Distinguish Between Doe And Buck Trail

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

A different method in finding a buck area is to find a rub line. A rub line is a general trail that bucks will be keen on 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. Normally the closer you are to bedding area, the better chances you will see a deer. The rubs will expand your odds that it may be a buck.

The spacing of tracks from the center of the trail determines the size of the deer. Elder 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.

Sometimes they tend to point their toes in the direction they are traveling. Bucks generally point their toes outward from the center line of travel. Bucks often lag their hind hoof as opposed to stepping in the tracks that their front feet have made. An intersection of 2 or 3 trails increase your odds for deer. If the rut is on a breeding buck, it may be more likely to use this trail hoping to find an eager doe.

When scouting deer tracks in snow, always look for 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 perseverance, usually in straighter lines. On the other hand try to look around and wander through the woods. A proficient deer hunter learns the traits of patience, dedication, and observation. Throughout the year, deer will use discrete routes at different times for different reasons.

Remember that fence and post 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 great post provides the resistance a big buck needs for a rub.

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