Doe vs. Buck: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on February 20, 2024
A doe is a female deer, while a buck is a male deer.
Key Differences
Doe refers to a female deer, characterized by its lack of antlers and generally smaller stature compared to a buck, which denotes a male deer. Bucks are known for their prominent antlers, which they shed and regrow annually, a feature not seen in does.
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In the context of behavior, a doe is typically more nurturing, particularly when rearing fawns. In contrast, a buck is more territorial and often engages in fights with other bucks, especially during mating seasons, using their antlers as weapons.
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The lifespan of a doe can differ slightly from that of a buck. Does usually live longer due to less involvement in aggressive behaviors, unlike bucks who engage in risky fights that can impact their longevity.
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In hunting and wildlife observation, does are often more discreet and can be harder to spot, whereas bucks are sought after for their impressive antlers. The presence of a buck in a habitat can signify a healthy deer population.
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During the mating season, the behavior of does and bucks varies significantly. Does will often signal their readiness to mate, while bucks roam more extensively, using their antlers to show dominance and attract mates.
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Comparison Chart
Physical Characteristics
Usually smaller, no antlers.
Larger, with prominent antlers.
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Lifespan
Generally longer due to less aggressive behavior.
Shorter due to risky behaviors.
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Hunting and Observation
More discreet, harder to spot.
Sought after for antlers, more visible.
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Mating Season Behavior
Signals readiness to mate.
Roams, shows dominance with antlers.
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Doe and Buck Definitions
Doe
Doe can also refer to a female of other animal species such as hares.
A doe rabbit was spotted near the bushes.
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Buck
A buck is a male deer, often with large antlers.
The buck stood majestically at the edge of the forest.
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Buck
Buck is sometimes used to denote a robust or energetic young man.
He's a real buck, always ready for adventure.
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Doe
Doe is sometimes used metaphorically to represent a female or woman.
She's the doe of her social circle, always looking out for others.
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Buck
In a historical context, 'buck' was used to refer to an Aboriginal young man.
The story talks about a brave buck from the tribe.
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Doe
The female of various other mammals, such as antelopes, kangaroos, mice, or rabbits.
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Buck
The male of various other mammals, such as antelopes, kangaroos, mice, or rabbits.
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Doe
A female deer; also used of similar animals such as antelope, (less commonly goat as nanny is also used).
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Buck
An act or instance of bucking
A horse that unseated its rider on the first buck.
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Doe
A female deer or antelope; specifically, the female of the fallow deer, of which the male is called a buck. Also applied to the female of other animals, as the rabbit. See the Note under Buck.
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Doe
The federal department responsible for maintaining a national energy policy of the United States; created in 1977
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Doe
In a broader sense, 'doe' symbolizes gentleness and nurturing traits.
She was as caring as a doe with her children.
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Doe
In legal or official contexts, 'Doe' represents an anonymous or unidentified female.
The case was filed under Jane Doe.
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Buck
A hundred of some other units, especially miles per hour or pounds
Was doing a buck twenty out on the Interstate.
A boxer weighing in at a buck fifty.
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Buck
(Games) A counter or marker formerly passed from one poker player to another to indicate an obligation, especially one's turn to deal.
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Buck
(Informal) Obligation to account for something; responsibility
Tried to pass the buck for the failure to his boss.
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Buck
To make sudden jerky movements; jolt
The motor bucked and lurched before it finally ran smoothly.
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Buck
To throw or toss by bucking
Buck off a rider.
Bucked the packsaddle off its back.
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Buck
To oppose directly and stubbornly; go against
“Los Angeles County, the most populous county in the country, is bucking the trend” (American Demographics).
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Buck
To pass (a task or duty) to another, especially so as to avoid responsibility
"We will see the stifling of initiative and the increased bucking of decisions to the top" (Winston Lord).
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Buck
Of the lowest rank in a specified military category
A buck private.
A buck sergeant.
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Buck
A male deer, antelope, sheep, goat, rabbit, hare, and sometimes the male of other animals such as the hamster, ferret and shad.
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Buck
A young buck; an adventurous, impetuous, dashing, or high-spirited young man.
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Buck
One hundred.
The police caught me driving a buck forty [140 miles per hour] on the freeway.
That skinny guy? C'mon, he can't weigh more than a buck and a quarter [125 pounds].
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Buck
Clipping of buckshot
He loaded the shotgun with two rounds of double-ought buck.
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Buck
An implement the body of which is likened to a male sheep’s body due maintaining a stiff-legged position as if by stubbornness.
