The Grave Digger Scrape Mate Made a Bold First Impression
The Grave Digger Scrape Mate arrives as a simple promise: to attract bucks with the irresistible scent of buck urine. Manufactured by Code Blue, it claims to be more than just another attractant. This product aims to replicate the compelling draw of a natural scrape, keeping the scent potent for up to 30 days.
I was on the hunt, literally and figuratively, for something to up my deer hunting game. Mock scrapes were my focus. I needed something easier and more effective than hauling gallons of urine into the woods.
Unboxing was, well, uneventful. It’s a bag of dirt. The scent, however, hit me immediately; a sharp, pungent odor that screamed “buck!” The soil itself looked rich and dark, seemingly well-impregnated with the attractant.
I considered other options. There are countless attractant sprays and scent wicks on the market. I ultimately chose the Grave Digger Scrape Mate because of the time-release aspect and the ease of application.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The scent was strong, almost overpowering, but if it translated to attracting deer, I’d call it a success. I was excited to see if this relatively inexpensive attractant could truly deliver on its promise.
Real-World Testing: Putting Grave Digger Scrape Mate to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the Grave Digger Scrape Mate was on a crisp October morning in the Appalachian foothills of Pennsylvania. I targeted a well-traveled deer trail near a known bedding area. I created a mock scrape under an overhanging branch. I liberally sprinkled the Grave Digger Scrape Mate onto the freshly turned earth.
The weather was cool and damp, perfect for scent dispersal. The ease of use was immediately apparent. No messy liquids or complicated application procedures. The Grave Digger Scrape Mate was just a shake-and-go solution.
After three days, I returned to check my scrape. There was definite activity; fresh tracks and droppings around the scrape. It appeared something was interested.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of continued use, the Grave Digger Scrape Mate has proven to be a consistent, albeit not miraculous, attractant. I’ve refreshed the scrapes every two to three weeks with a new dose of the treated soil. The initial potency does seem to diminish after that period.
The durability of the product is a non-issue since it’s a soil amendment. Wear and tear are irrelevant. Maintenance is simply reapplying the Grave Digger Scrape Mate to maintain scent potency.
Compared to my previous use of scent wicks and plain buck urine, the Grave Digger Scrape Mate offers a definite improvement in ease of use. The time-release claim, while not a full 30 days in my experience, is still a significant advantage. It requires less frequent visits to the scrape site. While it did attract, I can not say whether the deer was drawn in by the urine scent alone or a combination of the turned earth, the location, and other attractants.
Breaking Down the Features of Grave Digger Scrape Mate
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Code Blue.
- Type: Soil impregnated with buck urine.
- Scent: 100% Buck Urine.
- Application: Shake onto scrape or mock scrape.
- Time Release: Up to 30 days.
- Use: All season long as a curiosity or infringement scent.
These specifications matter because they dictate the product’s purpose and effectiveness. The time-release feature is key for hunters who prefer minimal disturbance of their hunting area. The natural soil base helps blend the scent with the environment, making it appear more natural to deer.
Performance & Functionality
The Grave Digger Scrape Mate performs adequately as an attractant. It reliably disperses the scent of buck urine, piquing the curiosity of deer. The product’s main strength is its ease of use.
A potential weakness is the subjective nature of scent attractants. What works in one area might not work in another due to varying deer populations, diets, and rutting activity. It meets my expectations as a simple, convenient method for creating and maintaining mock scrapes.
Design & Ergonomics
The Grave Digger Scrape Mate’s design is simple and functional. The packaging is a resealable bag, keeping the soil contained and the scent fresh. The soil itself is rich and dark, mimicking the appearance of freshly turned earth.
The product is very user-friendly; there’s no learning curve. Anyone can shake some dirt onto the ground.
Durability & Maintenance
As a soil-based product, durability is not a significant factor. The product will last as long as the scent remains potent.
Maintenance is minimal. Simply reapply the Grave Digger Scrape Mate every few weeks to refresh the scent.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no specific accessories included with the Grave Digger Scrape Mate. The product is intended to be used as a standalone attractant. It pairs well with visual attractants like overhanging licking branches and strategically placed trail cameras. While no customization of the Grave Digger Scrape Mate is implied or available, hunters can add additional urine scents for a more concentrated effect if required.
Pros and Cons of Grave Digger Scrape Mate
Pros
- Easy to use: Shake-and-go application.
- Time-release scent: Reduces the frequency of visits.
- Natural soil base: Blends with the environment.
- Effective attractant: Piques deer curiosity.
- Relatively inexpensive: Offers good value for the price.
Cons
- Scent potency diminishes after 2-3 weeks.
- Effectiveness can vary depending on the location and deer population.
Who Should Buy Grave Digger Scrape Mate?
The Grave Digger Scrape Mate is perfect for hunters who want a convenient and easy-to-use scent attractant for creating and maintaining mock scrapes. It’s ideal for those who prefer minimal disturbance of their hunting area.
Hunters relying solely on scent attractants for a guaranteed kill should skip this product. Scent is only one factor in deer hunting success.
A trail camera is a must-have accessory when using the Grave Digger Scrape Mate. This allows you to monitor deer activity at the scrape site.
Conclusion on Grave Digger Scrape Mate
The Grave Digger Scrape Mate is a solid, no-frills scent attractant that offers convenience and decent performance at an affordable price. While it’s not a magic bullet, it’s a valuable tool in a hunter’s arsenal. The ease of use and time-release scent make it a worthwhile addition to any mock scrape strategy.
At $11.49, the price is justified for the convenience and potential benefits it offers. I would recommend the Grave Digger Scrape Mate to any hunter looking for an easy and effective way to attract bucks to their hunting area. Give Grave Digger Scrape Mate a try and see if it helps you dig up that trophy buck!