What did I see?

[sc8point]

This afternoon while moving a shooting house we saw what looked like two fresh scrapes. They were big and fresh and one was in front of an old rub. Also, there was a fresh bed between them. This was not turkey scratching. Anyone else seen anything like this this time of year.

 

[RUGER]

Deer use scrapes to some degree year round.
During the rut they REALLY use them and make more though.

 

[Football Hunter]

Deer use scrapes to some degree year round.
During the rut they REALLY use them and make more though.

I agree

 

[BSK]

This afternoon while moving a shooting house we saw what looked like two fresh scrapes.

I look for these "fresh" scrapes each year in spring. They tell me when the local bucks are starting to grow their new antlers.

Unlike human males who produce a fairly stable amount of testosterone throughout the year, male whitetailed deer produce highly variable amounts of testosterone. In the fall, for the rut, bucks have astronomically high testosterone levels. That is why they act like 'roided out nut-cases! Yet in late winter they have such low blood testosterone levels that they are virtually emasculated--they are basically female considering hormone levels.

However, to start the new antler growth process their bodies produce a temporary surge of testosterone. This sudden "bump" in male hormone makes them act rutty again. They will open and work traditional scrapes and even pester does. The timing of this testosteone surge (when scrapes open in spring) is a great indication of when new velvet antlers should be appearing.

 

[sc8point]

Thanks for the info BSK. I had decided before seeing this sign to move a stand into this area. It has the makings of a great stand. A low place in a ridge line, a secondary ridge coming in, an edge where mature timber, a select cut and a recent clear cut come together.