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Buck
The body of a post mill, particularly in East Anglia. See Wikipedia:Windmill machinery.
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Buck
A wood or metal frame used by automotive customizers and restorers to assist in the shaping of sheet metal bodywork.
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Buck
(dated) An object of various types, placed on a table to indicate turn or status; such as a brass object, placed in rotation on a US Navy wardroom dining table to indicate which officer is to be served first, or an item passed around a poker table indicating the dealer or placed in the pot to remind the winner of some privilege or obligation when his or her turn to deal next comes.
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Buck
Lye or suds in which cloth is soaked in the operation of bleaching, or in which clothes are washed.
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Buck
To leap upward arching its back, coming down with head low and forelegs stiff, forcefully kicking its hind legs upward, often in an attempt to dislodge or throw a rider or pack.
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Buck
To subject to a mode of punishment which consists of tying the wrists together, passing the arms over the bent knees, and putting a stick across the arms and in the angle formed by the knees.
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Buck
To resist obstinately; oppose or object strongly.
The vice president bucked at the board's latest solution.
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Buck
To move or operate in a sharp, jerking, or uneven manner.
The motor bucked and sputtered before dying completely.
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Buck
To overcome or shed (e.g., an impediment or expectation), in pursuit of a goal; to force a way through despite (an obstacle); to resist or proceed against.
The plane bucked a strong headwind.
Our managers have to learn to buck the trend and do the right thing for their employees.
John is really bucking the odds on that risky business venture. He's doing quite well.
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Buck
(riveting) To press a reinforcing device (bucking bar) against (the force of a rivet) in order to absorb vibration and increase expansion. See Wikipedia: Rivet:Installation.
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Buck
(forestry) To saw a felled tree into shorter lengths, as for firewood.
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Buck
(electronics) To output a voltage that is lower than the input voltage. See Wikipedia: Buck converter
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Buck
To soak, steep or boil in lye or suds, as part of the bleaching process.
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Buck
To wash (clothes) in lye or suds, or, in later usage, by beating them on stones in running water.
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Buck
Lye or suds in which cloth is soaked in the operation of bleaching, or in which clothes are washed.
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Buck
The male of deer, especially fallow deer and antelopes, or of goats, sheep, hares, and rabbits.
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Buck
A gay, dashing young fellow; a fop; a dandy.
The leading bucks of the day.
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Buck
To wash (clothes) in lye or suds, or, in later usage, by beating them on stones in running water.
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Buck
To spring with quick plunging leaps, descending with the fore legs rigid and the head held as low down as possible; - said of a vicious horse or mule.
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Buck
To subject to a mode of punishment which consists in tying the wrists together, passing the arms over the bent knees, and putting a stick across the arms and in the angle formed by the knees.
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Buck
A gymnastic horse without pommels and with one end elongated; used lengthwise for vaulting
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Buck
United States author whose novels drew on her experiences as a missionary in China (1892-1973)
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Buck
Move quickly and violently;
The car tore down the street
He came charging into my office
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Buck
Jump vertically, with legs stiff and back arched;
The yung filly bucked
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Buck
Buck also refers to male rabbits and some other mammals.
The young buck rabbit hopped across the field.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is the lifespan of a buck?
Bucks have a shorter lifespan, often due to risky behaviors.
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Do bucks shed their antlers?
Yes, bucks shed and regrow their antlers annually.
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Why are does hard to spot in the wild?
Does are more discreet and blend in with their environment.
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Is 'doe' used in any legal context?
Yes, 'Doe' is used for unidentified or anonymous females in legal contexts.
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Why do bucks have antlers?
Bucks use antlers for fighting and attracting mates.
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How long do does live?
Does generally live longer due to less aggressive behavior.
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Are does or bucks more aggressive?
Bucks are more aggressive, especially during mating season.
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Can 'buck' mean something other than an animal?
In slang, it can refer to a dollar.
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Are does good mothers?
Yes, does are known for being nurturing and protective of their fawns.
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Can the term 'buck' refer to other animals?
Yes, it can also refer to male rabbits and other mammals.
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What is a metaphorical use of 'doe'?
It symbolizes gentleness and nurturing characteristics.
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Are bucks solitary?
Bucks are more solitary, especially outside of mating seasons.
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Do does and bucks have different diets?
Their diets are similar, mostly consisting of vegetation.
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Do bucks fight each other?
Yes, bucks often fight for territory or during mating seasons.
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Is there a significant size difference between does and bucks?
Yes, bucks are generally larger and more robust than does.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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