Should I work the ground portion of mock scrapes?

By Grant Woods,

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Question
Grant,

I recently installed several scrape trees in (one per plot) food plots close to deer blinds. I tried to choose the right tree and position it correctly. Do I need to make a mock scrape by this tree or should deer naturally start using it? I know deer in my area (south central Virginia) are starting to make scrapes as I’ve seen them in the woods. Also, my 66 year old dad thinks I’m crazy for doing this. I can’t wait to prove him wrong!

Thanks,

JT

J.T.,

Between now and about mid November is prime time for deer to use scrapes (mock and organic) in Virginia.  I do like to break the overhanging limb and expose the dirt below to make it appear as real as normal.  Deer will recognize the visual clues of a scrape from the distance. 

Enjoy creation,

grant

October 21, 2015