Quick Answer
Mock scrapes can be an effective attractant for Kansas whitetail deer, especially in areas with high deer densities and active scrape lines. When used correctly, mock scrapes can increase the likelihood of deer visiting the area by 20-30%. However, their effectiveness can vary depending on the location, time of year, and overall deer behavior.
How to Create an Effective Mock Scrape
To create an effective mock scrape, you’ll need to choose a location that fits the deer’s natural behavior. Look for areas with a mix of bedding cover, food sources, and travel corridors. In Kansas, this often includes areas near oak and cedar thickets, cornfields, and river bottoms. Select a location that receives morning sunlight and has a slight elevation change to allow for better drainage.
Techniques for Attracting Deer to Mock Scrapes
When creating a mock scrape, use a mixture of 2-3 parts water to 1 part urine (or synthetic attractant) to create a strong scent. Apply this mixture to the scrape area and surrounding vegetation to create a scent trail. You can also use a buck’s cast antler or a mock antler to enhance the scrape’s attractiveness. In Kansas, research suggests that deer are more likely to visit a mock scrape during the peak rutting season (mid-October to mid-November) when bucks are actively searching for does.
Scrape Maintenance and Refresher
To maintain an effective mock scrape, reapply the scent mixture every 3-5 days to keep the area attractive to deer. You can also refresh the scrape by adding new urine or attractant and re-shaping the scrape to resemble a natural buck scrape. In Kansas, deer may visit a mock scrape 2-5 times before losing interest, so it’s essential to refresh and maintain the area regularly to keep deer visiting.
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