Originally Posted by
Rieber
Best way to tell is to measure the length and diameter of it's poop, that and the squeeze test will give you the best estimate. Young deer are sensitive to alfalfa so they process that stuff really quickly to get it out of their system - it doesn't have time to breakdown and compact so as a result you have a rather crumbly but pliable and shinny poop. The older doe have a more sophisticated digestive system and break down everything, even twigs, to a hard dry, almost pellet fuel type stool. This causes them some discomfort and you'll see them hunch up some when they defecate - young deer don't hunch up when the poop. This is also known as "turtle trouble" a similar condition that road hunters also get when they eat too much chips and beef jerky in the truck and not drink enough water. When the turtle gets angry, nobody is happy.
The best way to know for sure is to collect various bags of the droppings, mark them and identify them on your spreadsheet at home. Send the sample bags to Jelvis for his professional analysis and see what he tells you.
Glad I could help you this morning. For more information on this subject please speak to someone that actually know what the hell they are talking about. The third of coffee this morning tipped me over the edge a little - sorry.