Choosing the right roebuck

Roebuck season is here. Choosing the right buck is not always easy, but here are some tips on how you can more quickly determine if it is a keeper or not.

Roebuck hunting is a classic form of hunting that many European hunters appreciate. The hunt is performed from high seats, pürsch, and/or calling them in, or even with driving dogs later in the season.

A responsibility that the hunter bears is to choose the right buck to benefit the deer population. Choosing bucks that are older, or those smaller with poor aptitude is preferable. But choosing the right buck is not always the easiest thing to do.



Through binocular reconnaissance, you can learn to identify and preliminarily assess its age and appearance. The first characteristic of an older buck is the color. An older buck usually has a more yellowish coat compared to a young goat's red tones.

The other strong characteristic of a mature buck is its rough neck. Place a young and an old buck next to each other and you will see a clear difference. The body language of the whole buck is different, and with a little practice you can quickly identify whether it is an older or younger buck in the distance.

Once you have decided on these two things, you can start looking at the antlers. With age the circumference of the horns and burrs are larger, and the points grow longer. Even a young buck can have high horns, but it is precisely these bucks you want to save and let flourish to their full potential.

See you out there! Feel free to tag #normaammo in your success stories!

Text by: Staffan Johansson, Team Norma