Distinguishing Deer Tracks

[Scott M]

So I could probably google this, but I'd prefer to hear from the real experts. How do you differentiate deer tracks...size of animal, sex, other things that can be gleaned from a good reading?

I can't afford a trail camera yet, but I have seen tons of tracks under my stand

[Nate McVey]

First off, I always look at size.........seems dumb to say (and I don't think you are Scott) but that is first step. Next I try and figure out which tracks are solo and which are pairs and triples (helps distinguish does, fawns and yearlings). When I narrow down the single tracks, I look at how deep the impression is in the ground, that tells you how heavy it is. Another thing I look for is the distance between tracks, if there are toe drag marks, if they head in a direct line and how far apart do the toes spread.

Most of this I transferred from elk hunting, but I would think it holds true for whitetail as well.

PS, hope things are going well.