Tool For Creating Deer Scrape

Abstract

A tool for creating a deer scrape comprises a substantially planar body portion having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a plurality of extensions extending from the second surface, wherein the plurality of extensions cooperate to form a white-tailed deer hoof print. The tool further includes a handle extending from the planar body portion, a serrated edge located along a length of the handle, a substantially flat scraping edge located along the length of the handle, and at least one prong located at an end of the handle and extending angularly therefrom.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/797,053, filed May 3, 2006, entitled 4 IN 1 SCRAPE MAKER, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for attracting deer, and in particular a tool for creating a deer scrape.

Various hunting techniques and luring methods are utilized to attract game into a particular area to assist in the harvest thereof. One such species that has gained wide popularity in hunting circles in North America includes the white-tailed deer. The techniques used to attract white-tailed deer into a particular area are numerous and include things such as antler rattling, grunting and/or calling, scent masking, scent attraction, etc.

While being somewhat effective, many of these techniques lack the ability to precondition white-tails to return to a given area in a somewhat repeatable manner. Specifically, many of these previously-applied techniques relate to attracting game at the time of harvest, as opposed to setting a pattern for the game and their mannerisms prior to that particular time. Moreover, others of these techniques do not necessarily raise the hunter's odds of harvesting an animal, and are susceptible to personal ability and technique. Therefore, an effective way of preconditioning whitetails, and especially bucks, to return to a particular location on a repeated basis, thereby increasing the odds of harvest is desired.

The present inventive tool provides a mechanism for which to attract white-tailed deer and induce particular mannerisms therein, thereby greatly increasing the chances of harvesting the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a tool for creating a deer scrape that comprises a substantially planar body portion having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a plurality of extensions extending from the second surface, wherein the plurality of extensions cooperate to form a white-tail deer hoof print.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a tool for creating a deer scrape that comprises a substantially-planar body portion having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a plurality of extensions extending from the second surface, wherein the plurality of extensions cooperate to form a white-tailed deer hoof print. The tool further comprises a handle extending from the planar body portion, a serrated edge located along a length of the handle, a substantially-flat scraping edge located along the length of the handle, and at least one prong located at an end of the handle and extending angularly therefrom.

The present inventive tool is relatively durable, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, includes an uncomplicated design, and may be operated by even unskilled personnel. The present inventive tool is further efficient in use, capable of a long-operating life, and is particularly well adapted for the proposed use.

These and other advantages of the invention will further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following the written specification, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a tool for creating a deer scrape embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the tool of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the tool of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The reference numeral 10 (FIG. 1) generally designates a tool for creating a deer scrape, or a deer scrape tool, embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example, the deer scrape tool 10 includes a body portion 12 and a handle 14 extending therefrom. The body portion 12 includes a rectangular planar portion 16 having a first surface 18 and a second surface 20 opposite the first side 18. A plurality of projections 22 extend from the second surface 20 of the planar portion 16. In the illustrated example, the projections 22 include two forwardly-located projections 24 each having the shape of a white-tailed deer hoof, and two rearwardly-located projections 26 each having the shape of the dew claw of a white-tailed deer. Also as illustrated, each of the projections 22 extend approximately three quarters of an inch from the second surface 20 in order to allow sufficient placement of an artificial deer print within an aggregate matter, as discussed below.

The handle 14 of the deer scrape tool 10 extends from the body portion 12 in an acute angle with respect to a plane as defined by the planar portion 16. The handle 14 includes a gripping portion 28 having a plurality of recesses 29 adapted to receive the fingers of a user therein spaced along the length of the handle 14. The handle 14 further includes a substantially flat scraping edge 30 extending along a length of the handle 14. The scraping edge 30 provides an edge that is utilized to create mock rubs, as described below. Opposite the scraping edge 30, the handle 14 include a serrated edge 32 that includes a plurality of triangularly-shaped teeth 34 extending along the length of the handle 14.

The deer scrape tool 10 further includes a rake portion 36 located at an end of the handle 14 opposite the body portion 12. The rake portion 36 includes a pair of conically-shaped prongs 38 extending angularly away from the handle 14, and juxtapositioned across the handle 14 from one another.

