How to Make the Perfect Mock Scrape to Attract Big Bucks

Creating a mock scrape is one of the simplest and most effective ways to attract bucks and control deer movement. By mimicking natural scraping behavior, you tap into a deer’s instincts for communication and dominance — drawing them right where you want them. With the right location, timing, scent, and...

If you’re serious about tagging a mature buck this season, a well-placed mock scrape can completely change the game. While food plots, trail cameras, and scent control all play a role, scrapes are one of the most powerful tools you can use to put deer right where you want them.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the whitetail world, here’s everything you need to know about mock scrapes — what they are, why they work, and how to make one that’ll have bucks checking in day and night.

What Is a Mock Scrape?

A mock scrape is an artificial deer scrape you create to mimic natural deer behavior. In the wild, bucks paw the ground, expose fresh soil, and urinate in the area to leave their scent behind. They’ll also rub their forehead and pre-orbital glands on an overhanging branch above the scrape — known as a licking branch.

Why does this matter?

Bucks use scrapes to communicate dominance.
Does visit scrapes too, especially as the rut nears.
Other bucks will check out fresh scrapes to see who’s in the area.

By creating your own scrape, you’re essentially hacking into deer communication and drawing them into a specific spot on your terms.

When to Make a Mock Scrape

Timing is everything.

Early Season (September–Early October) → Start creating mock scrapes now. This helps establish a pattern early and gets bucks comfortable visiting.
Pre-Rut (Mid to Late October) → This is prime time. Bucks get more active, and mock scrapes can become a hot spot for daylight activity.
Rut (November) → If your scrape is in the right spot, expect consistent traffic from bucks checking for does.

Tip: Set up your mock scrape at least a few weeks before peak rut to give deer time to find it and establish a routine.

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

1. Pick the Right Spot

Location is everything. You want an area where bucks naturally travel, like:

Field edges
Trails between bedding and feeding areas
Inside corners
Near funnels or pinch points

Setting up a scrape where deer already feel comfortable increases your odds of success.

2. Choose or Create a Licking Branch

The licking branch is just as important as the scrape itself. Deer use it for facial scent marking, so make sure you:

Pick a sturdy branch about 3–5 feet off the ground.
If there isn’t a natural one, zip-tie or screw in an artificial licking branch.
Use real branches from nearby trees to make it blend naturally.

3. Clear the Ground

Use a stick, boot, or small rake to scrape away leaves and debris until bare dirt is exposed.
Make it about 2–3 feet in diameter.
Keep the edges messy — the goal is to mimic natural deer activity, not make it look perfect.

4. Add Scent

(Optional but Powerful)

This is where the magic happens:

Use buck urine, doe estrus, or glandular scents to trigger curiosity.
Drip a few drops directly into the scrape or on the licking branch.
Refresh the scent every 1–2 weeks for best results.

5. Set Up a Trail Camera

Trust me, you’ll want to do this.

Place a camera 10–15 feet away.
Set it on photo + video mode to capture activity.
Reviewing footage helps you pattern bucks and see when they’re most active.

Tips for Success

Stay Scent-Free → Wear gloves when building your scrape and spray down with scent eliminator.
Don’t Overdo It → Too many mock scrapes in one area can confuse deer. Focus on 1–3 high-quality setups.
Be Patient → Some scrapes heat up overnight; others take weeks. Give deer time to find and claim it.

Why Mock Scrapes Work

Deer are naturally curious, especially when it comes to territory and dominance. A mock scrape taps into this instinct and can make bucks break their normal routines just to investigate.

When paired with smart stand placement, mock scrapes can:

Pull bucks into bow range
Give you predictable movement patterns
Provide killer trail cam intel

In other words, it’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to increase your odds of success.

Final Thoughts

If you’re not using mock scrapes, you’re leaving opportunities in the woods. A well-placed, well-maintained scrape can turn a dead zone into a buck hotspot and give you the daylight action you’ve been chasing.

This season, take control of the hunt. Pick your spot, set up a licking branch, scrape some dirt, add a little scent, and let the deer do the rest.