Summer deer scouting:
create a deer scent communication hub
When should I put my HODAG deer scent communication products out? This is a common question with a simple answer. When most think of deer scent communication; the rut, mock scrapes and the smell of doe urine come to mind. Of course, these types of setups are very successful in the fall, especially in that pre-rut time frame. However, many are missing out on some of the best deer scent communication activity by limiting their scent communication strategies to only the fall.
On our Wisconsin properties, trail cameras are put in early to mid June. As we start our scouting efforts for the year, we are also setting up our HODAG Licking sticks, Licking Branches, and HempScent Rope Systems all used for deer scent communication. Some might question why we deploy these tactics before velvet comes off the antlers? The answer is that deer are very social animals who use their scent to communicate year-round, not just during the breeding season. We see just as much activity throughout the entire summer as we do when the leaves begin to fall.
As an avid hunter, I use the summer months to inventory the deer living on my property as best I can. This allows me to get a better idea of potential targets as the season nears and helps me see patterns that a specific buck might have. These setups not only help me get more pictures on my camera, but also higher quality images that tell a more complete story about a deer's age, personality, and travel patterns. Most hunters contemplate about where to put their trail cameras, only to be frustrated when the pictures taken (if any) are blurry or full of tails instead of heads. The Licking Stick, Licking Branch, and HempScent Rope draw the deer in front of the camera and keep them there, allowing you to gain valuable information.
Along with summer scouting, I want as much natural deer scent and usage on these setups as possible leading into the season. Bucks, does, and fawns can all be seen using these setups, each leaving their own scent on stick, branch, or rope. As time passes, these setups become hubs for deer communication, acting as a "sign-in" for deer in the area. Throughout the season bucks will check these setups to keep tabs on the does in the area, as well as their competition when breeding season approaches. Taking advantage of how deer communicate to establish a scent communication spot of your choosing, attracting deer year-round, will always be more valuable than a rag soaked in a strange does urine hanging beneath a hunter's stand.
To View our full line of HODAG Products: Deer Scent Communication Products
For early season HODAG Licking Stick Setup video and "How To": Early Season Licking Stick Setup
For early season HODAG Licking Branch Setup video and "How To": Early Season Licking Branch Setup
For early season HODAG HempScent Rope Setup video and "How To": Early Season Hemp Rope Mock Scrape Setup
A Northern Wisconsin Buck Tale
"How One Buck Changed Our Northwoods Deer Camp"
Deer camps of every shape and size can be found tucked away along the backroads of northern Wisconsin. These camps are filled with stiff drinks, good food, card games, and laughter. Those who have been part of these historic camps can picture the walls lined with spike buck mounts, shot during a time when horns were an afterthought, and meat on the table was the only concern. The Quality Deer Management revolution has since become prevalent throughout many camps, while others remain the same. QDM is a management strategy that is easy when thousands of acres can be managed, and the bucks are safe to grow and mature. In reality, it's effectiveness often relies on your neighbor's trigger finger as much as it does your own. Passing young bucks, only to see them on the back of a pickup or a pile of bones from a wolf's last meal, is the reality of most QDM situations. How can you try to manage your own deer without taking away another hunter's traditions? This is an issue that exists in more places than just northern Wisconsin.
For years our deer camp's QDM has been a loose practice, predicated on a buck having 8 or more points to shoot. The result: a buck pole filled with young 8-point bucks, taken well before their prime. It was decided that we would rather wait for a great buck than shoot an average one every year. We didn't decide what deer to shoot based on the size of their body and how old we think they are. We agreed that the deer would have to be worthy of a trip to the taxidermist in order to shoot. A simple practice, but one that's difficulty is only known by those hunting less than prime land and less than great genetics, as can be seen throughout much of the northwoods. However, "taxidermy worthy" is a subjective measurement based on one's own idea of a trophy buck and we were okay with that. Afterall, our deer camp was started to share the enjoyment of hunting with friends and family, not to "raise elk" as my grandpa used to say.
