deer tracks
08-09-2003, 09:50 AM
#2
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Oct 1998
Location: Hughesville, PA USA
Posts: 18,322
RE: deer tracks
Not necessarily, although the tracks you found were probably a buck, it isn' t a full proof method. Big mature does can and do have larger tracks than smaller immature bucks so just because it' s a big track doesn' t mean it' s a buck.
There are only two full proof methods to tell buck tracks from doe tracks. The first, is to see the animal making the tracks.
The other is this. When a deer walks, it places it' s back foot(hoove) in the print of the front foot. If the second track falls inside the first track, it' s a buck. A bucks hips are narrower than it' s chest.
Just the opposite for a doe. IF the second or rear track falls outside the front or first track, it' s a doe. A doe' s hips(hind quarter) is wider than it' s chest.
Both buck and doe have dew claws, both buck and doe become heavy animals depending on maturity.
There are only two full proof methods to tell buck tracks from doe tracks. The first, is to see the animal making the tracks.
The other is this. When a deer walks, it places it' s back foot(hoove) in the print of the front foot. If the second track falls inside the first track, it' s a buck. A bucks hips are narrower than it' s chest.
Just the opposite for a doe. IF the second or rear track falls outside the front or first track, it' s a doe. A doe' s hips(hind quarter) is wider than it' s chest.
Both buck and doe have dew claws, both buck and doe become heavy animals depending on maturity.
08-10-2003, 07:24 PM
#4
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location:
Posts: 342
RE: deer tracks
I live in northern Maine where there is often snow during deer season, which aids in tracking. The bucks up here are some real heavyweights......what I look for when deciding if a deer is worth tracking or not is the length and width of the track, how far the deer sinks when it steps, and how far it' s hoofs splay (hence my name). When there is only a few inches of snow, it is generally the bucks that leave dew claw imprints. Also, big bucks tend to drag their feet when walking along, whereas does usually lift their feet clear of the snow when it is not very deep. I often notice that bucks will drip urine as they walk, leaving telltale yellow spots in the snow. Often a big old buck will have cracked hooves, and some even have distinctively deformed hooves, like the one I hunted last season. I will be hunting him this year as well, and I will have no problem singling him out if and when I come across his track.
While these guidelines may not work all the time, they have not failed me yet. In areas where there is a lack of snow during the season, and also where bucks have less body weight, the tracking game will be a bit different.
While these guidelines may not work all the time, they have not failed me yet. In areas where there is a lack of snow during the season, and also where bucks have less body weight, the tracking game will be a bit different.
08-11-2003, 04:30 AM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: crawfordville florida USA
Posts: 1,251
RE: deer tracks
IF the second or rear track falls outside the front or first track, it' s a doe. A doe' s hips(hind quarter) is narrower than it' s chest.
Absolutey the best indicator
08-11-2003, 07:58 AM
#6
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Oct 1998
Location: Hughesville, PA USA
Posts: 18,322
RE: deer tracks
Sorry guys, it was a typo....my fingers are too fast for the brain...lol
Of course, when the second step falls outside the first it' s a doe, because a does hind quarter is wider than it' s chest for birthing.......I edited the mistake...
Good catch...
Of course, when the second step falls outside the first it' s a doe, because a does hind quarter is wider than it' s chest for birthing.......I edited the mistake...
Good catch...
08-11-2003, 02:05 PM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Irwin PA USA
Posts: 1,247
RE: deer tracks
I agree with rob , and OLMossy. I always thought a does back legs were wider for birthing fawns. But i have always head that a buck will leave the dew claws more then doe. But also it is never a 100% fact on what track is made by what sex of deer.
