Looking for Sign

Hunter looking for sign of prey on ground Deer droppings

 Looking for Sign

Knowing how to identify the presence of game animals can help you locate a good place to hunt. Abundant deer feces are a good indicator that deer frequent that area.

 

Game Trails

Animal tracks in the dirt Close-up of animal tracks Trail
Animals create trails that they use to travel from bedding areas to water and food sources. Several trails may funnel together when they encounter a barrier, such as a fence.

 

Buck Rubs and Scrapes

Buck rubbing

Sign of scrape and rub Rub on branch branches with bites and rubs

Buck deer will frequently mark their territory with rubs and scrapes. A rub is where they have removed bark with their antlers from a bush or tree. A scrape is where they have scraped the ground with their antlers and hooves. Scent glands in their feet will leave scent there and sometimes they will urinate on this spot. Sometimes they will bite a branch and pull it across the orbital gland near their eye, secreting more scent in this manner. Many hunters believe bucks return to their scrapes. If they find one that is large and fresh, they will hunt there hoping to get a shot at a trophy. Some hunters will even create a mock scrape to provoke a buck into thinking another buck is invading his territory.

Pig Wallows

Feral Hog Wallow at edge of tank

Feral hog populations are growing in most parts of Texas. They love to wallow in mud and at water sources you will frequently find dished out depressions where they have been wallowing.

 

Pig Rooting

Pig root More pig rooting sign

Feral hogs forage for food by rooting in the ground. Where pigs are active, you will frequently find areas where they have churned up the soil.