A question for the hunting gurus...

[hockeyfodder]

Good Day All:

I hunt an area that has some old apple trees.
I have observed what appears to be some fresh scrapes under the trees.
Is it common for the deer to create a scrape near a food source or is it just the deer scraping at the fallen apples?
Also is anyone in southern Ontario noticing any rubs yet?
Sorry, I guess that is two questions...
Thanks for your input.

Mike

[vixenmaster]

Bucks scrape where other deer can pass by it & take notice, no matter if'en there be a food source.

[8ptbuk]

They make scrapes under my apple trees every year .

[JPjunkie]

Good Day All:

I hunt an area that has some old apple trees.
I have observed what appears to be some fresh scrapes under the trees.
Is it common for the deer to create a scrape near a food source or is it just the deer scraping at the fallen apples?
Also is anyone in southern Ontario noticing any rubs yet?
Sorry, I guess that is two questions...
Thanks for your input.

Mike

Seems a little early for the buck shenanigans

[Gwen's Dilemma]

I've seen bare ground under red oaks and finally figured out it was turkey's. Scratch marks but no hoof prints gave it away. Any possibility this is what you're seeing this early?
Dave

[8ptbuk]

Hockey , If a buck made scrapes under a apple tree he should have broken a small limb directly above it .

[JPjunkie]

Hockey , If a buck made scrapes under a apple tree he should have broken a small limb directly above it .

Lickin branch and they dip the branch in tear duct glands

[hockeyfodder]

Thanks for all the help folks. I'll check for these other signs. I doubt it is turkeys as it is in a very concentrated area.
Several well used trail that are positively deer through the grass and wild peas in the area also.
I put a trailcam up so I'll have a definite answer when I get the card out and check it

Mike

[racking up points]

I hunt SW Ontario and I have seen rubs on trees. Most of the bucks I've been keeping tabs on started to rub off their velvet in early Sept. Bucks make scrapes year round but you are more likely to find them leading up to the rut. I have even seen a doe piss in a scrape and hoof at the ground like a buck would!

This should be a good year for us SWO hunters: mild winter, wet spring and a fruit crop that more than makes up for last year's bust. Happy hunting