A button buck is a young male deer, typically around six months old, characterized by the small, undeveloped nubs on its head where antlers will eventually grow.
Understanding Button Bucks
Button bucks are part of the early life stage of male deer. While often seen as distinct, they are still considered fawns, a term that applies to young deer through their entire first year of life. Whitetail fawns, including future button bucks, are generally born between late May and early June, making them approximately six months old by late fall or early winter, which is often when they are observed with their defining "buttons."
Key Identification Features
The most distinctive feature of a button buck is the presence of two small, bony protuberances on its forehead. These "buttons" are the very beginnings of what will later develop into full antlers. Unlike older bucks, these nubs are not yet true antlers and may be covered in velvet, a soft, fuzzy skin that supplies blood and nutrients for antler growth.
To help identify a button buck, consider the following characteristics:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Age | Approximately six months old. |
| Sex | Male. |
| Antler Development | Possesses two small, rounded nubs (buttons) on the head. |
| Body Size | Smaller than adult deer, still fawn-sized or slightly larger. |
Life Cycle of a Button Buck
From the time they are born in late spring or early summer, young deer are referred to as fawns. A male fawn will transition into being called a "button buck" once these characteristic nubs become visible. These nubs will continue to develop, eventually becoming the deer's first set of antlers in subsequent years, marking its progression into a yearling or a mature buck.
