RE: Buck Rubs on small trees
I agree that you can't really tell a bucks rack size by the size of trees he rubs.
I have hunted deer that snap small trees in half, then I assume its a nice deer to have that strength for one and to be able to get the tree tangled up in his rack enough to break it.
I like looking at each rub itself. Things like, the amount of shavings on the ground. How "deep" the deer is rubbing. There are two rubs in an area I am hunting this year that in just year alone, the buck has rubbed about 1/4 out of the tree, not including bark. I haven't gotten any pics of him yet, but I am assuming that he probably has a really heavy rack. I have hunted this spot yday and seen three does. I hunted it this morning and seen six does. I am going back this afternoon. I know theres a nice buck there, just wish he could come out with his ladies.
Its easier to tell the a deer's rack "shape" than size. YOu can do this by seeing if theres any deep gashes or uniquie things about the rub.
If you find a "sign post" rub, it probably gets rubbed by every buck that passes it. So, those are deff. hard to tell.