Is a button buck considered a doe?

A button buck is a young male deer, typically less than a year old, that has not yet developed antlers beyond small, unbranched "buttons" or nubs. These are often covered in velvet and can be difficult to spot, making them sometimes mistaken for does. They are essentially adolescent male deer in their first year of life, still growing and developing their secondary sexual characteristics. Their diet is similar to that of adult deer, consisting of plants, forbs, and browse.

Identifying a button buck can be tricky, but look for small, unbranched nubs on its head where antlers would eventually grow. These "buttons" are often covered in velvet and might only be an inch or two long. Its body size will typically be smaller than an adult doe, and it might have a more slender build. Observing its behavior and looking for other deer in the group can also provide clues, as they often stay with their mothers.

A button buck is typically a deer in its first year of life, usually around 6 to 10 months old. They are born in the spring or early summer and by the fall or winter, they will have developed these small, unbranched antler nubs. As they approach their first birthday, they will begin to shed these velvet-covered buttons and start growing their first set of true antlers, which will become more prominent.

While biologically male, a button buck is generally not capable of breeding successfully. They are still developing sexually and physically. While they might show some interest in does during the rut, their sperm production and overall physical maturity are not sufficient for successful reproduction. Breeding typically occurs when male deer are more mature, usually starting around 1.5 to 2.5 years of age, when they have developed larger antlers and body mass.

Button bucks eat a diet similar to that of other deer, consisting primarily of vegetation. Their diet includes a variety of forbs, grasses, leaves, twigs, and fruits, depending on the season and available forage. They are herbivores and browsers, meaning they prefer to eat tender shoots and leaves rather than grazing on grass. Their nutritional needs are high as they are growing rapidly and developing their skeletal and muscular systems.

Yes, button bucks do shed their antlers, although their first "antlers" are more like velvet-covered nubs or buttons. These are typically shed in late winter or early spring, around the same time adult bucks shed their antlers. After shedding, they will begin to grow their first true set of antlers, which will be larger and more branched. This cycle of antler growth and shedding continues annually throughout their lives.

The legality of harvesting a button buck varies significantly by region and specific hunting regulations. In some areas, they might be counted towards an "antlerless" deer tag due to their small or non-existent visible antlers, while in others, they might be protected or require a specific "buck" tag. Hunters must always consult their local wildlife regulations and hunting guides to ensure compliance. Misidentification can lead to legal issues.

The main difference lies in antler development. A button buck has very small, unbranched nubs or "buttons" for antlers, often covered in velvet. A spike buck, on the other hand, has developed its first set of true antlers, which are typically unbranched spikes, at least a few inches long. Spike bucks are usually older than button bucks, often around 1.5 years old, having already shed their initial buttons and started growing their first full set of antlers.

Button bucks are often mistaken for does because their antler development is so minimal. The small, velvet-covered nubs are not easily visible, especially from a distance or in dense cover. Their body size is also similar to that of a smaller doe or a fawn. This visual similarity can lead to misidentification by hunters or wildlife observers, especially if they are not specifically looking for the subtle signs of a button buck.