We (formerly Nashaway Trackers) are a group of loosely connected nature lovers who enjoy sharing our observations and discoveries about the fauna and flora of the northeastern US. Most of us are especially interested in mammal tracks and sign, but we also post about birds, insects, plants, etc.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Buck Rub on Utility Pole
I found this while out walking today and thought it was pretty bizarre. Then I looked around on the Internet and discovered that it's not an uncommon thing for deer to do. I guess bears aren't alone in finding poles like this to be attractive scent stations.
What surprises me about them rubbing utility poles is that these poles are of much larger diameter than the trees that bucks typically rub. I've read and have been told many times that bucks with larger antlers rub larger diameter trees. I don't know if that's true, but if it is, it must be some enormous buck using that pole.
From Field & Stream ... "Any buck might rub a tree of any size. I've seen 5-year-old bucks demolish finger-size saplings and yearlings rub 4-inch trunks. That said, it's true that you can often guess a buck's size by the proportions of the tree he rubs. These are the general rules:
•Small saplings and thick-stemmed brush, such as autumn olives, attract all sizes of bucks that like to fight with the flexible brush and thrash it to a pulp.
•One- to 2-inch-diameter trees attract yearlings and 2-year-olds.
•Two- to 4-inch-thick trunks draw 3- and 4-year-olds.
•The rare rubs you may find on 4- to 8-inch trunks are typically the hallmark of mature bucks, 5 to 7 years old." If that's all true, you're right, Janet - we could have a monster buck roaming these here parts.
To post your own tracking-related photos, discoveries, stories, and questions on this blog, you will need to register. Inquire about this by sending an email.
What surprises me about them rubbing utility poles is that these poles are of much larger diameter than the trees that bucks typically rub. I've read and have been told many times that bucks with larger antlers rub larger diameter trees. I don't know if that's true, but if it is, it must be some enormous buck using that pole.
ReplyDeleteFrom Field & Stream ...
Delete"Any buck might rub a tree of any size. I've seen 5-year-old bucks demolish finger-size saplings and yearlings rub 4-inch trunks. That said, it's true that you can often guess a buck's size by the proportions of the tree he rubs. These are the general rules:
•Small saplings and thick-stemmed brush, such as autumn olives, attract all sizes of bucks that like to fight with the flexible brush and thrash it to a pulp.
•One- to 2-inch-diameter trees attract yearlings and 2-year-olds.
•Two- to 4-inch-thick trunks draw 3- and 4-year-olds.
•The rare rubs you may find on 4- to 8-inch trunks are typically the hallmark of mature bucks, 5 to 7 years old."
If that's all true, you're right, Janet - we could have a monster buck roaming these here parts.