Mock scrapes can be an effective tool for attracting whitetails, but simply making noise isn’t enough. The real value of a mock scrape comes from the deer activity it generates and how effectively it encourages bucks to investigate the area.

A successful mock scrape should create the kind of curiosity that brings deer back. By combining the right location, natural sign, and strategic scent placement, hunters can create an area that encourages bucks to stop, investigate, and leave scent of their own.

Location is an important part of the process. Look for areas with existing deer traffic, such as travel corridors, field edges, and locations near bedding or feeding areas. Setting up where deer already feel comfortable moving through can increase the chances of getting consistent visits.

Timing and placement also matter. A mock scrape that looks natural and fits into a deer’s regular movement patterns has a better chance of becoming an active stopping point. Trail cameras can help hunters monitor activity, identify which deer are visiting, and determine whether their setup is producing results.

Adding the right scent can help take a mock scrape a step further. Mrs. Doe Pee’s Continuous Scrape Set is designed specifically to encourage bucks to repeatedly check a scrape. The special scent blend can be used to establish new mock scrapes or add fresh scent to existing ones, helping create a location bucks have a reason to revisit. It’s particularly suited for the pre-rut period, when bucks are beginning to increase their scent-checking activity and establish patterns.

Ultimately, the goal isn’t just to create a mock scrape. It’s to create a consistent stopping point that encourages repeat visits, provides valuable insight into local deer movement, and potentially puts a mature buck within bow range. With the right location, setup, and scent strategy, a mock scrape can become a valuable part of any whitetail hunting plan.

Learn more about Mrs. Doe Pee’s Continuous Scrape Set: https://www.mrsdoepee.com/product-page/continuous-scrape-set

Remember: A mock scrape is only as good as the activity it creates.

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Elite Archery, a leader in performance-driven bow design, proudly announces the launch of the all-new Cypher, available November 2. Combining proven Elite performance with premium features in a highly adjustable platform, the Cypher pairs Elite’s SP2 Cam System and VX Performance Mods with an all-new caged aluminum riser to deliver IBO speeds up to 335 FPS, let-off easily adjustable up to 90%, and a 25″–30.5″ draw length range built to fit a wide range of archers. Reach out to your Elite Sales Representative to stock your shelves with the latest from Elite, or click here to become a dealer and offer your customers the latest in archery performance!

“The Cypher is built for archers who want premium Elite performance at an accessible price,” said Josh Sidebottom, COO of The Outdoor Group. “It shares the same SP2 Cam System and geometry as our 2026 Bow of the Year, so archers get that award-winning shot cycle in a highly adjustable package. Add an all-new caged aluminum riser, all-aluminum cams, mods, and limb pockets, and Winner’s Choice strings right out of the box, and the Cypher delivers the durability, consistency, and shootability archers expect from an Elite, with the adjustability to grow with them season after season.”

At the core of the Cypher is an all-new caged aluminum riser that strategically removes weight without sacrificing strength, creating a frame that stays rigid and true throughout the shot cycle. Paired with a compact 32″ axle-to-axle length and a 6 1/2″ brace height, it delivers a maneuverable, well-balanced platform that carries easily in the field. The riser’s integrated Picatinny sight rail and Integrate Mounting System® allow archers to mount their sight and rest securely and tight to the riser for a cleaner, better-balanced setup with fewer snag points. Available in 35–50, 45–60, and 55–70 lb. draw weight ranges, the Cypher fits everyone from archers still building strength to seasoned hunters who want maximum energy downrange.

Highlights & Features

• Caged Aluminum Riser – Strategically removes weight without sacrificing strength for a light, rigid, well-balanced frame
• SP2 Cam System – Elite’s proven cam system delivers an efficient, consistent shot cycle that draws predictably and holds steady at full draw
• VX Performance Mods – IBO speeds up to 335 FPS with let-off easily adjustable up to 90%
• Elite Split Cable System – Distributes load evenly to both sides of the cams for cleaner arrow flight and shot-to-shot consistency
• Aluminum Cams, Mods & Limb Pockets – Engineered for long-term reliability and precision season after season
• ¼” Draw Length Adjustments – Dial in an exact fit across a 25″–30.5″ draw length range
• Picatinny Sight Rail & Integrate Mounting System® – Mount your sight and rest tight to the riser for a streamlined setup with fewer snag points
• Winner’s Choice Strings – Premium strings for dependable, consistent performance right out of the box

Specifications

• Axle-to-Axle: 32″
• Brace Height: 6 1/2″
• Mass Weight: 4.5 lbs. (measured without dampening components)
• Draw Length: 25″–30.5″ in ¼” increments
• Draw Weights: 35–50 lbs., 45–60 lbs., 55–70 lbs.
• String Angle: 38.5°
• IBO Speed: Up to 335 FPS (VX Performance Mods)
• Let-Off: Adjustable up to 90%

Availability & Pricing

The Elite Cypher launches November 2, 2026, in five finish options and is available two ways: as a bare bow at an MSRP of $699.99, or as a Ready-to-Shoot (RTS) Kit at an MSRP of $799.99. The RTS Kit comes outfitted with Custom Bow Equipment accessories, including a Tactic Quiver, Tactic Sight, Arrow Mane Rest, and Affect Stabilizer, so archers can head straight to the range or the field.

