can be used, depending on the scent you want to create. This will attract deer to the scrape.

Step 8: Maintain the Scrape

It’s important to maintain the mock scrape by refreshing the scent and adding fresh soil and leaves every week. This will keep the scent strong, attracting more deer to the area.

Step 9: Place Trail Camera

Placing a trail camera near the mock scrape will allow you to monitor and track deer activity in the area. This is a great way to gather data and learn about the deer movement in your area.

Step 10: Hunt the Mock Scrape

Once the mock scrape is set up and maintained, you can hunt the area during the rut. Bucks will be more likely to check out the mock scrape, and you may have a better chance of getting a shot.

Conclusion

Making a mock scrape is a simple and effective way to attract deer and learn about their behavior. By following these ten steps, you can create a natural-looking mock scrape in a prime location, attracting deer and increasing your chance of a successful hunt. Remember to maintain the scrape and use fresh scent to keep it attractive to deer. Happy hunting!

Preparing the Site for the Mock Scrape

Once you’ve selected a suitable location for your mock scrape, it’s time to start preparing the site. In this section, we’ll cover all the necessary steps to get your site ready for attracting bucks.

Cleaning Up the Area

Start by clearing out any debris that may have accumulated in the area. Rocks, fallen branches, and other items can make it difficult to prepare the site properly, so be sure to remove anything that might obstruct your work.

Clearing the Ground

Next, rake away any leaves or other debris that might be on the ground. You want a clear area that is free of any material that might interfere with your scent and attractant.

Creating a Fresh Scent Trail

Once the area is cleared, it’s time to create a fresh scent trail. Start by laying down a trail of doe or estrus urine from the edge of the site towards the mock scrape. This will help attract bucks to the site and encourage them to start using the scrape.

Breaking Ground on the Mock Scrape

Now it’s time to start digging. Using a garden trowel or your hands, create a shallow, saucer-shaped indentation in the ground. The scrape should be around 2 feet in diameter and no more than 6 inches deep.

Adding Scent Attractants

Once you’ve created the indentation, it’s time to add scent attractants. Start by pouring a small amount of buck urine into the middle of the scrape. Next, add a few drops of either doe in estrus or dominant buck urine around the edge of the scrape. This will create an inviting scent that will attract bucks to the area.

Adding Licking Branches

To make the mock scrape even more inviting, add a licking branch above the scrape. Find a sturdy branch around 4 to 5 feet off the ground and break off any additional branches or twigs. Rub some buck urine on the branch to give it a natural scent and hang it over the scrape.

Maintaining the Scrape

Once the mock scrape is set up, it’s essential to maintain it properly. Freshen up the scrape with additional urine and scent attractants every few days to keep the scent fresh and enticing. Check the area regularly for any signs of animal activity and adjust your strategy as needed.

Choosing the Perfect Time

When you finally make your mock scrape, timing is everything. Choose a time when bucks are likely to be active and searching for mates. This typically occurs during the late summer and early fall months, so plan accordingly.

Monitoring the Site

After setting up your mock scrape, take the time to monitor the site regularly. Use trail cams to track animal activity and make adjustments to your strategy. This will help you gain valuable insights into the behavior of bucks in your area and improve your chances of a successful hunt.

Conclusion

Creating a successful mock scrape can take some time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to attracting bucks to your site and setting yourself up for a successful hunting season.

Section 3: Setting up the mock scrape site

Now that you have identified the ideal location for your mock scrape, it’s time to set up the site. In this section, we will discuss the steps needed to create a realistic mock scrape that will attract deer to your hunting area.

1. Gather Materials
Before beginning the setup process, gather the necessary materials. These include a scrape dripper, scent, a tarsal gland, a licking branch, and synthetic scrape opener. You can purchase these materials at any hunting store.

2. Find a suitable location
Identify the perfect location to create your mock scrape. Look for a spot in the woods where deer activity is evident, such as near feeding and bedding areas. Clear the area of debris and create a mound of dirt with a width of about 24 inches and a height of 8-12 inches

3. Install the licking branch
Install the licking branch approximately 4-5 feet off the ground. A licking branch is an important aspect of setting up a mock scrape that will attract deer. It should be at an angle, and you can use a rope or small branch to tie it in place. Make sure the branch is strong enough to support the weight of a deer, as they will use it as a rubbing post.

4. Add the scent
Deer are attracted to the scent of other deer. Use synthetic estrus or buck urine to create a realistic scent at your mock scrape site. Apply a small amount of the scent to the licking branch and drip it onto the scrape mound to create a realistic scent that will lure deer into the area.

5. Set up the scrape dripper
The scrape dripper works by releasing the scent over time, creating a sense of a fresh scrape to nearby deer, and increasing the likelihood of attracting bucks. Simply fill the dripper with scent and hang it over the licking branch, or move it closer to the ground near the scrape.

To help you visualize this process, take a look at this table outlining the necessary steps for setting up a mock scrape.

| Step | Description |

| 1 | Gather materials such as scrape dripper, scent, tarsal gland, licking branch, and synthetic scrape opener. |

| 2 | Locate an ideal location in the woods where deer activity is evident and create a mound of dirt. |

| 3 | Install the licking branch about 4-5 feet off the ground at an angle. |

| 4 | Apply a small amount of scent to the licking branch and the scrape mound. |

| 5 | Hang the scrape dripper over the licking branch or closer to the ground near the scrape. |

Creating a mock scrape can increase your chances of a successful hunt. By following these simple steps, you will be able to create a realistic and attractive mock scrape site in your hunting area. Don’t forget to come back regularly and refresh the scent to keep the area attractive to deer throughout the hunting season.

Happy Scrape Making!

Now you know how to make a mock scrape like a pro. Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment with different scents and locations. The more realistic your mock scrape is, the better your chances of luring that big buck. So grab your tools and get out there! Thanks for joining me on this scrape-making adventure. Don’t forget to come back soon for more tips and tricks on hunting. Happy hunting and good luck!