The Rut

This is a buck rub. Every day we see more of them while out on our daily walk.     

It is a common misconception that deer rubs on trees are caused by male whitetails attempting to rub the velvet from their antlers.  While it would not be unusual for a velvet-antlered deer to rub against a tree the rubbing seen at this time of year is a consequence of deer that have long-ago shed the velvet from their antlers.   

Around here the tree of choice for rubbing seems to be willow, younger aspen and tamarack.  This happens to be an assault on a basswood tree planted about a decade and a half ago and happens to be in our front yard. Is it something about the bark? Is it the diameter of the tree? Is there a scent imparted by the tree to the deer?  Or vice versa?  

It's actually the versa. 

So here's the rub.  If you've ever had an opportunity to watch my Labrador retriever in action it's all about scent.  When she is running hot on a trail she isn’t following with her eyes as much as she is following her nose.  Deer scrapes are much-ado about scent-marking. A deer rub carries with it a sensory experience that engages scent and visual impact.    

The rub above was made by a dominant buck - brought about by the impact of testosterone overload.  It would not be unusual for other bucks to add their contribution to the rub but it's more to do with establishing the hierarchy amongst the local bucks.

The term dominant buck is apropos given that one of the reasons for this behavior is to mark their territory and curb and intimidate the lesser bucks both psychologically and hormonally.  This suppresses testosterone levels in the subordinate males allowing the dominant whitetail to exert his influence.    

The glands located in the forehead of the dominant male send a signal that this is my turf.  It also signals to the ladies of the male's readiness to mate.  It is the whitetail equivalent of leaving your name and phone number with someone at the bar.     

If I had to hazard a guess I think I am witnessing pre-rut activity - colloquially the same as the beginning of the breeding season.