HODAG Outdoors Featured in Alberta Outdoors Magazine

We’re proud to share that HODAG Outdoors was recently featured in Alberta Outdoors Magazine in an in-depth article discussing mock scrapes, deer behavior, and innovative tools for scent communication. The article highlights how serious whitetail hunters are using the HODAG HempScent Rope, Licking Stick System, Licking Branch System, and AllSeason Scent to create consistent deer interaction and increase success during the early season and pre-rut.

Being recognized by a respected Canadian hunting publication is an honor — and a testament to the effectiveness of our products designed by hunters, for hunters. This article, written by Kevin Wilson, is especially powerful as Kevin's experiences come from firsthand use of our HODAG Outdoors products, and his firsthand testimony of how he uses those products as an expeirenced deer hunter.

HODAG Outdoors featured in Alberta Outdoors Magazine

“I've tried some crazy things- some which actually worked, in turn revolutionizing the way I hunt. Two of the most significant involved making and hunting over mock scrapes, along with my newest introduction to the world of deer toys.”

Mock Scrapes Done Right

The article emphasizes something we’ve believed from the beginning:

“they will often take over the mock scrape, servicing it themselves.”

Mock scrapes are one of the most powerful tools a hunter can use — not just during peak rut, but throughout the season. When built properly and in a location the deer want to communicate in, they become year-round social hubs for deer. Our goal is to tee up the perfect scrape in locations that work for us as hunters, and then let the deer do the scenting for us. The AllSeason Scent simply stimulates the first couple deer to drop their own scent on it, and from there, it's like a dog pissing on a fire hydrant - once one does it the next can't help but do the same. The feature explains how establishing these scent communication hubs in spots that are ideal for you as a deer hunter can be a very valuable asset, and in Kevin's case, even revolutionize how you deer hunt.

Mature buck interacting with a HODAG Licking Branch mock scrape setup.

Why the HempScent Rope Works

One of the standout products discussed in the article is the HODAG HempScent Rope.

Our natural and non-chemically treated HempScent Rope fibers absorbs and disperses scent effectively while allowing deer to interact naturally — rubbing, chewing, and dropping their own glandular scent on the rope.

“Something about it draws deer in like moths to a flame.”

When jumpstarted with the included AllSeason Scent, the rope becomes a highly effective deer communication tool that works during early season, rut, and even late season conditions.

Hunters featured in the article observed consistent deer interaction, including younger bucks and mature bucks checking and working the setup repeatedly.

Big buck dropping his own glandular scent on the HempScent Rope.

The Licking Branch System: Perfect Mock Scrape Setup Anywhere

Another key product highlighted is the HODAG Licking Branch System.

Designed to simulate a natural overhanging branch, this system uses a spring-loaded mechanism that allows movement when deer interact with it. The result? A realistic response that holds up under aggressive buck activity and keeps your stick from breaking, which is one of the biggest gripes we hear from folks use competitors branch holders, which are rigid and more often than not lead to a broken branch, and innefective mock scrape. This lets hunters can establish a highly effective scent communication hub exactly where they want deer to stop — whether that’s in front of a trail camera or within bow range.

Licking Branch System installed creating the perfect overhanging mock scrape.

Deer Toys: Curiosity That Creates Opportunity

The feature also discusses the use of deer toys and interactive setups to increase engagement at stand sites.

Although we don't usually refer to our HODAG Outdoors products as "deer toys", when you watch how the deer actually use these scent hubs it kind of makes sense... especially when it's does and fawns. What they are actually doing is scent communicating and depositing their glandular scent on the setup... but to us it sure does look like they are having a grand old time playing with it!

This in turn gives us as hunters:

• More and better trail camera footage
• Super cool trail camera pictures and videos
• More controlled shot opportunities
• Longer engagement times in front of stand setups and trail cameras
• An understanding of what deer are on the property and how they are using the property

Built by Hunters. Proven in the Field.

What makes this feature especially meaningful to us is that the article wasn’t written as a product pitch — it was written from Kevin's real-world hunting experience.

"I've seen a lot of gimmicks in the hunting industry, and I wasn't sure what to think about it. Pleasantly surprised by the results, after having one of them out for only a few hours, deer were magically visiting, and actually playing with them!" Our HODAG products are now an integral part of Kevin's deer hunting journey.