A young male deer is called a buck. The term “buck” is thought to come from the Old English word buc which means male deer. Bucks are typically larger and stronger than does (female deer) and they have antlers which are used to attract mates and defend against predators.
Bucks usually begin growing antlers in the spring and they shed them each year in the fall. Antlers are made of bone and they are covered in a hairy skin called velvet. bucks will rub their antlers against trees to remove the velvet before the fall mating season.
Mating season or rut typically begins in September or October. During this time bucks will compete for does by fighting with other bucks and by showing off their antlers. Bucks will also urinate on their antlers and then rub them on their bodies to spread their scent and attract does.
After mating bucks will spend the winter alone. They will live off of their fat reserves and they will grow new antlers in preparation for the next mating season.
What is a young male deer called?
A buck.
