It has been another busy week for all of my SpyPoint cameras. Unfortunately, most of the bucks are still appearing at night, but they are still working the scrapes. I suspect that many of the mature bucks have already locked down with does that are in estrus. Nevertheless, I gained valuable intel from the scrapes this week.
Fronts
I often notice plenty of activity at my scrapes in late October and early November, especially after a front moves through and brings some rain. On the morning of October 30th, we experienced cooler temperatures and a brief shower, which was much needed. A few bucks were on the move, freshening their scrapes and seeking out does in estrus. One beautiful 9-point buck stopped at a natural vine to check out who had been there before him. He paused just long enough for the SpyPoint Flex S Dark to capture a fantastic video of him. You will see this deer again in another video, showcasing his impressive behavior.
Happy Halloween
October 31st is a wonderful day to be out in the woods, waiting for a “monster” to appear. While I didn’t see any actual monsters this year on Halloween, I did observe plenty of activity at my scrapes throughout the day. Many young bucks were visiting the scrapes and showing off for the SpyPoint cameras. In particular, the young 8-point buck captured in this video has great potential to grow into something special in another year or two. Scrapes are an excellent way to observe young bucks and learn about their behavior.
The Broken 8
The Broken 8 has made himself at home on my 12-acre property. Since the last week of October, I have received many videos of him. He has been using the scrapes more aggressively and displaying for the ladies. Earlier in the day on November 1st, I rattled him in to within 15 yards and observed him searching the area for the two bucks he thought were fighting. He is a young buck with great potential to become something special next year! It’s exciting to watch him work that BuckBranch so feverishly.
Rub-Urinating In Your Face
Bumpah is back! The buck you saw in the first video has been searching hard for lovely ladies in estrus. I named this buck Bumpah because of the unique growth on the outer side of his left main beam. Last year, Bumpah had a drop tine in that spot, but it didn’t grow much this year. He has no idea that the SpyPoint camera is capturing him as he rubs and urinates in the scrape. Watch closely as he seems to dance in the scrape while rubbing his tarsal glands together. I love watching deer interact with their tarsal glands; it’s fascinating!
If You Hang It, They Will Come!
The BuckRope from Buckstik has been an amazing tool this year. Recently, I removed the BuckBranch from a cedar post and replaced it with the BuckRope. Bucks, does, and yearlings have been visiting the rope daily, leaving their unique scents for other deer to learn from. The Broken 8 has been using the rope multiple times each day and seems to enjoy rubbing his forehead and preorbital glands on it. I have a stand set up 15 yards from this spot, and I hope one of my kids can fill their buck tag here.
Round and Round
This video made me laugh and brought me back to when I was 10 years old in 1984. A huge hit song from that year was “Round and Round” by Ratt! As I watch the skilled 8-point buck work the rope, I can’t help but think of the song’s lyrics. Observe how the buck spins the rope in both directions. If you know the song, you can sing it in your head as you watch, and it will definitely bring a smile to your face!
I am excited to see what next week will bring. Will there be vigorous rutting activity? Will scrapes go cold? Maybe the SpyPoint cameras will capture some breeding. If you are interested in trying a Rope Scrape, take advantage of Buckstik’s 10% discount on their BuckRope and many other products. Head over to the website and use the code: Bowhunting10