UofLbowhunter wrote:
Would the measurement of the distance of the dew claws and hoof be an indicator of buck size? Or would the gate of the deer make that very too?
Great Question! This was a key to me in selecting tracks. dew claw width is very important in my decision on how big a track is but again it is important to judge from a walking track on firm ground. The dew claws will splay when they hit the ground as well. The entire track will spread out (including the dews) in soft soil and or when running. The gate affects it as well the further the stride the more downward force when the hoof hits. Another thing that people forget (or are not aware of) is the track will look bigger going downhill and smaller going uphill.
A rested deer will leave a smaller looking track than when he is tired.
UofLbowhunter wrote:If a doe had a big track, one that could fool you into think its a buck track, do they have dew claw marks or less of marks? Can you tell the difference, with out actually seeing them make the track?
A big heavy doe track will look pretty much the same as a big buck. In soil conditions that tend to wear hooves, bucks tend to more rounded on the tips because they put on more miles.
The best way to determine the difference between a buck or doe track is to read the
series of tracks. during the rut, a buck will cut straight across country on a steady walk. They go fairly straight and hardly ever stop to eat or meander. Check when they pee, watch for rubs or scrapes, bucks almost always check out every bed they cme across. Bucks travel alone. Good bucks wont follow in other deer tracks for very long.