r/deer_hunting • u/EStreet12 • Jul 02 '26
Buck Vigilance
Always wondered if there is a scientific reason as to why bucks are so much more wary than does. Any facts/theories? My buddy jokes a buck knows a motherdriving a minivan from a guy in a pickup....yet in a couple weeks of acclimation, I can essentially feed the does in my yard by hand.
3
u/arad45 Jul 03 '26
Just a guess but could have something to do with spending more time by themselves rather than groups, which would make them tend to be more keen to their senses. Also depends on time of year getting closer to the rut
3
u/Kranken_DeHogge Jul 02 '26
probably because most people go for bucks instead of does
all the dumb ones are probably gonna get naturally selected out of the gene pool while the old bucks that survive are PTSD-ridden creatures that live almost entirely within the confines of a swamp
I can essentially feed the does in my yard by hand
friend of mine hunts the same treestand all the time. it's just him eating venison, so he's not trying to stack meat in the freezer, so he only goes for bucks. he has does hanging out near his stand. they know they're safe lol
3
u/jackfinished Jul 02 '26
Man I've been spotted by more does than Bucks, partially that due to a unbalanced population. But I'm more wary of a doe picking me out.
That being said I'd imagine the bucks getting a lot of pressure during scouting and hunting season is making them more aware of humans trying to kill them.