The story of "Larry" begins in 2020, which happened to be the first year we started this new management strategy. A nice (by our standard) 9-point buck with large G-2's who had broken its G-3 in velvet, making it stick out at a 90-degree angle. The name "Larry" came from this tine, as we laughed about how it looked like Packer Legend Larry McCarron's pinky finger. If you don't know the reference, google at your own risk. "Larry" was a rockstar while in velvet, showing himself on almost every camera on our property. When the velvet disappeared, so did "Larry". As the rut began, he reappeared under a HODAG Licking Branch working a scrape and claiming his territory. He was seen by multiple hunters during the final weeks of archery season but could not be deterred from a hot doe's trail. Gun season came and went with no trace of him. We feared the worst, and kept little hope that he would show back up the following year.
The 2021 summer came fast, and we worked harder than ever to make changes to our property to better our chance at the elusive northwoods buck. This included more food plots, stands, trail cameras, and HODAG Systems to hold and keep track of the bucks that frequented our property. Then it happened.... we got a picture of a deer with unbelievable G-2s and massive 8 point frame. When the pictures were sent to the members of our deer camp, a few responses came back saying "good joke" and "nice try" thinking they were being tricked with a fake picture. We had no doubt in our mind that "Larry" had made his return as a certified stud. He continued to show up throughout the year on HODAG Licking Sticks located in our food plots. "Larry" was seen on stand in September, working his way across one of our larger food plots and stopping to check out a HempScent Rope along edge of the woods, just outside of bow range. The encounters we had during early season reassured us that our goal of shooting him was obtainable. As it usually goes, just when we thought we had him figured out Larry disappeared. We had a few other bucks on our property, but most decided that "Larry" was the only buck they would hold out for. Two weeks before gun season he showed up on almost every trail camera on the property in just a week. We knew that our best chance to put our hands on those massive G-2s was to hunt him hard during the last two weeks of archery season, and it almost worked. An intense encounter ended with a disappointed hunter in the stand and "Larry" walking off at 40 yards with a doe.
Gun season loomed, and we were told that "Larry" was popular on all of neighbor's properties as well, making us uneasy at the thought of the orange army soon headed into the woods. Larry had quickly become the talk of the area. As the sun rose on opening day of the Wisconsin 9-day gun hunt, I sat attentive and optimistic, envisioning the scenario where Larry would walk broadside into a shooting lane, but that was nothing more than a hunter's mind passing the hours of a long day on stand. Opening weekend came and went, and we had little hope he was still alive. About 9:30 Monday morning, a 270 shot rang through our river bottom. The cell towers in the area had a hard time sending all the text messages inquiring about what buck was shot and if he was down. Coincidentally the member of our camp who shot had left his phone at the camp after a few too many old fashion fueled card games the night prior. We waited on pins and needles until we finally got word that "Larry" was down. Everyone let out a sigh of relief and a fist bump of excitement from their stands. The old buck had gotten careless, trailing a hot doe that led him to his end. His last steps taken along the iconic river that runs through our property, filled with brook trout and the last stubborn leaves of the fall.
There was nothing that could keep us from leaving our stands to help in the process of getting him out of the woods. No envious thoughts crossed our minds as we congratulated the man who had put "Larry" on the ground. Smiles were abundant as we approached the body of the largest buck shot during our camps 45 year history. Pictures, laughter, and beers were shared while getting him out of the woods and back to camp. After a night of celebration and admiration of the 13-inch cigar-like G-2s and the nearly 140-inch 8-point frame, "Larry's" history was enshrined at our camp with the traditional kill shot of moonshine and a group picture. This wasn't just a trophy for the man who shot him, but for our deer camp as a whole. You won't find him in any record books, but the memories shared in the pursuit of this buck are forever engrained into the walls of our deer camp and the lasting image of his body hanging from the buck pole is one not soon forgotten. He was more than just a buck for our camp, but an indicator that large deer can be found in the northwoods, and a hopeful reminder that every buck passed during the season waiting for "Legend Larry" to walk by, could be the next deer we build memories chasing.
Although the Hodag Products we used throughout the season weren't his final demise, they were instrumental in keeping track and gathering information on this northwoods monarch throughout the summer and fall. Our "scent communication hubs" set up throughout our property allowed us to use multiple different setups to determine where "Larry" was living, as well as several other target bucks we had our eye on. Getting more quality pictures allowed us to get a sense about the deer's attitude, personality, and patterns. "Larry" had barely avoided our strategic attempts at him throughout archery season, but couldn't avoid a rifle bullet, a few hundred yards from the HODAG HempScent Rope he was last seen at.
