How to Tell a Yearling Buck From a Yearling Doe

Look for antlers on the deer. Depending on the time of the year, a button buck will have antler nubs emerging from the top of his head. If the yearling is a bit older, he may even have a small set of antlers. The head of a yearling buck is also more flattened between the ears so that the antlers can emerge, whereas a yearling doe's head tends to be more rounded on top.

Look for male genitalia. Look below the deer's hindquarters for any signs a ball sac or hair-covered penis sheath, both of which would indicate a yearling buck. Visually inspect the deer when it is standing still to get the clearest view and use binoculars to get a better look if checking out the deer at a distance.

Evaluate the size of the deer. The body of a button buck deer is generally larger than that of a yearling doe. Button bucks are occasionally mistaken for adult does because they are so large in size. While their sizes may be similar, an adult doe will have a more rectangular body shape and long neck, while a yearling buck will have a squarer, boxy shape and shorter neck.

Check to see if the yearling is alone. Yearling bucks commonly keep to themselves and are loners unless it is mating season, during which they may be around does they are pursuing. If you see a group of yearling deer together, there's a good chance that they are all does.