Saw something weird at the deer lease this weekend

[Reef Drifter]

i found four fresh scrapes by my stand already!! normally i wont see these til mid november. Is this a mature deer lookin for some pre season action? or a young dumb bored deer ??

[mjh]

I have seen them late september. It could be a early pre rut.

[Baby Tran Cat]

often two year olds will start rubbing and such activity as they are new to the whole game...feeling those hormones for the first time...feeling those antlers out

[mjh]

There is a difference between a rub and a scrape.

Michael

[Beandaddy]

A rub is on a tree or post and a scrape is done on the ground.
Beandaddy

[mjh]

Yes a scrape is on the ground most likely under a overhanging bush or small tree. It is when they are getting ready to breed.

Michael

[Reef Drifter]

they were all scrapes under over hanging branches in about a two hundred yard circle

[mjh]

I guess the bucks are starting early this year.

Michael

[fishingrx]

they're probably digging for water...just kidding!

[Reef Drifter]

they're probably digging for water...just kidding!

lol, i was actually surprised everything was green and the ponds had water and the river was only a few feet low

[Milkjug]

Cool, good sign. I have heard they make them regularly throughout the year, not necessarily a sign of imminent breeding. They will use them strongly right before rutting, then will focus more on chasing does right when it happens.