by EatDeer » Thu Nov 11, 2010 4:30 pm
The key to using a mock scrape is not to expect too much from it, it's only one tool to hunt deer.
I use mock scrapes to introduce new deer scents to my deer hunting stand locations.
Usually the deer investigate the mock one or two nights before, then they repeatedly smell the area for new fresh sign, and in hopes of seeing the intruders. Mostly noctunal deer, but every deer is different when it comes to how they react to the mock.
More deer in your stand area before light up and after dark only means more deer in your hunting area at the key times of hunting. Then sooner or later a deer will investigate the mock, and hopefully it's still light enough to shoot.
You just can't go wrong with a mock, and yes estrus urine is what you should be using by this time of the breeding season.
I like to spray dominate buck urine, then use a leaf to hold the doe's urine for a delayed reaction. Dosn't really need to be in leaf, it's just how I like to use scents in mocks. Combining the doe, and buck scents, create's a "active" scrape, which really annoys a mature buck into checking the area alot, for a hot doe, and a intruder buck.
Even If you don't see the deer sign at the scrape, the deer know it's there.
As far as the expire dates...I think as long as the urine has the secretions from the hock and other sexual attactants, its good to use. Just get the mock started and the deer should take over.
I also belive that thier are two kinds of scrapes deer use, a community scrape, with a well used licking branch, and a territoral scrape, which dosent always have the overhead licking branch.
So I don't bother with the licking branch much, other then spray a little urine on it from time to time.
"Let a young buck go, so he can grow."
