Deer tree rubbing is a common behavior of male deer. These marks on trees indicate deer presence. Recognizing these signs offers insights into deer activity throughout the year.
The Purpose of Tree Rubbing
One primary reason bucks rub trees is to remove the velvet from their antlers. In late summer and early fall, as antlers finish growing and harden, the blood supply to the velvet coating diminishes, causing it to dry and become itchy. Bucks then rub their antlers against trees to shed this dead velvet.
Beyond velvet removal, tree rubbing functions as a form of communication. Bucks possess specialized forehead glands that secrete pheromones onto the rubbed tree surface. This scent acts as a signpost, communicating the buck’s presence, age, social status, and readiness to breed.
Rubbing also plays a role in physical conditioning. The action of rubbing trees can help bucks strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles, preparing them for potential sparring during the breeding season.
Timing of Rubbing Activity
Deer begin rubbing trees in late summer, often starting around mid-August or early September. This initial activity coincides with the shedding of velvet from their hardened antlers. The earliest rubs often indicate the presence of mature bucks, as they tend to shed their velvet and initiate rubbing sooner than younger deer.
Rubbing intensifies and reaches its peak during the pre-rut and rut periods, generally from October through November. During this time, bucks are most actively communicating their dominance and seeking mates. The increase in testosterone levels drives this heightened activity.
While peak activity occurs in autumn, some rubbing can continue into the early winter months, often until bucks shed their antlers, typically in December or January. The specific timing of these phases can vary based on geographic location, local climate conditions, and the individual development of each buck.
Identifying Deer Rubs
Deer rubs are identifiable by the distinct damage on tree trunks, where bark is scraped or peeled, often with frayed edges. The height of a rub can vary, but they are commonly found from knee-level to chest-high, typically around 18 to 20 inches above the ground. Larger, more mature bucks can create rubs higher up, sometimes exceeding five feet.
Bucks prefer to rub on saplings or smaller trees, ranging from one to six inches in diameter. Older bucks are more likely to target larger trees, often exceeding four inches in diameter. Smooth-barked species or those with aromatic properties are frequently chosen for rubbing.
Rubs are often located along established deer travel corridors, such as trails connecting bedding areas to feeding grounds. Finding multiple rubs in a sequence can indicate a “rub line,” which suggests a regular travel path used by a buck. These patterns provide practical clues for observing deer activity in a given area.