How to Build a Mock Scrape That Attracts Bucks

A deer scrape is a scent-marking area created by a buck. He uses his front hooves to paw away leaves and debris, exposing a bare patch of dirt. Just above that spot, there is usually a low-hanging licking branch where deer rub their preorbital glands and deposit scent. This combination of ground disturbance and glandular marking makes the scrape a key part of deer communication. 

Bucks also urinate into the scrape, allowing their scent to mix with the earth. This sends a strong message to other deer in the area. Scrapes tell other bucks who is active in the area and can also attract does as the rut approaches. 

Scrapes are usually located on active travel routes, along the edges of bedding areas, or near food sources. They tend to see the most activity during the pre-rut and rut, when bucks are on the move and establishing dominance. Maddy Wasmer explains it clearly, “If you want to pull bucks into your area, build a mock scrape.” 

Knowing how natural scrapes work helps hunters build mock scrapes that feel authentic. The more closely you can replicate what deer are already doing, the better your chances of drawing them in. 

A mock scrape is a man-made version of a natural deer scrape. It’s designed to trigger the same behaviors bucks use to communicate during the rut. When built correctly, it can help pattern movement, pull deer into range, and even give you intel through trail camera monitoring. 

Maddy Wasmer breaks it down simply: “Break down a licking branch and clear a 2-3 foot circle of leaves and debris. Scrape up the dirt with your boot and you can even add some commercial scrape lure scent if you want.” 

Place your mock scrape where deer already travel. Good spots include the edge of bedding areas, along game trails, or near old scrapes that haven’t been used recently. 
“You can put these on a game trail, an edge of a bedding area, or even on an old scrape if you’ve got one” Maddy says.  

Use your boot or a small rake to clear a circle of soil about two to three feet wide. Remove leaves, twigs, and debris until the dirt is exposed. This makes it visible and helps release the natural scent of the earth, which bucks key in on.

Find a low-hanging branch roughly four to five feet off the ground, or break one down if needed. This is where bucks will rub their faces and deposit scent from their preorbital glands. If no natural branch is available, you can tie a vine or rope in place to act as one. 

You can use scrape lures, but it’s not required. A little goes a long way. “I recommend not to overdo it. A fresh scrape is enough to get a buck’s attention here” Maddy says.  

Use a small amount of scent on the dirt and a dab on the licking branch if needed. If conditions are dry or it has recently rained, this step can help activate the site quickly. 

Mock scrapes work best during the pre-rut and rut, when bucks are traveling and marking frequently. “The time of year also matters so definitely try this during pre-rut or rut when bucks are cruising.” Maddy says. 

Once your mock scrape is in place, monitoring it with a trail camera is key. Not only will you confirm that deer are using it, but you’ll also begin to pattern specific bucks, and that’s where the Moultrie Buck List feature shines. 

Mount the camera at waist height and angle it down slightly. Make sure the scrape and overhead licking branch are centered in the frame so you don’t miss any scent-checking activity. 

Every trip into the woods adds human scent and pressure. Instead of a trail camera that stores to a SD card, use a cellular trail cam that transmits images directly to your phone. This allows you to monitor scrape activity without ever disturbing the site. 

When a buck shows up on your mock scrape, don’t just look at the photo and move on. Tag the buck in the Moultrie app using the Buck List feature. It allows you to: 

• Create a profile with his name and antler details
• Assign a maturity level (young or mature)
• Add notes like stand location, time of day, or wind direction
• Crop a clear cover photo for fast ID later
• Track all future sightings of that buck in one organized folder 

With Buck List, you're not just watching deer. You’re actively tracking and building a strategy around them. Each time your camera captures a tagged buck, his image, date, time, and location are automatically logged, giving you a full history that helps you hunt smarter. 

Inside the Moultire App Gallery and Activity tabs, you can filter your view by individual bucks. This helps cut through the noise and keeps you focused on the deer that matter most.