What is the difference between a buck and a stag?

Answer by  mb (5482)

In the various deer species buck and stag are used indescriminately and interchangeably. In truth a buck is a male deer of any age. A stag is a male deer of proven reproductive success that has many mates. Its kind of like the whole alpha male and beta male thing in wolves.

Answer by  Anonymous

Well, technically they are meant for different types of deer. Just like a 'hart,' is a male red deer. In the case of stag and buck, however, popular language uses them for male deer in general.

Answer by  timmsa (577)

First of all they are both male deers. But the different between the 2 are the size of their antlers.

Answer by  SandyG (807)

They can actually mean the same thing. A buck is a male deer, antelope, or rabbit. A stag is specifically a male deer, or a castrated pig. A stag also refers to a "male only" party.

Answer by  aeturnus (474)

Like all other animals, deer come in generally two forms: male and female. Though it depends on the species being talked about, a male deer is often called a stag. A buck often refers to a white-tailed deer, while a stag often refers to a red deer. A hart is therefore another name for a stag, in this instance.

Answer by  dpboris (383)

It depends. Both terms usually simply mean "male deer". However, sometimes "stag" is used for males of large and medium-sized deer species, while "buck" is used for smaller species of deer. I've also heard there's a difference in the shape of the antlers, but I'm not 100% sure on that one.

Answer by  Cathy65 (652)

Male deer can be called either a buck or a stag. The difference is generally the size of the antlers. Most male deer are called bucks. Smaller male deer can be referred to as stags.

Answer by  Anonymous

Red and Sika deer are Stags Hinds & Calves whilst Fallow and Roe are Bucks Does and Fawns. This goes back to the middle ages when they were hunted by the gentry. Only the Red and Roe are native to britain.

Answer by  Anonymous

No difference except Brits like the term stag and Americans prefer buck.