Another anomally from last year on my property{weird\cold weather year} We had very few rubs early on through Nov. Then, at the very, very end of late Mz. season{first week of Jan} the trees[mosly cedars} were getting shredded! There were fresh rubs everywhere in early through mid-late January. Signpost trees were were hit anew, new trees were hit everywhere. I have never seen this happen before in the 15 years I have owned this property.

BSK--Does early season rubbing differ from serious pre-rut rubbing as to which species of tree is used?

I've not seen anyone study that.

I have seen studies on the timing of rubs, and rubbing activity generally peaks just before scraping activity does.

In the early season, I tend to see lots of small rubs like this in areas where bucks are actively feeding. Seems like they will rub any species that happens to be within reach. My guess is that they are either getting rid of velvet or just testing out the new headgear. Doesn't seem to be about communicating. Could be that they prefer the more aromatic or visible species later on when they are using rubs to communicate with one another. Just a theory.

I saw similar results.

Guys, this is the norm on my property. Every single year I can remember, we find scrapes and rubs during or just after ML season opens.