Across the hunting season, a well-placed licking branch can attract bucks and does by mimicking natural deer behavior. This guide highlights five top options designed to create convincing mock scrapes, attractants, and sustained scent interaction. Each pick stands out for ease of setup, durability, and year-round effectiveness, helping you plan reliable setups around your stand or trail camera.
| Product | Brand | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| HODAG Licking Branch Mock Scrape Kit | HODAG | Spring-loaded design for durable, year-round activity; includes AllSeason Scent |
| Pure Whitetail Preorbital Gland Scent | Pure Whitetail | Natural forehead gland scent; no additives; gas- or heat-stable |
| Mofuiry Metal Branch Holder Kit | Mofuiry | Heavy-duty aluminum; dual-position mounting; robust outdoor use |
| Conquest Scents Rope Scrape Kit | Conquest Scents | Includes EverCalm scent; easy rope-based licks and scrapes |
| Himalayan Nature Pink Salt Lick | Himalayan Nature | Natural mineral block; supports wildlife health and observation |
HODAG Licking Branch Mock Scrape Kit
The HODAG Licking Branch Kit offers an overhanging mock scrape designed to be nose-height for white-tailed deer. It attaches to trees with screws or a 1-inch strap, enabling quick setup in multiple locations. A patented spring design absorbs buck activity, keeping the scrape active even if the branch dries or becomes brittle. The kit includes the AllSeason Scent, marketed to perform across seasons, reducing the need for multiple products. This setup supports trail cameras and hunting stands by encouraging natural scent marking and interaction.
Pure Whitetail Preorbital Gland Scent
Pure Whitetail Preorbital Gland Scent delivers a potent deer forehead gland aroma intended to simulate natural buck scrape activity. The formula emphasizes freshness, with no additives or preservatives, ensuring a strong scent profile per bottle. Its versatility makes it suitable for mock scrapes, scent wicks, and hemp rope setups. Use early season to trigger initial interest and maintain engagement with deer using flexible application methods that align with user preference and hunting strategy.
Mofuiry Metal Branch Holder Kit
The Mofuiry Metal Branch Holder Kit provides a sturdy mounting solution for licking branches and drippers. Built from heavy-duty aluminum with a rust-resistant coating, it withstands outdoor conditions. The bracket’s mid-section widening and three-screw base offer a firm hold, reducing branch movement under deer pressure. A dual-position design (45-degree up or 90-degree vertical) allows you to mount two branches simultaneously, enabling an interaction branch at the ideal height and a second for an above-drip attachment.
Conquest Scents Rope Scrape Kit
This kit enables you to create licking branches and scrapes with EverCalm deer herd scent sticks. The 2.5 oz EverCalm scent helps keep deer calm and returning, while the rope setup creates accessible licking points at targeted heights. Position ropes about 4 to 5 feet above scrapes to encourage regular visits, and consider multiple ropes to build a high-interest area that attracts both bucks and does across angles and cover.
Himalayan Nature Pink Salt Rock Lick
The Himalayan Nature Pink Salt Rock Lick is a 5-pound, hand-carved mineral block. It provides essential trace minerals and serves as a natural attractant for wildlife, with the added benefit of supporting observation and photography sessions. While not a mechanical licking branch, salt licks are often incorporated into mock scrape setups to invite deer to the area and sustain interest through mineral feeding behavior.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when choosing a licking branch or mock scrape system include durability, setup ease, scent longevity, and how well the setup aligns with your hunting location. Spring-loaded or durable mounting mechanisms help resist deer aggression and weather, while year-round attractants reduce the need for seasonal switches. For scent components, prioritize products with proven longevity and refill options, and consider combining a natural scent with a tactile licking branch to trigger both olfactory and tactile cues.
Material quality matters: aluminum or weather-resistant brackets improve longevity, especially in harsh climates. Height placement is critical; aim for nose height or slightly above to maximize scent marking opportunities without spooking deer. When combining products, ensure compatibility, such as using natural scents with rope-based scrapes or compatible drippers. Finally, use multiple setups in high-traffic areas to create an area that consistently draws attention from deer movement patterns.