What is a Buttonbuck?

Question

On my girls hunting licence it says ButtonBuck.. Is that the same thing as a Spike buck?

Answer 1

Maybe. In theory, button bucks are six or eight months old. When looked at end-on, the top of the head looks slightly concave as opposed to the convex shape of a doe's head, but it's still easy to shoot one by accident when trying to shoot a doe. Spikes are a peculiarity: some are the same age with antlers that are a bit ahead of their peers, but most are yearlings (18-20 months old) with retarded antler growth. It was once thought that spikes were genetically inferior, and in MS they were culled fairly aggressively for that reason until a study at Mississippi State University showed that this year's spikes, when well fed, produced fine antlers the following year. Those findings turned the rules around in MS and several other states, so now spikes are protected, and only fork-horned bucks or does are legal for harvest. Of course, as noted above, button bucks are still killed by accident, but we try not to, in order to improve the buck-to-doe ratio in the herd.

Answer 2

Well in Maine Button Bucks are classified as antler less deer. You need a permit to hunt any deer. Bucks with antlers over 4" long do not need a permit just a license. But any deer with antlers under 4" or no antlers you need the permit. Every state is different. Check with your local town office and law book.

Answer 3

Most states count a button or nubbin buck as a doe as it is extremely hard to see the buttons (antlers usually and inch or so high) when you see the deer at any distance. I shot one once and until I went to field dress it didn't even notice the buttons they were so small.

I am guessing the allowance on your girls license is indicative that she is allowed to shoot a button buck and probably also a doe in it's stead. You may wish to Google your state DNR or check your regulations to confirm.

And good luck to both of you. The meat from a nubbin buck is so tender.

Answer 4

Buttonbuck is a very young buck whose antlers have just broken or are about to break the skin. The antlers appears as knots on the head of the young buck. This is all the antlers this young buck will have that year.

Answer 5

Also called a nubber, or nubbin' buck. An immature buck with two 'nubs' or 'buttons' where the antlers are just beginning to protrude from the skull. Great eatin'.

Answer 6

A button buck is a very young buck that has only a couple of little antler buttons emerging from its head.

Answer 7

Usually a yearling that has tiny eruptions rather than antlers. Would definitely not make a trophy, but would be a basis for ridcule if one didn't wait for something bigger. That is, of course, if you find great enjoyment in hunting horns rather than meat.

Answer 8

They look like buttons protruding through the top of its head, hence the term button Buck.*

Answer 9

yes