Okay, thought I would try and get some opinions on this topic. The common theory in my neck of the woods is that the average Doe is dumber than the average Buck when it comes to avoiding hunters. However, I cannot see a reason from a scientific standpoint that this is true.
First, it would seem most predators over the years would go after Does rather than Bucks because Does are smaller. This would seem to cause Does to be more wary on average.
Second, perhaps Does are easier to kill in most areas because there are more of them. This would mean a greater number of stupid Does would be walking around compared to stupid Bucks.
Third, is there any differences between a Does ability to smell, see, and hear compared to a Buck?
I can see arguments that Bucks are smarter because of the years of intense hunting pressure on them. Do Bucks just seem smarter because they are more nocturnal than Does? Why are Bucks so nocturnal, is it hunting pressure? Any biologists out there have an opinion? How about you experienced hunters? Let the debate begin!!