Bucks using the Buddy System?

[Chuckster]

Well I didnt make it out this weekend but decided to get out tonight. Decided to try some spot and stalking since the weather was windy and rainy which makes it a little easier. I was glad I went out after driving by the first set of public land and seeing a nice young fork and a eight point duking it out or what I thought to be fighting through the binocs. It almost looked to me as I watched them for probly a half an hour that they were trying to maybe help each other get the velvet off their horns? I might be out of my mind but thats how it looked to me since they werent really into the whole ordeal and never really locked up just more of rubbing. Both of them were shedding their velvet and it looked like maybe they were using the buddy system. Has anyone else ever encountered anything like this before? If so I would like to hear any stories.

[panolo]

Usually I see most bucks together until the rut. Than the fighting is for real. That 8 would probably thrash that forkie if it was the rut and there was a hot doe in the area. As much as I like to eat them. There are an amazing creature to watch!

[bigbucks]

From what I've also read they are sparring & kind of casually find out who's stronger & tougher than who. I think most bucks that have done this with each other wouldn't ever fight unless they were always really closely matched.

[HavocTec]

I've seen them do this early on as well. From what I have read they calim that they are just being buds and sparring for fun.Kinda like people do I guess. Like Panolo says until the hot does are around , then the fighting becomes real..Come to think of it just like humans....