The J Hook

[phade]

I think most everyone here knows about and has an opinion/experience, etc., with the J-Hook theory of bucks visiting scrapes and/or doe bedding spots.

Interested to see what people here have experienced and also what/if any experience specifically with marshes and ag.

I've seen J-hooks before in ag, but imo it hasn't been consistent to call it a hard rule as I've seen too many straight crosswind approaches that didn't involve a J-hook.

Anyone witness scrape approaches in marsh land?

[BigHills BuckHunter]

I thought you were going to talk about the J hook theory bucks make to get back to their bed in the morning.

Personally I have never witnessed a J hook when I have seen bucks go to scrapes however most were younger bucks. I remember one mature 8 pointer come right in to the scrape with wind to his back. My dad has seen the same thing. Maybe its because of lower pressure but I think there is enough pressure that they would J hook it.

[dan]

The only "J-hooking" I have observed has been in the mornings going to bed... I have always had straight line travel to scrapes or adjacent to scrapes and doe bedding.

[Stanley]

I don't read a lot of magazines or watch hunting videos. So I am not sure what you are talking about in a j hook. Could you explain what and how a j hook works for my benefit and those that really don't know what a j hook is.

[phade]

Yeah, I thought this would be a bit different than the J hook to bed topic by seeing what the discussion was related to doe bedding and scrapes. I've seen more straightline approaches as noted, but I do recall a few times where I saw J-hook travel to a scrape.

I bring this up because a new parcel appears to have had regular J Hook travel to a scrape based on scouting and game cams from the prior owner.

I think Bill Vale talks about it a bit in his book and has youtube videos up on it.

[Bucky]

I watched a 4yr buck J hook a feeding source with scrapes... when he got to the end of J instead of committing and heading into the field edge scrapes he bedded down in marsh grass/dogwood and waited until dark. He scent checked the field edge but not in parallel trail fashion where I could have shot him. Smart old bugger

[gjs4]

Local (typically mature) deer that have an idea of what pressure is and that it may be there

[Southern Man]

I don't read a lot of magazines or watch hunting videos. So I am not sure what you are talking about in a j hook. Could you explain what and how a j hook works for my benefit and those that really don't know what a j hook is.

X2

I think I know but I've never heard the term before.
But, the bucks I've seen checking bedding areas have no problem barging right in. Younger bucks are running everywhere and don't seem to care what direction they're traveling when around the does. The more mature bucks I've seen seem to almost always be in a travel position of security when coming around the does, but I have seen a fair amount that seem they couldn't care less about security and barge right in, if they aren't already with the does at daylight.

I do tend to see more larger bucks on the downwind side of doe bedding during rut.

[Gibby]

J hook explanation on checking scrapes

[bbvideo=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ds_OpBErTo[/bbvideo]

[dan]

Not knocking the guy... But I have hunted 9 states and have not seen Any evidence of this, and a few of my bucks were shot over scrapes... I discussed this with Andrae too... He said he has not seen it with any reliable pattern either.