A scrape is usually a large circle or oval of exposed dirt that is 6 to 7 feet in diameter. Presence of scrapes or rubs near or on the trail will indicate that you are in buck territory. A buck passing thru his territory will check his scrape for other deer that have recently been in the area. An experienced hunter will spend every minute possible in the woods because in the rut deer are moving almost all day.



One method of finding a buck area is to look for a rub line. A rub line is a general trail that bucks will follow for years and use the smaller trees for cleaning their antlers of velvet. Look for a well worn deer trail with rubs and study the relationship between the trail, and the nearest bedding locations and food sources. In general the closer you are to a bedding area, the better your chances for seeing deer. The rubs will increase your odds that it may be a buck.

The spacing of tracks from the center of the trail determines the size of the deer. Old heavy bucks tend to walk with their hooves spaced wider apart than does and yearlings. Deer tracks can help you determine the size and sex of the animal with a little experience and observation. Keep in mind that the size of deer and their tracks will vary from region to region.

Usually does will point their toes in the route they are traveling. Bucks; on the other hand, point their toes outward from the centerline of travel. Bucks often lag their hind hoof as opposed to stepping in the tracks that their front feet have made. A crossroads of 2 or 3 trails increase your odds for deer. Keep in mind that if the rut is on a breeding buck, it may be more likely to use this trail hoping to find a ready doe.

When scouting deer tracks in snow, try to determine which deer is dragging his feet. Bucks will leave drag marks in leaf litter or light snow, but don't be fooled by deep snow as all deer will drag their feet under these conditions. If you are interested in tracking a certain deer, it is advisable to get out early in the day after a night snow.

The nature of bucks also may help in determining what type of trail you are looking at beneath your feet. Bucks will more often be in heavy cover and travel with a purpose, generally in straighter lines. Does on the other hand tend to wander and meander through the woods. A good deer hunter learns the traits of patience, dedication, and observation. Throughout the year, deer will use different routes at different times for different reasons.

Fence posts and fence lines serve as natural routes of travel for deer. Deer trails will often run along fences for great distances. This explains why you may find shed antlers along fence lines. A trophy buck will often use wooden fence posts for rubs. It seems that a strong post provides the resistance a big buck needs for a rub.