What Should I Do If My Mock Scrape Attracts Only Fawns?

Understanding Mock Scrape Purpose

A mock scrape is designed to mimic a buck’s scent marking, which in turn attracts does and other bucks to the area. The goal is to create a site that looks and smells like a buck’s scrape, which typically involves a mix of urine, saliva, and scent from the buck’s glands. If your mock scrape is only attracting fawns, it suggests that the doe isn’t perceiving the site as a suitable mating location.

Scent Load and Composition

To increase the scent load, apply a high concentration of buck urine (at least 10:1 ratio of urine to water) to the area, and use a mixture of different scents from the buck’s glands, such as the forehead and chest. This will help to create a more complex and appealing scent profile for adult deer. Aim to apply the scent mixture every 2-3 days, as the scent will degrade quickly.

Enhancing the Scrape Appearance

In addition to increasing the scent load, consider adding some visual elements to the scrape that will appeal to adult deer. This could include creating a more defined scrape site using twigs and leaves, or adding some visual markers such as a small amount of blood or a few hairs from the buck’s cape. By incorporating these visual elements, you can create a more convincing and attractive mock scrape that will draw in adult deer.