Is this a buck or a doe? Why?

[GMMAT]

Tell me what this is. Thanks.

[excalibur43]

First assumption is " Buck" because of the antler starting to grow, but it could be a doe. Can't tell unless you get a good pic of the " wedding tackle" !

[GMMAT]

I'm asking what you would determine this as if I made you choose.

Let me put it this way......

If I brought you the cape from this animal......and I had the headgear from a buck I shot this year......could you make the shoulder mount work? Is it (photo) a buck or a doe?

[excalibur43]

Like I said, it appears to be a very small immature buck, but I do not see any tarsal glands on the rear hocks. To answer your question, I personally would not attempt to put a rack on that cape. IMO, it would look out of proportion, and I would not try to fight it to make it work. As a taxidermist, your reputation goes out the door with every piece of work that you do. Everyone that person knows is going to see it, and alot of business is either gained or lost that way. Some taxi's may go ahead and do it, but I would not. Just my opinion.