I put 5 mock scrapes in play at 4 stand sites late this week. 2 of the sites already had established scraping activity within close proximity and the other 2 none at all. 2 of the sites have great deer activity but lack any good licking branches so with some careful hinge cutting, branches were created. Im using Code Blue scrape mate in conjunction with Code Blue Rack Rub. I have been using Code Blue Scrape Mate for a couple years now (and had luck with it) but Code Blue rack rub is something new. My mock scrapes rarely ever become well used scrapes but instead they spark more scraping activity in the immediate area. Which in return become well used scrapes. The problem with establishing most scrapes is in the licking branch. Im hoping with the introduction of the Code Blue Rack Rub this helps a bit. 2 sites are very close to cameras, so im hoping to get some shots. Ill post the updates...
Lots of deer activity since yesterday evening. A lot of deer in fields last night and early this morning.
Sent from my E6782 using Lake Ontario United mobile app
No a lot of activity this morning but I did see lots of scrapes in the woods this morning. 4 near my stand and another 4 on the walk out.
Some video from this morning... Small 8pt working 2 scrapes next to my stand. As he leaves he winds me and kinda stands around for awhile until finally heading off.
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=859421750742353&set=vb.100000236089564&type=2&theater
We all know overall hunting and fishing participation is falling and our biggest contribution to the future of the outdoors is to get young people involved. I think as hunters, we all go through mind set changes as our time in the woods increases. And as with everything else, our experiences dictate our thought process. In the beginning of our hunting career we may be simply focused on getting our first deer, then maybe numbers of deer or consistency. Charlie Alshiemer has written about this very subject The Five Stages of the Hunter.
The biggest change for me as of resent is the company of my 12 year old in the deer woods. I couldnt be any luckier then to have a kid so interested in being in the outdoors. First with fishing, and now bow hunting. I highly doubt anyone will be happier to see him shoot his first buck then me.
Whats a great way to avoid being shot this year... break off an antler a week before the season
(3.5 year old? typical 8pt)
http://vid157.photobucket.com/albums/t68/boneyfish/PICT0089_zps8c11a8f4.mp4
Heres some great footage of a young buck bumping a doe and then he scent checks her bed. The date on the video is 9-7.
http://vid157.photobucket.com/albums/t68/boneyfish/PICT0027_zpsd0b46d4e.mp4
5 days into the season and not a whole lot to report. Most of the deer seen have been in the evening sits. The majority bucks i have seen (all 1.5 years olds) have been in pairs.
To my surprise however I witnessed a doe chased from known bedding cover and into the open hardwoods. She was harrased by a young 3pt and after a couple of minutes he quickly turned his attention to other things. Earliest in the season I have seen chasing before. The set also has an active scrape line on one of the main trails that leads to the acorn avalanche(4 scrapes within 30 yards of each other and all within arrowing distance). Great sign to see this early in the year.
As with everything else, you get what you pay for with cameras. There is a lot of competition in the camera market nowadays and a lot of good cameras.
Moultrie
Reconyx
Cuddeback
Stealth cam
Wildgame Innovations
Bushnell
Saw my first scrape of the year today while I was out checking cameras. My camera is on the tree in the back ground but its pointed a different direction. One of the half dozen small bucks on have on video is the culprit of this master piece.
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I check 3 cameras today... Lots of activity but no shooters. Heres some footage that I though Id would share though
4pt checking out the camera
http://vid157.photobucket.com/albums/t68/boneyfish/PICT0036_zpsbb6bfbae.mp4
small bucks in the food plot
http://vid157.photobucket.com/albums/t68/boneyfish/PICT0034_zpsdde7474a.mp4
A couple of young bucks sparring
http://vid157.photobucket.com/albums/t68/boneyfish/PICT0072_zpse797b3e2.mp4