kgkoon

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!!

Tree climber

I think it has to do with #"s, on most of the areas we hunt the does out # the bucks 5 or 6 to one,some places higher than thatso you are going to see more does than bucks.the bucks don't have to move around as much to find the ladys.
on the ranches where they manage the # and get them down to 2 to 1 then they always see more bucks, because the boys have to look harder for the girls.

There we have it started. Just my 2 cents,there are 98 more.<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

I am not a hunter I am a whitetail population reduction specialest

remember keep your back to the sun, your knife sharp, and your powder dry.

mauser06

around here i think bucks are alot smarter..i mean some are dumb as bricks and if you catch them in the peak of the rut even the big bruisers are love sick and will do about anything for a piece...but come rifle season they disappear and are way more suspicious than does and does been fair game for 2 seasons now...even button bucks run with their heads down when spooked just because for so many years bucks been killed because of whats on their head...rifle season does are just walking around feeding and going about their buisness...bucks tend to lay low most of the day and are realy suspicious while moving...i think they are smarter...does get pounded and you can still catch them walking in a field in rifle season like nothing is wrong...but then again we have alot more does than bucks and bucks been hunted alot harder in the past....

Deerslayer_37

i would say buck,except during the rut. i have had does walk 5 feet from my ground blind when i was standing up in it full view.i even had time to slowly sit down and bring my gun out for the buck in trail.

slayer

&quot;Accurate,Deadly,Dependable&quot;

Hawgz

LOLOL Sorry mauser06 I had to laugh on the button thing.I am not so sure the button's really know what's going on when they really start getting hit.It would be funny though to see a little button sneaking threw the woods head down and all. lolol<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

SAVE A HUNTER EATA PETA

timbercruiser

I think an old doe is usually much smarter. She usually has to use her wits to take care of not only herself, but two or three younguns at the same time. She is more exposed because she has to continually search for food for herself as well as the offspring. Guarantee you put one old doe and ten bucks in a food patch at the same time and the old doe will spot you first.

AJ52

I go for the biggest Doe early in season.The leader of the pack.

A Dominant Doe in the 2-4 yr class IMO is the smartest creature in the woods.You take her out EARLY in season Mr Buck becomes easier to pattern.The yearlings scatter aimlessly after the old lady is gone and so Mr Buck follows them directly to line of fire!'

It isn't always that simple.Just been my observation over the years.

trey78942

I dont know if sex is really what matters the most in deer wariness. I would say that the most important thing would be the age. I hunt in a buck only area so the doe dont have to be as careful as bucks. But on the other hand I have seen a group of two bucks and a few does stand in an open field while somebody shot and missed a buck 7 times, and the doe finally took off, and then one buck took off, but the other waited until it was chased into the woods with a truck. Anyway no matter what sex deer are going to get much smarter as they get older, because of the simple fact that they have lived longer and are more experienced.

Bionicrooster

I shot an old (3-4 yrs) doe this evening with Blackpowder, she stepped into a shooting lane and picked me out like I was waving a flag. Lucky for me I was ready when she stepped out and she didn't have time to snort. I think and old doe can be very smart, especially in a heavily hunted area, but a 5-6 yr old buck living in NJ, PA, MD, et ceterea, or anywhere hunting pressure is very high, may be the smartest animal in the woods, or at least the most cautious.

Just my .02

&quot;We do not inherit our wildlife from our fathers, we only borrow it from our children.&quot;

cardeer

A old doe is very smart indeed,the buttons are as dumb as a door knob most the time.