A button buck is a young male deer, typically a white-tailed deer, in its first year. The term refers to small, rounded pedicles on its head, the initial stages of antler growth. These characteristics distinguish them from adult deer and other young males. Understanding button bucks and their identification aids wildlife observation and management.
Defining a Button Buck
A button buck is a male deer approximately six to eight months old, still considered a fawn, typically born between late May and early June. The “buttons” are pedicles, bony growths on their skull where antlers will develop. These pedicles are usually covered in velvet, a soft, fuzzy skin, appearing as small nubs or bumps that do not significantly protrude beyond the hairline.
The size and visibility of these “buttons” vary based on genetics and nutrition. Some button bucks may have barely visible nubs, while others show more pronounced, knob-like structures. These pedicles are the foundation for future antler growth, which begins to harden and become more prominent in their second year.
Identifying Button Bucks
Identifying a button buck requires close observation of physical and behavioral cues. The most distinguishing feature is small, rounded, velvet-covered buttons on their head, differentiating them from does (females) that have flat heads. Unlike spike bucks, older males (one to two years old) with single, unbranched antlers, button bucks possess only these early-stage pedicles without developed antler points.
Button bucks have a more compact, square-bodied appearance compared to mature does. Their faces tend to be shorter and more rounded, while adult does have more elongated snouts and necks. While button bucks are often seen with their mothers, they may also travel alone; adult does frequently move in groups. Binoculars can help discern subtle head shape differences and the presence of small buttons, especially in low light.
Ecological and Management Considerations
Correctly identifying button bucks is important for wildlife management and hunting practices. In many areas, button bucks are classified as antlerless deer, meaning they can be harvested under antlerless deer tags, similar to does. Some jurisdictions may have specific regulations regarding their harvest, or hunters might choose to avoid them to allow these young males to mature and contribute to the future buck population.
Misidentification can occur, as button bucks can be mistaken for does, especially as they grow larger later in the season. Accidentally harvesting a button buck when intending to take a doe is a common mistake that can impact a property’s buck-to-doe ratio and future antlered deer availability. Wildlife managers encourage careful identification to maintain healthy deer herds and ensure a balanced population structure.