Deer rub?????

[Dstark5625]

I was wondering if I could get some insight from the experts around here.  My Dad and I were going through the woods this past weekend and came across what could be a deer rub but it is by far larger than any I've ever seen in our area.  My dad couldn't think of any other animal that would make these markings (bear, porcupine, whatever else).  If it is from a deer it's getting me pretty damn excited.  What do you guys think?

[whiteoakbuck]

that looks like a deer rub to me did you see any sign on the ground of a deer standing there? are there any well used deer trails nearby ?

[dakids]

Giant deer.  Elk?

[Dstark5625]

I felt amateurish even asking if it was a deer but like I said I've just never seen a rub on a tree that big.  I've seen other rubs in the area in past seasons and there is always a lot of deer sign.  The area is near some beaver ponds and the deer seem to go through there quite a bit.  I know where i'm going to be opening morning

[glenn57]

not so sure that's a rub. not saying it isn't either. I have seen trees that for some reason lose there bark like that!!!!!!

[ray634]

That sure looks like a deer has raked it with his antlers. I do not think it is a natural bark loss because of the shredded pattern. What ever it was it sure was worked up to have made a rub that long. Do you have any "friends" that may be playing a prank on you?

[HD]

I've seen rubs that big made from deer, but, I have also seen bears make similar marks.
Usually the deer will leave some sent behind, bears are just scratching their claws.

I'd check the ground for tracks........... Or, stick a trail cam up fer chits and giggles.... 

[beeker]

my first instinct would be to say that tree is way too big for a deer to be rubbin on it.

but do your searching and see are  there any gashes on the tree like from a point of a rack digging in? or tracks? any burkenstock tracks? maybe a tree hugger got a little bit beyond huggin?

[deadeye]

Seems unlikely to be a deer rub.  It looks like there is old damage under the new scratchings.  My guess is it's a bear clawing the tree.  If a deer did this, the ground in front would be torn up.  Also, the rub probably wouldn't be in a narrow strip down the center of the tree.  Then again, what do I know.   

[lentz]

that starts out reel low to the ground to

[MN RACK ATTACK]

Sasquatch lovin tree?

[kenhuntin]

That is more than likely a whitetail rub. It usually would suggest a large deer or humongous antlered deer but may also be a good sized one that is just aggressive. Whitetails will often lower their head clear to the ground when going after a tree. Good luck this year.

[whiteoakbuck]

That is more than likely a whitetail rub. It usually would suggest a large deer or humongous antlered deer but may also be a good sized one that is just aggressive. Whitetails will often lower their head clear to the ground when going after a tree. Good luck this year.

[Goosepond Monster]

Any big cats in the area?  I know they will scratch on trees like that.