Sign up to become an Authorized Elite Retailer here or contact your Elite Sales Rep to make sure your shop has the latest Elite bows in stock for your customers!

About The Outdoor Group: Elite Archery is a proud member of The Outdoor Group’s family of brands. Established in 2012 and headquartered in West Henrietta, New York, The Outdoor Group is the parent company of Altra Arrows, Scott Archery, Custom Bow Equipment, Slick Trick Broadheads, and Winner’s Choice Bow Strings.

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Bowtech proudly announces the launch of the all-new Anthem 36 and Anthem 39, two competition-driven target bows engineered to give archers greater control over their shooting experience. Developed with direct input from professional and amateur shooters alike, the Anthem combines innovative technology, exceptional hold, and advanced tunability to deliver the consistency and confidence competitive archers demand.

At the heart of Anthem is Bowtech’s innovative Adaptive Riser Arch, a groundbreaking system that allows shooters to personalize how their bow holds and aims, delivering a new level of control and consistency. Complementing this technology is the new A.I.M. Mod (Adjustable Infinite Module), offering precise 1/4-inch draw length adjustments and customizable holding weight without altering draw length. Proven DeadLock® Cam Technology and the redesigned GripLock 2.0®, combined with an all-new, straighter and stiffer riser, further enhance stability, precision, and shot-to-shot consistency.

“Competitive archers know exactly what they want out of their equipment, and those preferences can vary dramatically from one shooter to the next,” said Todd Snader, Director of Marketing at Bowtech. “With the Anthem, we set out to give them more control over the things that truly impact their shooting experience. It’s not just about building a bow that performs at a high level. It’s about giving each archer the ability to fine-tune that performance around their individual shooting style.”

Available in 36-inch and 39-inch axle-to-axle configurations, the Anthem platform offers versatility for a wide range of competitive shooters. Whether it’s Indoor, Field, or 3D disciplines, Anthem is built to help archers perform at their highest level.

The Anthem 36 and Anthem 39 are available beginning October 30, 2026, with an MSRP starting at $2,099.

Learn more about the Anthem lineup, specifications, and colors offered www.bowtecharchery.com.

ABOUT BOWTECH: Bowtech is more than a bow manufacturer. It’s a brand built for those who are driven by the pursuit of something greater. Rooted in innovation and fueled by a passion for archery, Bowtech creates equipment that empowers archers to push boundaries, pursue their ambitions, and make every moment count. From unforgettable experiences in the field to defining moments on the competition line, Bowtech believes the journey is just as meaningful as the destination. Through purposeful innovation, uncompromising performance, and a relentless drive to be better, Bowtech inspires archers to chase what’s next.

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Whitetails Unlimited’s HOPE for Wildlife Program initiatives create partnerships with state and federal agencies to acquire land, improve and maintain critical habitat for deer and other wildlife, and increase public hunting opportunities. Supporting law enforcement in the reduction of poaching and other anti-poaching efforts is also a main priority of the program.

About Whitetails Unlimited: Since our beginning in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited has remained true to its mission and has made great strides in the field of conservation. Thanks to more than 475 chapters, 120,000-plus members, chapter volunteers, and corporate sponsors, Whitetails Unlimited has earned the reputation of being the nation’s premier organization dedicating its resources to the betterment of the white-tailed deer and its environment. Our mission is to raise funds in support of educational programs, wildlife habitat enhancement and acquisition, and preservation of the shooting sports and hunting tradition for future generations. To date, Whitetails Unlimited has expended more than $159.3 million on program services and activities that continue to enhance, and ultimately foster, our mission. Stay connected with us: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, WTU Website

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Carbon Express Arrows today announced that Alexis Ruiz, the 2026 Hyundai Archery World Cup Final Champion in women’s compound, has joined its professional shooting team.

Ruiz, 26, of Phoenix, Arizona, capped an outstanding 2026 season by winning the World Cup Final in Saltillo, Mexico, where she defeated Mexico’s Dafne Quintero 145-144 in a shoot-off. Earlier this year at World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai, she earned three medals: individual bronze, team silver, and mixed team gold alongside Carbon Express teammate James Lutz. She entered elimination rounds as the number one qualifier after shooting a 707.