In operation, the deer scrape tool 10 is utilized to create an entire faux scrape, including a licking limb, a ground scrape, a white-tailed deer print, and a mock rub. The licking limb is prepared by utilizing the serrated edge 32 of the deer scrape tool 10. A licking limb is the common name given to a branch that a white-tailed buck chews prior to making a ground scrape. The branch is typically four to five feet from ground level and is set apart from other branches. Commonly, the ground located directly below the licking limb is fairly loose, thereby allowing the buck to prepare a proper scrape. The licking limb is prepared by stripping the bark from the limb by running the serrated edge 32 along the length of the limb, thereby simulating the chewing effect of the buck.

The two-pronged rake portion 36 is then utilized to prepare the ground scrape. Specifically, the rake portion 36 simulates the splayed hoof of a buck as the buck digs at the ground to create the ground scrape. In operation, the rake portion 36 is utilized to scratch the surface of the ground located below the licking limb. Once the ground has been prepared to a depth of approximately two inches, the hoof print patterned from the projections 22 is utilized to create a faux white-tail hook print within the ground scrape. Specifically, the user grips the gripping portion 28 of the tool 10 within one hand placing the thumb of that hand between the rearward projections or dew claw-shaped projections 26. The user then places their other hand in the shape of fist on the first side 16, and presses downward so as to press the projections 22 into the prepared dirt, thereby forming a faux white-tailed deer print.

The scraping edge 30 may then be utilized to create mock rubs on trees and brush in the vicinity of the licking limb and ground scrape. Specifically, the scraping edge 30 of the tool 10 is utilized to remove smooth bark from smooth bark trees ranging in diameter from about 1 to 5 inches. Utilized properly, the scraping edge 30 allows the bark to remain attached to the associated tree.

In the illustrated example, the deer scrape tool 10 comprises a single, integrally-molded plastic unit. However, other methods and materials suitable for such use may be utilized.

The present inventive tool provides a mechanism for which to attract white-tailed deer and induce particular mannerisms therein, thereby greatly increasing the chances of harvesting the same.

The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiment only. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiment shown in the drawings and described above is merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A tool for creating a deer scrape, comprising:

a substantially planer body portion having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; and

a plurality of extensions extending from the second surface, wherein the plurality of extensions cooperate to form a whitetail deer hoof print.

2. The tool of claim 1, further including:

a handle extending from the planer body portion.

3. The tool of claim 2, wherein the handle includes a plurality of depressions located along a length of the handle and that are adapted to configure to a users hand.

4. The tool of claim 2, wherein the handle includes a serrated edge located along a length thereof.

5. The tool of claim 2, wherein the handle includes a substantially flat scraping edge located along a length thereof.

6. The tool of claim 2, wherein the handle includes at least one prong located at an end thereof and extending angularly therefrom.

7. The tool of claim 6, wherein the at least one prong includes a first prong and a second prong juxtapositioned from one another across the handle.

8. The tool of claim 6, wherein the handle further includes a serrated edge located along a length thereof.

9. The tool of claim 8, wherein the handle further includes a substantially flat scraping edge located along the length thereof and juxtapositioned across the handle from the serrated edge.

10. The tool of claim 9, wherein the handle includes a plurality of depressions located along the length of the handle and adapted to configure to a users hand, and wherein the depressions are positioned between at least of one of the serrated and scraping edges and the body portion.

11. The tool of claim 1, wherein the planar body portion is rectangularly shaped.

12. The tool of claim 1, wherein the plurality of extensions are hollow.

13. The tool of claim 1, wherein the extensions extend at least three quarters of an inch from the second surface.

14. A tool for creating a deer scrape, comprising:

a substantially planer body portion having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and a plurality of extensions extending from the second surface, wherein the plurality of extensions cooperate to form a whitetail deer hoof print;

a handle extending from the planer body portion;

a serrated edge located along a length of the handle;

a substantially flat scraping edge located along the length of the handle; and

at least one prong located at an end of the handle and extending angularly therefrom.

15. The tool of claim 14, wherein the at least one prong includes a first prong and a second prong juxtapositioned from one another across the handle.

16. The tool of claim 14, wherein the handle includes a plurality of depressions located along the length of the handle and adapted to configure to a users hand.

17. The tool of claim 16, wherein the depressions adapted to configure to a users hand are positioned between at least of one of the serrated and scraping edges and the body portion.

18. The tool of claim 14, wherein the planar body portion is rectangularly shaped.

19. The tool of claim 14, wherein the plurality of extensions are hollow.

20. The tool of claim 14, wherein the extensions extend at least three quarters of an inch from the second surface.