Licking Branches

"The location where a buck decides to make a scrape is usually dictated by the presence of an appealing over-hanging branch, about three to five feet above the ground. They are known as licking branches, and bucks will chew the tip of the branch with his front teeth. He then rubs his face on the wet nub, depositing pheromone secretions from his forehead and preorbital glands, found near the eye pit toward the nose. A buck will always create the licking branch first, then paw the ground below and rub-urinate on the fresh earth. Combined, the licking branch and scrape are the whitetail's primary scent communication post during mating season. Scrapes and licking branches are also made and used by both bucks and does, year round."  Information from: http://www.whitetailsinsight.com/deerbehavior.htm

The photos that follow were taken over several seasons spent observing and photographing Whitetail deer...

 

 

Even young button bucks are drawn to licking branches like a cat to catnip.  The branches seem irresistible to them...

 

 

If licking branches are new to you, perhaps the next time you see this behavior you will understand what the deer is doing and why.