A Team USA member for years, Ruiz has been a force in the sport since her teens. She won the 2017 World Archery Youth Championship, took the women’s compound title at the 2018 Vegas Shoot in her first season as a professional, and won consecutive Indoor Archery World Series stages in Macau and Rome in 2019.

Away from the range, Ruiz is a Grand Canyon University nursing graduate who works as a pediatric nurse at Phoenix Children’s Hospital while maintaining a rigorous international training and competition schedule.

“We are truly excited to add the USA Ranked #1 Female Compound Archer. Alexis is truly a gifted archer and brings years of experience and international success to the Carbon Express Team” said Erik Bramble Pro Staff Manager for Carbon Express.

Ruiz will compete with the full line of Carbon Express Arrows with the featured product of the Nano Pro RZ and The Maxima XLs.

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As October comes to a close, whitetail hunters are entering one of the most exciting times of the season. With Halloween marking the transition into November, buck activity is beginning to pick up, and hunters are watching closely for signs that the rut is getting underway.

The 2026 Rut Tracker: Whitetail Rut Reports & Bowhunting Tips – Episode 2, Halloween Edition takes a closer look at current whitetail activity, seasonal deer movement, and what hunters can expect as the breeding season approaches.

As daylight hours shorten and temperatures begin to change, bucks are becoming increasingly active. Scrapes, rub lines, fresh tracks, and changing movement patterns can all provide valuable clues about what’s happening in the woods. Understanding these signs can help hunters make better decisions about stand placement, hunting locations, and when to spend time in the field.

For bowhunters, this part of the season is all about paying attention to changing conditions and staying flexible. Monitoring food sources, checking active scrapes, and identifying travel corridors between bedding and feeding areas can help put hunters in the right position as deer activity increases.

Whether you’re already seeing increased buck movement or waiting for the first signs of the rut in your area, staying informed can make a difference during these important weeks of the season.

The Halloween edition of the 2026 Rut Tracker offers hunters another opportunity to follow whitetail activity, pick up seasonal bowhunting tips, and prepare for the action ahead as November approaches.

Watch the Episode:
https://youtu.be/SzQxwqLT5BY

Stay tuned for more 2026 Rut Tracker updates as the whitetail season progresses.

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Archery practice takes on a whole new look when the lights go down. BIGshot Targets introduces its RealWild 3D Glow Series, bringing an exciting glow-in-the-dark experience to traditional 3D archery practice.

Designed to stand out under black lights, these unique targets feature high-contrast details that illuminate vital areas, giving archers a new way to practice shot placement while adding an entertaining twist to the range.

The Glow Series includes three distinctive target options: the Glow Yeti, Glow Coyote, and Glow Deer. Each offers realistic 3D target construction with special details that come alive when illuminated by black light. In regular lighting, the targets feature a custom white finish, but once the black lights are activated, the glowing details create a completely different shooting experience.

Each complete kit includes a 3D target, a black light, three bottles of glow-color paint, and a brush, allowing archers to customize their targets and get started with their own glow-in-the-dark shooting setup.

Ideal for archery clubs, indoor ranges, nighttime 3D courses, special events, or backyard shooting sessions, the BIGshot Glow Series offers a creative way to bring people together and make practice more engaging.

Proudly made in the USA by BIGshot Archery in Pennsylvania, the Glow Series combines quality 3D target construction with a fresh approach to archery entertainment.

Glow Series Highlights:

• Available in Glow Yeti, Glow Coyote, and Glow Deer
• Special details designed to illuminate under black lights
• RealWild 3D target construction
• Complete kits include a target, black light, three glow-color paint bottles, and a brush
• Great for nighttime shooting, indoor ranges, archery clubs, and special events
• Made in the USA

Whether you’re organizing a glow-in-the-dark archery event or looking to add something different to your practice routine, BIGshot Targets’ Glow Series brings a new dimension to 3D archery.

Learn more: https://www.bigshottargets.com/collections/shoot-more-save-more

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New Acu-Carbon competition shaft expands Easton’s 4MM target lineup with Standard and Match Grade options

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Easton Archery announces the new 4MM X4, a premium Acu-Carbon target arrow engineered for competitive archers seeking exceptional consistency, precise tuning, and repeatable performance.

Built on Easton’s proven small-diameter 4MM platform, the X4 combines advanced carbon construction with the dimensional consistency required for high-level target competition. Easton’s Acu-Carbon manufacturing process provides consistent spine around the circumference of the shaft, helping reduce orientation effects and promote predictable arrow performance from shot to shot.

The new X4 will be available in both Standard Grade and Match Grade, giving competitive archers a choice of precision levels within the same X4 platform.

