CAN YOU TELL BUCKS FROM DOES?

If a buck is to reach that magical 10 inch mark, it will need to be very close to it after three years of age, otherwise it will not do so within its lifespan.

This is because the hook of the horn is the greatest determinate of the horn size and all things being equal, it is genetics that determine the quality of the hooks on a buck. For this reason, it’s important to recognise the likely genetic potential of the chamois in the region you are hunting.

Mature does can have some impressive horns too, with the New Zealand record for length currently being held by the horns from a doe. Normally however, doe horns will have neither the hook nor the same length as a similar-aged buck. A very old (10+ years) doe and especially a barren doe is considered a fine trophy in its European homeland. Taking