Although we didn't manage "Larry" on his journey becoming a 5.5 year old northwoods brute, we were awakened of how fun chasing a mature buck is, and the satisfaction to be had watching "shooter" bucks from years prior, walk beneath our stands. Some may scoff at the idea of our chase for an old 8-point buck, but that's the great thing about deer hunting, it's about perspective.
Check out all of our HODAG Prouducts: HODAG Store
With hunting season well under way in most areas, some hunters have asked if it's too late to set up their HODAG products? In my opinion, it's NOT too late. Anytime I have cameras in the woods, or am going to be on stand I find value in our HODAG products. What I think is important to keep in mind is that with the changing of seasons, there is going to be a change in the deer behavior. Those changes in behavior can and will dictate some of my changes when it comes to their purpose in the field. Deer use scent as a primary means of communication all year round whether it's with our HODAG line of products or using other natural varieties. It's important that we understand deer use these means of scent communication at different times, for different reasons, and adjusting our strategies to that will help you get the most benefit from them.
From Mid-October through Mid-November, I will see a major focus of buck activity around scrapes, rubs and overhanging Licking Branches as this correlates directly with pre-rut and rut activity. We are in the middle of that time period right now. Scrapes will continue to be freshened and new ones will be opened up daily. Installing a HODAG Licking Branch and creating a mock scrape underneath it in a regularly traveled area will be a sure attention getter by all bucks in that immediate area.
With pre-rut upon us and with the prime rut right around the corner, this is a great time to use the HODAG Licking Branch and/or the HODAG HempScent™ Rope. With either one of these HODAG products you can create a mock scrape that acts as a communication hub for the deer in your hunting area. It is a great way to get deer in-front of your cameras so you can monitor the deer in your area before you hunt and see the behavior they are exhibiting. It's also a great way to attract the deer to a spot in-front of your blind/stand to present a clear shot at the deer of your choice while also knowing how far away the shot is if you set up your HODAG product up as a yardage marker.The HODAG Licking Branch is also a great tool to help prep for this upcoming gun deer season. As stated before the Licking Branch is a great way for you to keep tabs on the deer in your area. By creating a mock scrape with the Licking branch you are going to catch the deers interest as they are very curious when there is disturbed soil as well as different scents from either other deer or from the HODAG AllSeason Scent™. By using the AllSeason Scent™ on your Licking Branch and/or HODAG HempScent™ Rope you are going to jumpstart the scent communication process and start attracting more and more deer to your area. The more scent from other deer, the better chance there is that you will attract a larger buck to the area. In preparation for gun seasons, there is no better way to take inventory with minimal pressure and without using bait.
This is also still a good time to set up your HODAG Licking Stick to continue/start the scent communication between the deer in your area. With the HODAG Licking Stick you will get doe's, fawns and bucks of all ages leaving their scent on the branch which will help attract dominant bucks to where you want them...in-front of your camera and/or blind/stand. The more deer you have using the Licking Stick the better the chances you have of capturing pictures of a big buck. With more pictures and videos you can get a better understanding of the movements/patterns and behavior of the deer. With this you can decide when and where you want to hunt and you have a better understanding of what deer you are looking for and which ones you have the best chance of seeing while on the hunt.
We have received many requests to sell your favorite HODAG products in bulk, so we are excited to say that we are now offering 6-packs of HODAG Licking Sticks and HODAG Licking Branches with a savings of $45 on Licking Sticks and $39.99 on Licking Branches. With any purchase of a HODAG 6-pack, you will receive a HODAG hat FREE! You will receive a total savings of $70 for a Licking Stick bundle and $64.99 for a Licking Branch bundle.
The ALL NEW HODAG HempScent™ Rope
We are excited to announce another new product to our HODAG line called the HODAG HempScent™ Rope, which acts as an alternative to a natural vine. Most hunters understand the value and power of scent when it comes to deer communication. Deer often use natural vines when they are available, unfortunately, natural vines are not always available and/or where we would like them to be located. With the HempScent™ Rope you can place a replicated vine in the spot you want it to be.
