Deer scrape question

[powdergun]

I was out scouting my stand sites and found active ground scrapes. There were freshly dug out areas beneath lower branches where a deer has been marking. We refer to these as doe traps in this area and there were several along a trail. This was an obvious fresh scrape line.

I've hunted the forest fringe in Sask. for 20 years and have never found these so early( Last week of August) . November is the usual time for this activity.

Has any one else seen this ? Is this common ?

 

[heavyBullet]

Never seen that in my area at this time of year.

 

[Big Game]

It might be a coincidental feedding pattern? I was scouting this past weekend and all the bucks I saw were still in full velvet. Really way to early for even territorial scrapes to appear. If there are elk in your area it could be a bull as their rut is approaching. Anyways that's my 2 cents worth. Cheers.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

Probably just digging for nutrients, I've seen these at various times of year. What they are digging for is a good question. Possibly minerals, or salt.