October 1st: The time has finally arrived for the race to begin. Days are getting shorter, evenings are cooler, and hunters are heading to the woods to pursue the “Hit List” bucks they’ve spotted on their trail cameras. Excitement fills the air as hunters look forward to matching wits against some of God’s most intelligent creatures. Scrape activity has increased, and bucks are becoming more aggressive towards each other as they compete for access to prime scrapes. They are hitting scrapes early in the morning and in the final moments before sunset. Be sure to check out this week’s exciting videos titled “From the Scrape!”
TT8
My top buck on the 40-acre farm has been appearing consistently in front of all my cameras. I can easily identify TT8 by his distinctive tall, tight 8-point rack. He continues to interact with the scrapes, teasing me in the process. The SpyPoint Flex S Dark camera, set to “No Flash,” doesn’t seem to bother him, even when he is just a foot away. TT8 often browses on the edge of the field and visits this spot multiple times a week. He approaches the scrape, scent-checks it, makes contact, and then feeds. My hunting stand is only a few yards away from this area. I hope he maintains this pattern as the Pennsylvania Archery Season begins this Saturday.
Two Nights in a Row
After working the BuckRope the previous day, TT8 returned to check a scrape I made near the entrance to the bean field. Notice how he examines the scrape before interacting with the licking branch I attached to the tree. TT8 uses his nasal gland to investigate the licking branch before using his preorbital gland on it. I deliberately placed this licking branch higher than most of my rope scrapes to attract only mature bucks. I applied Head-Scratcher gland lure on the licking branch and Contender interdigital mix in the scrape. This combination has been very effective with the deer on the farm, and I am confident it will keep the bucks active at all my scrapes.
Don’t Do It!
The non-typical 9-point buck that is closest to the camera has recently finished working the BuckRope. I’m not familiar with this 9-point, as he just showed up on the farm and has been working multiple scrapes. He has impressive brow tines and a decent body. I wonder if he expected the other 9-point to arrive at the scrape while he was there. What should a buck do when he’s backed into a corner? If the typical 9-point decides to work the scrape while the non-typical is present, what do you think will happen? Hit play to see what unfolds.
Ring The Bell
After shedding their velvet, a buck’s testosterone levels increase, making two bucks of the same age class less likely to tolerate each other, especially at a scrape. I observe this scenario unfold every year at the end of September and the beginning of October. When a typical 9-point buck arrives second, he works the scrape to assert his dominance. He now needs to back up his bravado! A non-typical 9-point then challenges the second buck, and they briefly lock antlers. This tussle is short, but the non-typical 9-point sends a clear message: “You are not welcome here!” As a few more weeks pass, scenes like this will change completely. I love watching videos like this before the season begins.
Morning Meeting
What happens when the temperature drops, there’s fog in the air, and two deer meet at a corner scrape? You witness a display of dominance from the older of the two bucks. The young spike is testing the waters against him. Drop Dead Fred, the older buck, is toying with the young spike, demonstrating who is in charge. Fred knows he has the upper hand in this sparring match, but he doesn’t heavily overpower the spike. Instead, he entertains the spike’s curiosity as the younger deer tries to learn the ropes.
Bugger Off
After a short break from sparring, the spike observes Fred as he works with the BuckRope. Drop Dead Fred pauses and uses body language to warn the spike not to come any closer. Fred intends to work on the scrape again, but the spike lowers its head and cautiously approaches. Fred, being the dominant buck, lowers his head to meet the spike’s level. The spike slowly reaches out to lick Fred’s forehead as a sign of submission. Watching deer is such a fascinating experience!
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