X4 Standard Grade delivers the high level of shaft consistency and precision expected from Easton competition arrows, while X4 Match Grade receives Easton’s highest level of inspection and verification for archers seeking the most exacting tolerances.

“The X4 gives competitive archers another high-performance option in our 4MM target lineup,” said Gary Cornum, Director of Marketing for Easton Technical Products. “We wanted to create a shaft that delivers the tuning, consistency, and small-diameter advantages serious competitors seek, while offering both Standard and Match Grade options to meet the archer’s needs.”

The 4MM X4 will be offered in a wide range of spine sizes to accommodate competitive archers and setups across multiple target disciplines.

With its combination of small-diameter performance, Acu-Carbon construction, and availability in Standard or Match Grade, the 4MM X4 brings a new level of choice to Easton’s competition arrow lineup.

About Easton

Easton is a world leader in arrow and archery equipment technology, with more than a century of innovation in precision arrow manufacturing. From target competition to bowhunting, Easton engineers and manufactures products to give archers the accuracy, consistency, and performance they need at every level of the sport.

For more information, visit eastonarchery.com.

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The 3D Challenge takes place Jan. 8-10 alongside the NFAA Rushmore Rumble. Archers of all ages, bow styles and experience levels can test their skills on a variety of 3D targets at marked distances. Whether shooting for fun, competing for awards or entering the optional cash-prize pot, there’s something for everyone. Participants shoot one arrow per target and can return for additional rounds. No NFAA membership is required, and the event is open to the public.

“The NFAA 3D Challenge is all about giving more people the opportunity to pick up their bows, have fun and enjoy some friendly competition,” Bruce Cull, NFAA Executive Director, said. “With ATA Show Week bringing so much of the archery community together in one place, it’s the perfect opportunity to introduce another way to shoot. Attendees can compete in the Rushmore Rumble, explore the Archery & Bowhunting Supershow and take on the 3D Challenge, all in the same trip.”

The 3D Challenge joins a week of competitions that run alongside the members-only ATA Trade Show and the public Archery & Bowhunting Supershow. At the Supershow, attendees can explore products from hundreds of the industry’s top brands, get hands-on with the latest equipment and connect directly with the companies behind their favorite gear. Then they can put their own skills to the test on the 3D range.

Registration information and additional NFAA 3D Challenge details will be announced soon at nfaausa.com.

About ATA Show Week

ATA Show Week takes place Jan. 7-10, 2027, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, bringing together the archery and bowhunting industry for four days of business, new products, competition and connection.

· Jan. 7-8: ATA Trade Show

· Jan. 8: S3DA Indoor Open

· Jan. 8-10: NFAA Rushmore Rumble // Hyundai Indoor World Series 500

· Jan. 8-10: NFAA 3D Challenge

· Jan. 9-10: Archery & Bowhunting Supershow

Registration for the 2027 ATA Trade Show and ticket sales for the Archery & Bowhunting Supershow are open. For event schedules, participating brands, registration and ticket options, visit archerytrade.org/ata-show.

Interested in Exhibiting or Sponsorship Opportunities?

To learn more about exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities throughout ATA Show Week, visit archerytrade.org/exhibitor or contact ATA Sales Manager Eric Dobberfuhl at ericdobberfuhl@archerytrade.org or (507) 233-8142.

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Carbon Express Arrows today announced that Alexis Ruiz, the 2026 Hyundai Archery World Cup Final Champion in women’s compound, has joined its professional shooting team.

Ruiz, 26, of Phoenix, Arizona, capped an outstanding 2026 season by winning the World Cup Final in Saltillo, Mexico, where she defeated Mexico’s Dafne Quintero 145-144 in a shoot-off. Earlier this year at World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai, she earned three medals: individual bronze, team silver, and mixed team gold alongside Carbon Express teammate James Lutz. She entered elimination rounds as the number one qualifier after shooting a 707.

A Team USA member for years, Ruiz has been a force in the sport since her teens. She won the 2017 World Archery Youth Championship, took the women’s compound title at the 2018 Vegas Shoot in her first season as a professional, and won consecutive Indoor Archery World Series stages in Macau and Rome in 2019.

Away from the range, Ruiz is a Grand Canyon University nursing graduate who works as a pediatric nurse at Phoenix Children’s Hospital while maintaining a rigorous international training and competition schedule.

“We are truly excited to add the USA Ranked #1 Female Compound Archer. Alexis is truly a gifted archer and brings years of experience and international success to the Carbon Express Team” said Erik Bramble Pro Staff Manager for Carbon Express.

Ruiz will compete with the full line of Carbon Express Arrows with the featured product of the Nano Pro RZ and The Maxima XLs.

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