How many unsuccessful hours have you spent perched over scrapes waiting for Mr. Big to arrive? If you're like many trophy hunters, the answer is, 'way too many.' The bottom line is that most scrape hunting tactics won't work on giant bucks. Simply put, top-notch trophies exist in a nocturnal world inaccessible to hunters.

Even in the heat of the rut, when their hormones peak, big bucks refrain from joining the daytime mating frenzy of younger bucks. By the time a male whitetail reaches Boone & Crockett status, his drive for self-preservation outweighs his urge to propagate. Thus, he visits scrapes and seeks hot does almost exclusively under the cover of darkness.

Looks hopeless, doesn't it? However, what if there was a weakness a trophy deerstalker could exploit to kill one of these reclusive bucks? What if there existed a scrape hunting method specifically designed to take advantage of this weakness? 'Real Scrape' is a technique I've discovered that will make hunting record book bucks during the rut a game you can win.

Why it Works
First, what is this supposed weakness that leaves the biggest bucks vulnerable? Their dominance. No truly supreme buck will tolerate any transgression of his turf by a subordinate during the rut. If he could verbalize, he might very well bellow something like, "Get outta my territory. I'm the meanest buck around, and you better believe it - or else!" When he discovers an interloper in his domain, finding and running him off is his number one priority. The primary directive in an alpha buck's genetic program demands he challenges and defeats lesser animals. This assures his superior genes pass on to the next generation, since he, and only he, will breed.

My scrape hunting method capitalizes upon this genetic directive, by making 'The Boss' believe a new buck has penetrated his territory. The presence of another pretender to his throne infuriates him because he's already subdued all known rivals. When he discovers the sanctity of his turf has been sullied, he'll respond - immediately. He'll forget all about hunters and the danger daylight harbors. He'll ignore his surroundings, throw caution to the winds, and focus on finding the interloper and kicking his butt! In doing so, this wily old veteran will become vulnerable.

Tools of the Trade
The beauty of the 'Real Scrape' technique arises from the facts that no special gadgets are required (thus no cost) and that almost everything needed is completely natural, which is one of the reasons it'll work on even the most cunning monarch of the forest.

Here's what you'll need:

• An active scrape located at least five miles from Mr. Big's territory - one you know has been recently visited and 'freshened'.
• A clean plastic pail with a lid (I use an empty five quart ice cream bucket cleaned with very hot water and scent-free soap. It sports an almost air-tight cover and a convenient handle).
• A scent-free utensil to scrape up mud, leaves, sticks, gravel, etc. into your pail (a stout piece of deadwood from the general vicinity works well).
• A breeding scrape you know belongs to the monster buck you want. That's it.

The Technique
Now, how do you employ these ingredients? Take your plastic pail and digging utensil to the fresh scrape you've found. Make sure the scrape has been recently visited by a buck, not a doe. Tine marks, the distinctive hoof prints of a large buck, and the musky aroma of tarsal-scented urine indicate it's the one you want. The most important aspect of this technique is finding a hot BUCK scrape. Remember that you're appealing to your bruiser's domination directive, not his sexual urge.

Once you've located such a scrape, open your scent-free bucket, grab your digging utensil, and scoop up as much scent-covered soil from the scrape as you can. Don't be afraid to dig down an inch or more. A normal buck scrape can yield as much as a half gallon of 'good' dirt. Once you've shoveled it into your container, secure the lid to keep contaminants out and the scent in. This collected soil should be used immediately, but it may be kept for a few days at most if stored in a cool, dry place.

Now, it's back to the big guy's domain. The biggest, deepest, and most used scrape in his territory is the one you want to find. The afternoon before you plan to hunt, take your 'present' to this scrape and liberally douse it with your collected 'new buck' soil. Make sure you go into the buck's area as quietly and as scent-free as you can. Wear rubber boots, charcoal activated camouflage (if you have it), and gloves. Also prepare your stand site if you haven't already.

Results
If it doesn't rain or snow heavily, washing away your precious offering and if your target buck checks the doctored scrape and identifies the fake interloper, you have an excellent chance of getting him the very first time you sit in your stand. A dominant buck, actively searching for an intruder is hardly timid, quiet, or cautious. He'll aggressively rush the scrape area, hoping to catch the newcomer unaware. It's a perfect set-up for the trophy hunter.

Imagine quietly climbing into your treestand in the pre-dawn light. As the sky brightens in the east, you finally make out the huge scrape you prepared the previous afternoon, and, you can see it's been torn up - big time. As the minutes tick by in the morning stillness, more of your surroundings become visible. You gaze in awe at a six-inch diameter aspen directly beneath your stand that's been newly raked ragged. A horrendous crashing to the south causes you to turn, and suddenly, there he is; only twenty yards away, nostrils flaring, hair bristling, wild eyed and totally oblivious to your presence! He's yours!

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