Deer communicate through a diverse range of sounds and behaviors, a complex language that allows them to interact within their environment. Bucks utilize a variety of vocalizations and physical cues to convey messages about their presence, dominance, and reproductive status.
Primary Vocalizations and Their Purpose
Bucks employ several types of grunts, each serving a unique communicative function. The social grunt, a short and soft “urrpp” sound, is used for general communication and maintaining contact within a group. This non-aggressive call signals a buck’s presence.
During the rut, bucks use more specialized grunts. A trailing grunt, characterized by a series of short, rhythmic “urp-urp-urp” sounds, indicates a buck is actively pursuing a doe, often when following her scent. The tending grunt, a more urgent and often raspy “urrrrrrrp” sound, is emitted when a buck is guarding a doe ready to breed, conveying both interest and a degree of frustration or dominance. Some bucks also produce a deeper growl or roar, sometimes called a breeding bellow, especially when a doe is nearby but not receptive, expressing heightened frustration.
Sounds of Aggression and Alarm
Bucks also produce sounds to signal aggression or alarm. The snort, a sharp expulsion of air, serves as a warning when a deer detects danger. While does also snort, a buck’s snort can be part of a more complex aggressive display.
The snort-wheeze is a distinctly aggressive vocalization, typically consisting of one to three snorts followed by a drawn-out wheezing sound. This call is made by bucks to challenge rivals and assert dominance, especially during the rut. It signals a buck’s readiness to fight and is often accompanied by aggressive body posturing.
Non-Vocal Communication Cues
Beyond vocalizations, bucks communicate through sounds produced by their actions. The clashing of antlers, known as rattling, is a non-vocal cue, particularly during the rut. This sound simulates a fight between two bucks, often attracting other bucks interested in challenging for dominance or out of curiosity. Bucks also rub their antlers on trees, which serves as a scent-marking behavior to establish territory and attract females.
Bucks also use their hooves to communicate. Pawing or scraping the ground creates auditory cues that signal a buck’s presence and territorial claims. A foot stomp can be a warning signal, sometimes used in conjunction with snorting to alert other deer to danger.
Identifying Buck Sounds Specifically
Distinguishing buck sounds from those of does or fawns requires recognizing specific characteristics. Buck grunts have a lower, deeper pitch compared to the higher, more nasal grunts of does, due to their larger bodies and longer necks. This deeper resonance is an indicator when listening for deer vocalizations.
The snort-wheeze is exclusively a buck vocalization, making it a reliable sign of their presence. While both sexes can snort, the distinct wheeze is characteristic of an aggressive buck. Listeners can also identify buck activity by the sounds of antler rubbing on trees or the aggressive clashing of antlers, which are unique to males. Paying attention to context, such as timing during the rut and accompanying behaviors, helps identify buck sounds.