Mule Deer Behavior Question

AZWALKER · Jul 19, 2005

I've got a question for you guys. Do muleys make scrapes? If so do they only make them during the rut or do they make them all year. The reason I'm asking is because I put a mineral lick out near where I plan on setting up a stand and I found what I believe to be 3 different scrapes within 15 yards of the lick. They were areas about a foot and a half around and had fresh sign in them. They were all at the base of trees, 2 pines and a juniper. At first I thought they were eating the juniper berries, but then I found the other 2 under the pines. Now I don't know what to think. What do you guys think??

thx,
Donnie

B_F_E · Jul 19, 2005

I've never known Muleys to do scrapes myself, could just be some of those migrant workers getting some bark, or a woodpecker that got his wings clipped, or a porcupine that doesn't like climbing trees ????

AZWALKER · Jul 19, 2005

Maybe I should clarify. I'm not talking about a tree rub, I'm talking about a scrape... on the ground.

wehunt · Jul 19, 2005

I once was hunting in a area that only has mule deer, I found three different scrapes and I know these were made by mulies. I don't know if they were made for the same reason but I do know a scrape when I see it.

saminwy · Jul 19, 2005

might want to check laws on that mineral lick where your planning a stand. some states may frown on it. not jumping you or saying its wrong, just a heads up. i'd hate to see someone get into trouble for not knowing.

kingfish · Jul 19, 2005

Sounds to me they might be beds. If you check beds most of the time there will be dropping in them. Elk do the samething. When they get up out of their beds they usually stretch and poop.

AZbowhntr · Jul 19, 2005

Sounds like beds to me also. As long as your here in AZ your ok with the salt licks and mineral licks. I don't know about anywhere else.

BeanMan · Jul 19, 2005

Yup, Beds.

BeanMan

D13er · Jul 19, 2005

LAST EDITED ON Jul-19-05 AT 10:37PM (MST)[p]flip a coin, then take the one you like shooting the best. They are all very capable.

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote."
--Benjamin Franklin 1759

BCBOY · Jul 19, 2005

Could also be mineral licks???? Might just be something in the ground they are lacking in their diet.

AZWALKER · Jul 20, 2005

Thx for the replys. Yeah, I'm in Arizona so I don't have to worry about baiting laws. You know, come to think of it they probably are beds. I didn't think they were at first but they are all on the same side of the paticular tree they're under, all on the east side of the trees. Yep thats what they are. Its just funny cause they weren't there before I put the mineral lick in. Thx for the knowledge guys!

Donnie

cabinfever · Jul 20, 2005

When it rains the minerals will be absorbed into the ground. I have saw where ranchers have put out salt blocks and than after they are gone, the deer will dig and lick until there is a 2-3 foot hole in the ground.

Mike

AZbowhntr · Jul 20, 2005

Yeah, a few years ago I drew an elk tag and went up before the hunt and was putting salt out for them. I was using the granulated salt because it would soak into the ground and would not be seen by other hunters. The elk would actually eat the dirt to get the salt.