How to Build a Mock Scrape

If you’ve ever been walking through the woods and noticed a bare patch of dirt under an overhanging branch that smells strong and looks freshly pawed up, you’ve stumbled on one of the most powerful communication hubs in the deer world — a scrape.

For hunters who want to pull mature bucks into bow range or in front of a trail camera, learning how to make a mock scrape can be a complete game-changer. Let’s break down exactly what a scrape is, why deer use them, and how to build one that works.

What Is a Scrape?

A scrape is a spot where a deer (usually a buck) paws away the leaves and debris to expose bare dirt beneath a licking branch — a low-hanging branch that sits about chest height to a deer.

They use these areas as a form of communication. Bucks urinate in the scrape and rub scent glands on the overhanging branch, leaving behind unique scent markers. Does visit scrapes too, especially during the rut, to leave their own scent signals.

Think of a scrape like a message board in the woods — every deer that visits adds its own “post.”

Why Mock Scrapes Work

A mock scrape is exactly what it sounds like — a scrape you create to mimic the real thing. Deer are curious and territorial, especially during the fall breeding season. When they find a new scrape that smells like another deer, it drives them to investigate and re-mark the area.

That curiosity can:

• Pull bucks closer to your stand or trail camera setup

• Help you inventory which deer are in the area

• Create repeat visits once they adopt it as their own

A well-placed mock scrape can turn an overlooked trail or transition zone into a high-traffic hotspot.

When to Make a Mock Scrape

You can make one as early as late summer, but the sweet spot is early fall (September through November) — right before the pre-rut kicks in and bucks start laying down their natural scrapes.

Setting one up early gives deer time to find and start using it before peak activity hits.

What You’ll Need

You don’t need much to get started:

• A sturdy licking branch (I recommend using a real branch) that hangs about 3–4 feet off the ground

• A rake, stick, or your boot to clear away debris

• Scent attractants (buck or doe urine, or gland scents, but don't overdo it)

• Optional: a trail camera to monitor activity

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Step-by-Step: How to Build a Mock Scrape

1. Choose the Right Location

Look for travel corridors — spots between bedding and feeding areas, field edges, or logging roads. Deer already use these routes daily, so a mock scrape there gets noticed fast.

2. Pick or Create a Licking Branch

Find a branch roughly the thickness of your thumb at deer-chest height (3–4 feet off the ground). Put a break or bend in the branch so it hangs horizontally or slightly downward. This is where deer will rub their forehead and preorbital glands.

3. Clear the Ground Beneath It

Use a stick or your boot to paw away leaves and grass in a circle about 2–3 feet wide until you expose bare dirt.

4. Add Scent

Apply a small amount of deer urine or gland scent in the center of the dirt patch — don’t overdo it. Then, dab a bit on the licking branch too. You can even urinate on the scrape. Yes, you read that right. Urine is an attractant.

5. Stay Scent-Free

Wear rubber boots and gloves when setting up to avoid contaminating the area with human scent. Deer can smell everything.

6. Set a Trail Camera (Optional)

Angle your camera toward the scrape and licking branch to capture both day and night activity. You’ll start seeing bucks check in — often daily during the rut.

How Mock Scrapes Attract Mature Bucks

Mature bucks are territorial and use scrapes as a way to monitor their domain. When you build a realistic-looking scrape, especially in a high-traffic area, you’re tapping straight into that instinct.

They’ll visit to check for does, challenge rival scent, and re-mark it as their own. Once that happens, you’ve officially created a communication hub — and that’s when your chances of a daylight encounter go way up.

Mock scrapes are also a perfect way to pattern bucks. When a big deer starts using it consistently, you can track the timing of his visits and plan your hunts accordingly.

Making a mock scrape is one of those simple yet powerful strategies that every deer hunter should have in their toolkit. It doesn’t take fancy gear or endless hours — just a little knowledge, a few materials, and an understanding of deer behavior.

When done right, a mock scrape becomes more than just a patch of dirt — it’s a window into the secret lives of the deer you’re chasing.

So get out there, pick your spot, and fire up your trail cam. You might just pull that mature buck a little closer than he planned to be.