Analysis of a deer herd for hunting puurposes, displays four distinct groups of deer based on their behaviour during the season. These divisions are does and fawns, 1 1/2 year old bucks, sub-dominate bucks and dominant bucks. Although these units blend imperfectly into each successive group as defined, the delineation is very helpful as to how, when and where to hunt for them.

Does and fawns are together throughout the season with the possible exception of the few days the doe reserves to herself for mating. Even during this period the fawns will not be too far distant, usually just out of reach of horns. They travel a route as predictable as night and day, sticking so closely to a schedule, that if undisturbed, their expected arrival on the scene can be predicted by your watch.

The 1 1/2 year old bucks on the other hand in a "Bucks Only" hunting scenario are experiencing hunting pressure for the first time,sexually mature but they have never known Rut, and suffering from rejection by their mother with the arrival of the new fawns. They are young, immature and definitely confused from all the many changes in such a short period. They wander to and fro between the sub-dominant bachelor groups and the does, not being really accepted by either and mostly just tolerated to hang around the area where these groups happen to be. Given these conditions, is there any doubt as to why this group comprises the bulk of the buck harvest?

The sub-dominant bucks can range from 2 1/2 up to 4 1/2 years of age, sexually mature, but held down by the more aggressive, more physically endowed dominant bucks. They band together in small bachelor groups during the summer, carrying this relationship into fall, and try to participate in the rut as much as allowed. It is not unusual to find several of these animals together even late in the season. Although they are an easier target than the dominant bucks, they have experienced both hunting and rut pressure before and their behaviour shows greater awareness of danger than the young bucks.

Dominant bucks do not necessarily come one to the tract, co-dominance in my experience is more the rule than the exception, and these boys will hang out together just like the sub-dominants, however there are fewer of them and usually they recognize and are subservient to the strongest and meanest among them. That is not to say that they will be kept from breeding, and fights are certainly part of the program. Many times they are semi solitary, choosing to cruise the neighborhood alone, but always in the shadows not too far distant there is a rival just in case opportunity knocks.

There are many factors that determine the strategy and tactics for a hunt, but this basic understanding of the herd is the platform upon which the effort is based. Luck is a wonderful element and many times a necessaary one for taking a trophy buck and thinking of the herd comprised of these groups will make you luckier.