Just a week ago, I shared my observations about the invigorating cooler temperatures and the noticeable activity of the bucks. This week, we’ve experienced a shift to warmer, more humid weather. I’m curious to see how these changes have impacted deer movement and activity at the scrape. Let’s dive into the latest developments from the scrape and uncover what this week has in store for us!
Anger Issues
As temperatures rise, we might see some deer showing a bit more aggression! Just take a look at this young buck engaging with the Head-Scratcher Gland Lure on the BuckRope—he’s really putting his all into it! Luckily, the sturdy BuckRope is built to handle such enthusiastic interactions. I absolutely love watching these moments unfold in the summer; it’s thrilling to see how well the Head-Scratcher attracts bucks and inspires them to interact.
Educating the Next Generation
Fawns come into the world with a remarkable ability to understand deer communication through scent glands! This natural skill helps them find their mothers by recognizing the unique scent of their mother’s interdigital gland, allowing them to stay close when needed. I love seeing videos of a mother deer exploring a BuckStik, with her curious fawn mimicking her actions. These videos are not only fascinating but also highlight how adept deer are at investigating scrapes and other deer’s scents. This year, I’m thrilled to have so many playful fawns around—it’s such a joy to witness their interactions!
Double Trouble
On June 27th, I was thrilled to see two does actively stopping by the BuckStik BuckBranch for some interaction! I love using natural gland lures because they mimic the way deer communicate daily. It was fascinating to watch these does use their preorbital and salivary glands on the BuckBranch. The design allows them to engage fully, then bounce back into position for further use. The Flex Dark perfectly captures these exciting moments, making every encounter truly memorable!
Afternoon Scrape Action
In the afternoon, a spirited young buck visits the Ridge Scrape to engage with the BuckRope. First, he cleverly uses his salivary glands on the rope before confidently stepping underneath it. Once below, he marks his territory with his preorbital and forehead glands, leaving his distinct scent. Since I added a new BuckRope and enhanced it with an exciting Head-Scratcher Gland Lure, the Ridge Scrape has become a favorite hangout for the deer on this farm, attracting them with its enticing allure!
Hazy, Humid Morning
On the morning of the 29th, I was thrilled to witness a young buck confidently approach the BuckRope at the Inside Corner Scrape! The hazy backdrop at 6:24 AM added a mysterious charm to the scene. The buck emerged from his bedding area, engaging playfully with the scrape and utilizing his preorbital gland on the BuckRope. It was heartwarming to see him seemingly relishing the sensation of the rope against his face. He spent an impressive five minutes exploring the area before gracefully returning to his cozy bedding spot. Moments like this truly remind us of the beauty and wonder of wildlife!
During this heatwave, I’ve enjoyed capturing some amazing videos of deer interacting with scrapes! Interestingly, most of the activity has occurred at night, when it cools down, making the deer more active. July typically sees bucks moving more after sunset due to the heat. I’m excited to observe what unfolds at the scrape in the coming days—there’s always something fascinating to witness in nature!
