Can you see the toe dragger in this group of tracks? The other tracks are also made by big bucks but one set of tracks is likely made by an older buck. Toes dragging is a sign of an older buck. You can apply these same concepts to big buck tracks in mud, sand, wet ground…etc.
BUCK REC CENTER PICTURES OF WALKING TRACKS HOW TO
My article below: How to Track Big Woods Bucks in Snow – The Art of Reading Deer Tracks goes into detail on how to differentiate big buck tracks from smaller deer tracks in snow. What Do Big Buck Tracks Look Like? Big Buck Tracks In Snow Big bucks will also drag their feet more in deeper snow, leaving cross country ski-like trails in their wake. All deer will drag their feet in deeper snow but big bucks will drag their feet in very little snow. This is accomplished by not lifting their feet any higher than is absolutely necessary. In snow, big bucks will drag their feet because they are heavier, older, stiffer, and are trying to conserve as much energy as possible when they walk. A longer stride means a longer buck which means a heavier deer. The stride of a deer is also an indicator of weight because it measures the overall length of the deer.
The toes of these bucks will be pointed outwards rather than strait ahead. On big bucks the dewclaws are also tilted at a 45-degree angle and setback from the toes further than lighter deer, which will be closer to the toes and more strait.Īnother indicator of weight is the swagger or weight of a deer because a wide swagger means a big chested buck, or a fatter buck. That said, the dewclaws will be much more pronounced and wider than those of smaller deer. It is possible to see the dewclaws of does and smaller bucks in soft mud and snow. Both does and buck have dew claws but usually only big bucks will leave clear dewclaw marks. The dew claws are the two digits that are located behind the toes of a deer. The heavier a buck is the more is toes will spread out to hold the weight of the deer. Splayed toes also goes hand-in-hand with track width. When I am referring to splayed toes I am talking about the gap between the toes. The wideness of a track is usually a direct correlation to weight. A track that is around 3-inches is width is usually made by a big buck. Track width is probably a better indicator than track length but they often go hand-in-hand.
However, there is more to consider than just track length. I’ve found tracks that are around 4.5-inches in length or bigger have potential to be a big buck track. The length of the track is a great indicator of a big buck track simply because big buck tracks will be bigger than the rest of the deer herd. After You’ve Considered The Above Factors, it’s time to consider the following: This track could still be made by a big buck but more information is needed for an accurate determination. The dew claws are pretty close together and the deer appears to have slipped forward slightly upon impact. You can tell a running track because the hooves will be close together (note the track just above my hand). This is a photo of a running deer track that looks big. For example, if the temperature is above freezing and the tracks are melting, the track will round-out making it looking bigger than it actually is. In snow conditions, temperature plays a big role in the size of a track. It is important to establish whether the deer is walking or running when the track was made to get an accurate determination. This causes the toes to splay and the dew clays to show. This is because when a deer is running there is more momentum when the track is made. If possible it is always a good idea to follow the tracks to get an average stride length.Ī running track can look like a big buck track but when in reality it may just be a doe or small buck. If he is well rested and actively seeking does then his stride will appear long, if that same deer is feeding his stride length will appear short. Stride length of a deer track will vary depending on what the deer is doing. In these situations it is important to use the other indicators below to gauge if the track was indeed made by a big buck. When a deer track sinks into the ground the toes can appear more splayed and the dew claws will appear more clearly. Soft ground can make tracks look bigger than they are because they sink in further. Here’s how you can be sure you’ve found a big buck track: Key Identification Features Of Big Buck Tracks Factors That Make Deer Tracks Look Bigger Than They Actually Are:įirst, you’ll want to consider these factors because these can cause you to misjudge a track: However, if you’re not careful you might mistake a smaller deer for a big buck track. Big buck tracks have some key features that separate them from smaller deer tracks.
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