White-Tailed Deer Rubs and Scrapes: Spatial, Temporal and Physical Characteristics and Social Role

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Abstract
Antler rubs (193) on trees and pawed areas on the ground (i.e., scrapes) (70) made by male white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were studied for 1 yr on an 81 ha tract in the Georgia Piedmont [USA]. Date, location, physical characteristics, site and tree species associated with all new rubs and scrapes were recorded. Rubbing began 1 mo. before scraping or breeding. Measurements of xylem exposed by rubbing indicated physical differences between early and late rubs. Most early-season rubs had low visibility, but after bucks shed antler velvet the proportion of highly visible rubs increased progressively until rubbing ended. Frequency of rubbing was decreasing when the onset of breeding and scraping activities occurred. Buck scraping frequencies and doe conceptions peaked simultaneously about 2 mo. after the peak of rubbing. Certain tree species were rubbed frequently and others were neglected (P < 0.001). Most scrape sites had an overhanging limb 76-178 cm above the pawed area, and the occurrence of these limbs was not due to chance (P < 0.001). Rubs and scrapes were not randomly distributed. Rubs were concentrated in areas with many small saplings, and scrapes usually occurred where the understory was relatively open. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that rubbing functions to mark areas and establish dominance in preparation for breeding, and scraping apparently serves as a means of communication between bucks and does during the breeding season.

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