Rubs?

**Matty** · September 25, 2014

Ok, usually by this point in the year I've found some heavy rub-lines (beginning of Sept to now). Year after year without fail, big heavy rubs will pop up in certain areas. I've been checking these areas on occasion from afar and I'm not seeing any rubs at all.

So far I've only found two rub-lines and while one seems to be the work of a mature buck, the other one is not at all impressive. Doesn't mean it's definitely not a big buck, but it's more of a young buck type area. Never been big rubs in the area, so I'll assume a young buck feeling his oats for the first time. Still gonna hit it once or twice just in case, but hopes aren't high. The other rub line is probably a mature buck, but definitely a difficult location to hunt him, he just has the right mix of terrain, cover and safety zones to live out a long life. lol

I've found a three or four small scrapes, one freshly cleaned out, but no activity in primary scraping areas. Usually I'll even start to find some mild scrape usage in primary rut areas already. Not finding it. Not overly concerned by that, but the overall drought of buck sign.

The lack of big rubs in areas that are usually torn up by now has me a bit concerned.

Is anyone finding heavy rubs yet? Maybe bucks are working the areas, but haven't started rubbing heavy yet this year. Or I'm just not on them at all right now.

If you guys and gals are finding big rubs, I'm gonna have to start burning up more boot leather every chance I can to see if I can find some myself. Only a couple areas I haven't checked yet, but so far, no good.

Just so we have a cool photo for the topic. One of last years rubs.

**Axiom** · September 25, 2014

I'm finding plenty of rubs and scrapes though the scrapes aren't to well defined... I would take photos of them but my cell phone camera kicked the bucket so I cant take photos for awhile till I get a new one.....

**Matty** · September 25, 2014

I was worried that's the case.

I'm gonna have to go on a mission to find buck sign. I can't believe a few of these areas don't have a single rub. These are classic big buck areas that get taken over by new mature bucks even when the other ones are harvested. I can't remember a year when all of them were void of sign.

**Palawman30** · September 25, 2014

I haven't seen a single rub but have seen some community scraping and do have deer hitting my mock scape.. Small ones

**redsquirrel** · September 25, 2014

I have not seen a single rub or scrape yet as well and I have been out almost every day. I just checked a camera and have a nice buck in velvet as late as 9/13 as also.

**BowTechExperience** · September 25, 2014

"0" rubs or scapes so far...

**Matty** · September 26, 2014

You already shot a 9 pointer Red, don't rub it in that you didn't need buck sign to do it. lol

Glad others aren't seeing much if any sign yet though. Gives me hope.

**Palawman30** · September 26, 2014

They usually all appear overnight it seems...

**redsquirrel** · September 26, 2014

You already shot a 9 pointer Red, don't rub it in that you didn't need buck sign to do it. lol

Glad others aren't seeing much if any sign yet though. Gives me hope.

lol... I'm just trying to make you feel better that you're not seeing any Matty! You can still do it without any

**Matty** · September 27, 2014

I know. I do have some sign, but perhaps I've become spoiled over the years. Usually I've found a ton more by now.

Not gonna become concerned. Besides, by the time the rut rolls around, all you need is love (and does).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-pFAFsTFTI

**Bowhunter444** · September 29, 2014

On my way to my stand yesterday afternoon I saw three fresh rubs and two of the primary scrapes had been open. While on stand I watched a couple bucks working the licking branch above the one primary scrape that I can see.

**Matty** · October 1, 2014

Saw two nice bucks sparring last night. Both good 8 pointers, 100" each probably. I wasn't hunting though, I was scouting, so a lot of good that did me. lol