Size of the track vs. age/size of the buck?

[TheSilverSlayer]

Is there a good way to gauge how big or old a buck is based on the size of his tracks or is it too variable to make any close guess? I found some real nice buck track while I was out over the weekend, snapped a pic of them in hopes that you all might be able to offer some insight.  Anyway, here they are, what do you think?

[boneaddict]

Yes, there is a correlation.  No there isn't a theory.   The older the bigger the buck, the bigger and blockier the track tends to be.  Antlers don't always follow the same rule.  Its all about genetics. 

[boneaddict]

P.s.  Best to judge tracks that are not running.  and on solid dirt ground. 

[huntnphool]

Exactly, Bone is 7' tall but has size 8 boots for example.

[TheSilverSlayer]

Allow me to add a disclaimer here.  I am relatively new to big game hunting, and am thus far self taught.  So, do these tracks appear to be running? Is that because the toes appear to be spread outward?

[boneaddict]

Size 14 actually but....


Yes, those appear to be running.  They are side by side, toes spread and heavily indented in the mud with forward pressure.  They are medium sized doe tracks by what I can see from here. 

[halflife65]

I was just about to say that those may be doe tracks.  They'll look like that in the mud...

[DOUBLELUNG]

Big track = big deer.  As Bone indicated, a bigger buck tends to be an older buck.  So, there is a correlation with age of bucks (not does, which achieve maximum body size by 3.5 typically).  However, there is variability in body size of adult bucks, and a big young buck of the same weight as an older buck will have a track of about the same length - though the young guy's toes may be more pointed (as Bone pointed out).  

I'd get very interested in any whitetail or mule deer with a 4"+ track.  

[boneaddict]

Average mature decent buck.  

Things to watch for.  Blocky or rounded tracks.  heavy deer do spread out their toes a bit.  Does always are more pointy.  A 4 inch long track and a width to go along with is awesome.  You won't see a 4 inch doe track.  

[merlo105]

What they all said except for theres no way to tell a deers sex by its track. If its big good chance a buck, if its average probably a young buck or a good doe.. so on and what not

[boneaddict]

With more and more experience, you'll be able to sort that stuff out

[TheSilverSlayer]

I had a buddy of mine tell me that when a track has those two little indents at the rear of the track it means its a buck. Do does tracks show this indent when running/jumping?

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

All deer have those dew claws, you see them when there is more pressure on the hoof, such as when running, or in deep mud, snow, etc......