This week’s scrape action was exhilarating, with thrilling ups, downs, and exciting twists! The heat and humidity kept the bucks moving mostly at night, but once the humidity dropped, they became much more visible, actively hitting scrapes and feeding in the bean fields. With the Pennsylvania archery season just two weeks away, I’m feeling optimistic that my “Hit List” is almost complete.
Doe Patrol
One of the most exciting ways to support a thriving deer herd is by achieving the perfect balance! A healthy buck-to-doe ratio plays a vital role in the population’s success. I absolutely love hunting does and filling my freezer with their delicious meat. This year, I’ve got my eye on three wonderful does that are on my “Hit List.” I can’t wait to hunt them and help manage the doe population effectively on the property.
In the video, you’ll see these fascinating deer exploring the Head-Scratcher Gland Lure on the BuckStik BuckBranch. Their curiosity about the scent as they investigate which buck visited last is truly captivating!
The Velvet Decoy
On the morning of the 14th, I was thrilled to see a velvet-covered buck engaging with the BuckRope! This charming velvet 8 left its distinctive scent while working the rope. In the video’s background, a stunning hard-horned 8-point gracefully walked by—one of the top contenders on my “Hit List” this year.
The Big 8
I absolutely admire the beauty of a magnificent 8-point buck, and I’m thrilled to share that three incredible 8-pointers roam on one of my farms! The star of the show, affectionately named the Big 8, boasts impressive long main beams that almost touch and striking brow tines, complemented by long G2s and G3s. He often graces the inside corner of the bean field, especially during the evenings. If he shows up on the very first evening of the season, I’ll be facing quite the tough choice! I might just have to give my Black Eagle Rampage a chance to take that shot!
The Three Kings
I’m excited to share that my good friend and professional wildlife artist, Jack Paluh, created a stunning painting called “The Three Kings,” showcasing three magnificent bucks. This year, I’m thrilled to say I have my own trio of 8-point bucks who love to spend time together! You won’t want to miss this video from my SpyPoint Flex Dark camera that captures these amazing Three Kings near my stand. I can already tell it’s going to be tough to pass any of them up this season!
Blue Steel Hits the Scrape
One of my all-time favorite movies is Zoolander. I love Ben Stiller’s character because he is wonderfully naive. At the end of the movie, Zoolander finally reveals his new look, Blue Steel! I have a shed that corresponds with this 9-point buck, and I’m certain he is 4.5 years old. Look at his swayback and sagging belly. Blue Steel gets his name from a video of him at the BuckStick BuckRope event. Watch until the end, and you’ll see what I mean.
Magic Man
My number-one target buck this year is a 4.5-year-old deer I’ve named Magic Man. He is a unique 10-point buck, potentially with additional non-typical points at his bases. Magic Man typically stays deep in the timber during the day but often appears in the bean field just minutes before sunset. I haven’t ventured into the timber this summer because I don’t want to push him off the farm. I hope his need to eat will draw him to the bean field during the first two weeks of the season.
Check out last week’s article about scrapes near food plots at the link below.
https://bowhunting.net/from-the-scrape-are-scrapes-near-food-a-good-idea/
