Determining the Age of Your Deer

Buck Fawns ("Button Bucks")

• Antlers
  • Antler nubs or “buttons” that generally do not protrude through the skin 
  • Nubs may be visible or you may need to feel the forehead to confirm they are there  
• Size
  • Most weigh less than 90 lbs when field dressed  
• Facial characteristics
  • Compact, stubby nose 
  • Eyes and ears appear large 
  • Forehead may appear flattened 

Adult Bucks

• Antlers
  • Antlers always break through the skin, are hardened bone, and are usually longer than 3 inches 
  • Yearling bucks (1.5-year-olds) might be spikes or forkhorns, and antlers are usually narrower than the ears
  • Older bucks usually have larger, branched antlers that contain multiple points and are wider than the ears
• Size
  • Most weigh more than 90 lbs when field dressed  
• Facial characteristics
  • Elongated nose
  • Eyes and ears appear proportional

Doe Fawns

• Antlers
  • Lack antler nubs or “buttons”
• Size
  • Most weigh less than 80 lbs when field-dressed
• Facial characteristics
  • Compact, stubby nose 
  • Eyes and ears appear large

Adult Does

• Antlers
  • Lack antlers
• Size
  • Most weigh more than 80 lbs when field-dressed
• Facial characteristics
  • Elongated nose 
  • Eyes and ears appear proportional