Quick Answer
When hunting pressured deer in the Minnesota big woods, the most effective scents to use are estrus doe urine, mock scrapes with a buck scent, and scent trails that mimic a buck's rubs.
Choosing the Right Estrus Doe Urine
When selecting estrus doe urine for attracting pressured deer, look for products with high estradiol levels, typically above 5,000 pg/mL. This will give you the most realistic and potent scent. Apply the doe urine to your tree stand, blind, or directly to the tree bark, using 1-2 sprays per application. For increased effectiveness, use it in combination with a doe-in-heat scent wick or rag.
Creating an Attractive Mock Scrape
To create a mock scrape that will attract pressured deer, first identify a location with a high concentration of deer activity, such as a trail crossing or rub line. Apply a small amount of buck scent to the scrape location, using about 1/4 of the recommended amount. Then, use a tool or your hands to create a shallow scrape, about 4-6 inches in diameter. This will help the deer associate the buck scent with the scrape location and increase their likelihood of visiting.
Building a Scent Trail
When building a scent trail to mimic a buck’s rubs, use a buck scent with a high testosterone level, typically above 1,000 pg/mL. Apply the scent to the trees along the trail, using 2-3 sprays per tree, spaced about 20-30 yards apart. This will create a realistic trail that will help the deer follow the buck’s scent and increase their likelihood of encountering your stand or blind.
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