Hang the HODAG HempScent™ Rope over a mock scrape, apply the HODAG AllSeason™ Scent and jumpstart an extremely effective way to put deer exactly where you want them...in front of your camera and/or stand. Cut the rope to the desired length for your specific setup and apply a zip tie or small piece of wire whatever distance you would like to prevent the rope from fraying further than desired. Experiment with your HempScent™ Rope setup. There is no wrong answer on how to setup your HODAG HempScent™ Rope.
Knowing what you want to use your HODAG HempScent™ Rope for is very important when it comes to finding a location, and location is key. Do you want to use it for scouting or hunting purposes or maybe even both? Food plots, logging roads, field edges, & heavily traveled deer trails are great locations to use. If you are using the HempScent™ Rope as a hunting aid, place it where you have a good shot, and where it can serve as a yardage marker. [hr]Don't be afraid to experiment with different ways to set up your HODAG HempScent™ Rope to see what the deer like best when paired with the AllSeason™ scent. It is important to liberally coat your HempScent™ Rope with the AllSeason™ scent to maintain the deer's interest. We also recommend you to create a mock scrape under the rope as well to stimulate curiosity and encourage the deer to interact and investigate, leaving their scent behind.
The ALL NEW HODAG Licking Branch
The Licking Branch is everything you need to easily, effectively, and efficiently create mock scrape scenarios for both scouting and hunting. The Licking Branch allows you to create a mock scrape with a variety of branch types at the perfect height and angle, in the location of your choice.
Shop the Licking Branch System
The HODAG Licking Branch is the perfect product for getting whitetails to create and work scrapes exactly where you want them...in front of your camera and stands. The HODAG Licking Branch is great for both taking inventory and also works great as a hunting aid. They will allow you to gather a lot of insight on which deer are in the immediate area, particularly during the pre-rut and rut time periods of the fall. Using the HODAG Licking Branch will help you understand the patterns that specific deer follow and also let you know when new deer move in and through your hunting area. With the information learned it will give you a better chance for a successful hunt.
Knowing what you want to use your Licking Branch for is very important when it comes to finding a location, and location is key. Do you want to use it for scouting or hunting purposes or maybe even both? Food plots, logging roads, field edges, & heavily traveled deer trails are great locations to use. If you are using the Licking Branch as a hunting aid, place it where you have a good shot, and where it can serve as a yardage marker.
The type of branch is also important to take into consideration. Don't be afraid to experiment with different kinds of branches and vines to find which the deer like best when paired with the AllSeason Scent ™. It is important to liberally coat your Licking Branch with the AllSeason Scent ™ to maintain the deers interest. We also recommend you to create a mock scrape as well to stimulate curiosity and encourage the deer to interact and investigate, leaving their scent behind.
Check out our YouTube channel for access to tons of informational videos that will guide you to get the most out of your licking sticks! Learn what types of areas we look for to set them up, types of trees we try to use, how we experiment with our setups, and much more! There's also some pretty cool hunt footage over the Hodag Licking Stick. Click here to go to our page, and make sure to subscribe!
AllSeason Scent making for 2019 starts early...
Our proprietary scent is aged before it ever gets to you and I’ve had a lot of messages asking if there is a shelf life or expiration. The good news...it gets better with age! I may or may not have a gallon of last years scent as a #specialreserve for myself this coming summer! It won’t be long now and we will be setting up new @hodaglickingstick systems after our early season food plots get planted!#inventorypatternhunt #thelickingstick #putthemonthespot
A small company like ours takes big pride in expanding availability to our customers, while maintaining and continuing to improve both quality and customer service.
In hopes of being more available, easier to find and quicker for you to get in your hands, the @hodaglickingstick products will be available at select retailers in 2019. We begin shipping out stocking orders this week!
I can’t wait to share locations that you will soon be able to find our products. Thank you all for your help and support!!!
With the new season creeping up on us, we are shipping the last inventory of Pre-assembles units out.
Going forward we will be moving past the simple brown cardboard boxes and shipping in finished packaging. It's really exciting as we continue to grow this brand, but also bittersweet as we know it was not fancy packaging that got us to this point in the journey. Make no mistake, as we we move into this next chapter, the core of our business will not change. Our customers success is our priority along with providing quality American made and assembled products. Thanks for all the support!
