Mock scrapes are an easy-to-install, fantastic stand sweetener. Follow this comprehensive mock scrape guide to increase your whitetail hunting success!

What is a mock scrape?

First off, it is important to understand the fundamental reasoning behind creating a mock scrape. In the whitetail world, a scrape is used for communication and establishing territory. While use increases during the rut, a primary scrape will be used year round. With that in mind, a mock scrape is created to mimic a scrape made by a whitetail. Doing so has many benefits if established correctly. The following are the most significant:

Define movement: Although a mock scrape doesn't attract deer, it can define movement through the convergence of multiple random trails into one distinct highway.

Prime Shot Opportunity: When placed properly within bow range, a mock scrape provides a dependable shot opportunity when a deer travels through. The deer will focus on the mock scrape rather than the hunter in the tree.

Collecting Buck Inventory: You can count on every buck in the neighborhood hitting your mock scrape.

Implementing this simple yet highly effective stand sweetener can increase your hunting success if established properly. Follow the guidelines mapped out in this comprehensive article for optimal mock scrape results!

MOCK SCRAPE SET UP:

Vertical > Horizontal

To begin with, it is important to recognize that a vertical mock scape is far superior to a horizontal mock scrape. Here is why: Horizontal mock scrapes usually have multiple branches, which dilute scent concentration. A vertical vine offers a single, obvious contact point for a deer’s preorbital gland, making it more practical for deer as well. Plus, vertical scrapes are far more durable.

Best Lick Sticks

Choosing the correct lick stick material is critical for optimizing the use and longevity of the scrape. Virginia creeper vines are best since they are flexible yet provide the necessary rigidity, last for years, are easy to find, and so on. If you don’t have Creeper Vines in your area, grape vines, jack pine, white oak, hemlock, or aspen branches work as well. Whatever is typically rubbed on or scraped under will work, but if possible, use a vine. Note that straight vines are inferior to curved and crooked vines. Slight bends and waves make it seem more natural than a straight pole hanging down. The ideal diameter is 3/4"–1 1/4". Thinner vines are too flimsy, while thicker ones are unnatural.

IMPORTANT:. Never use rope or ribbon for your mock scrape lick stick. They are extremely unnatural, deter mature bucks, and are simply gimmicks sold by hunting companies.

While on the topic of artificial additives, it is crucial to note that the best scent to add to a mock scrape is NO scent. Allow the deer to add their own natural scent. Artificial, lab grown fairy dust scents are a waste of your hard earned dollar and provide little to negative results.

Height off the Ground

Position the vine so the bottom hangs around waist level. This improves leverage, allowing deer to leave their scent on the vine with ease. Not to mention, it will allow younger deer, fawns in particular, to contribute their scent as well.

Create a Calling Card

Expose a level and clean dirt patch beneath the vine by removing all vegetation and debris. The actual scrape itself, the dirt patch under the lick stick, is only a calling card to deer. They generally only scrape the ground for a brief period throughout the year. Unfortunately, it is common practice to constantly add urine to scrapes. Truth is, deer are far more concerned about the preorbital gland scent on the vine than what is on the ground. Deer typically only urinate in scrapes for a fraction of the hunting season, but they will rub their preorbital gland scent on the vine year round.

Other Set Up Tips:

All mock scrapes need to be free swinging. If it’s too rigid, deer won’t use it, and it will snap.

Deer should be able to approach from any direction and rotate 360° around the scrape. If circumstances limit that, allow for at least two open sides.

Eliminate any nearby branches that might collect scent. Make the vine the focus.

Add a trail camera and start collecting inventory!

Quantity

The amount of mock scrapes in an area is important to consider. In this case, more is not better. For optimal results, one licking branch should get all the attention and scent in the given area.

Gloves?

There is no need to be concerned about wearing gloves and leaving scent behind when establishing a mock scrape. Reason being, they are meant to be implemented during the offseason when the scent left behind doesn't impact fall use.

Last for Years

If set up correctly, a good mock scrape should last for several years with minimal to zero maintenance.

Conclusion

A vertical, vine mock scrape is a fantastic stand sweetener for defining movement, providing a shot opportunity, collecting inventory, and more! It is simple, easy, quick, and cheap to establish! Follow this guide next time you add a mock scrape to your property to increase your hunting success for this fall and for years to come!