How to Make a Mega Mock Scrape

Mock scrapes are no secret among deer hunters. But most of us are too conservative when we construct them, limiting ourselves to a single scrape under a lone overhanging branch. Mocks that have additional licking branches and plenty of space for multiple scrapes attract more deer. The trouble is, most trees don’t feature more than one potential licking branch, and ideal mock-scrape trees often don’t grow where we want them. Mega mocks solve all these problems. They provide multiple licking branches, with lots of space for scraping, and—best of all—you can usually place them where you want them. Here’s how to make one.

Select the Site

Like a standard mock, megas are more successful when placed in areas with high deer traffic: trail junctions [1], terrain funnels, and field-edge corners. But the beauty of a mega mock is that you don’t need a tree with an overhanging limb, or even much of a tree to begin with. After finding the ideal site, simply look for a pair of trees (even skinny ones, with no licking branches) where you can string a rope or wire.

Wire It Up

On a mega mock, the “licking branch” is actually a wire or rope [2] with multiple limbs attached. So I look for a pair (or trio) of trees growing as far as 10 to 15 feet apart on opposing sides of my scrape site. Then I take a small-gauge wire or stout rope and string it between these trees, about 5 feet off the ground. I use a hammer to staple the wire to the tree trunks; rope can simply be tied. Make sure your wire or rope is taut and firmly secured, as bucks will work your licking branches vigorously and you don’t want them to tear down your entire setup.

Hang Your Branches

Don’t be conservative—the point is to hang a lot of branches. Use zip ties or wire to attach several licking branches [3] to your horizontal wire or rope, dangling them downward. Almost any type of branch will work, but deer prefer limbs with needles or leaves, especially those from odoriferous species like pine and cedar. Attach the branches firmly, because once bucks start working your limbs, they’ll pull off any that aren’t anchored well.

RELATED: Use Mock Scrapes to Find Big Bucks Right Now [VIDEO]

Kick-Start Scraping

Bucks will instinctively scrape beneath your licking branches, but you can encourage the process by removing leaves, sticks, rocks, and other litter. Take things a step further by scratching up the ground [4] with a spade or trowel. Scrapes are a big visual attractant for deer, and the smell of fresh earth is a factor, too. Adding commercial deer urine (or your own “product”) to the scrapes provides a finishing touch, but it’s not critical.

Maintain It

Check your mega mock occasionally, replacing branches torn down by bucks or those that have lost their leaves. Add fresh scent to scrapes or branches to introduce the idea of an intruder buck.

Reap the Reward

Mega mocks are an excellent spot to get some of the best trail-cam pics of the fall. And, of course, make sure you’ve got a stand hung within shooting distance.