treating deer rubbed tree

[jim g]

 is there any way to treat or recreate a tree getting rubbed by a deer.can i cut off a real rub and seal it or preserve it somehow to put on base and have a deer with antlers rubbing it .?

[Glenn M.]

It's hard to find a real rubbed tree that will fit a base, so I take my fleshing knife and make my own rub, then let it dry and add a little paint to make it appear freshly rubbed. I prefer pin oak or scarlet oaks as they hold their leaves on.

[Bobbym1232]

Good question.  I also thought about doing this last year with my 150" P&Y I shot.  He made several scrapes down the trail I was sitting on and I shot him while he was freshening one up.  I was going to cut down a small tree (about 10" circ.) and put on a base with 1/2 size mount rubbing tree.  I know there is the Never-say-dye stuff to preserve small plants, but I don't think it would work on something as big as a tree, so I didn't try it!  I would also like to see some suggestions on this subject.  And post some pics if you ever get it done!

[ozzy49938]

I haven't tried with a whole tree but make lamps out of deer rubs all the time. I just cut out the section I want and put it in my scene. I have some lamps untreated and some I have sprayed with a matte finish sealer and there is no difference in them. Some of these lamps are 10 years old and still look good. I live in Michigan and most trees have lost there leaves by the time deer start rubbing. I have bobcat scenes with dead leaves in the branch that have been on the branch for years with no problem. I did spray the leaves with a few light coats of hairspray to help keep them from crumbling. hope this helps
Ozzy

[jimg]

i'll post pictures if and when i finish . hopefully i can figure my new camera out .that will be the hardest part of the whole deal

[Sikkema]

I have used buck rub saplings, maybe an inch in diameter, by just cutting in Jan or Feb, let dry over the summer, and mixing Modge-Podge with a little water and brushing in on the whole tree.This brings back the color and makes it look alive again. several layers. You can use glossy for ice or wet scenes and flat for dry scenes.if it is still to wet looking for you can then spray with a flat spray. seems to work nice, I really like the glossy with winter scenes. Don't have an answer for summer scenes with leaves, I've painted green leaves this same way, they stay green and even some what flexible, but they still look dry and not fresh. this also works good on dry fall leaves, it keeps them from crumbling and falling apart over time, makes it easier to clean the dust off.  I used this on a fall turkey scene with great results.paul