The MeatEater Podcast Ep. 807: Dew Claws, Buck Nuts, and Christmas Trees | MeatEater Radio Live!
Dec 19, 2025
In this lively discussion, Matt Ross, Senior Director of Conservation at the National Deer Association, uncovers the secrets of deer tracks and dewclaws, revealing their limited role and debunking sex identification myths. Meanwhile, Cornell professor Trent Preszler shares intriguing history about conifers and Christmas trees, touching on topics like the Pine Tree Riot and the decline in real tree sales. The hosts also engage in fun banter about holiday meals and even dive into some regrettable tattoos submitted by listeners. It's a blend of conservation wisdom and festive cheer!
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Dewclaws Are Evolutionary Leftovers
- Dewclaws are vestigial remnant digits found on both bucks and does and usually serve no functional purpose.
- Matt Ross explains deer evolved from species with four toes so dewc1aws are evolutionary leftovers.
Don't ID Bucks By Dewclaw Marks
- Do not assume a track with dewclaw marks is a buck because both sexes have dewc1aws.
- Use other sign rather than dewclaw presence to infer sex from tracks.
Hoof Spread Is Contextual Not Sexual
- Hoof spread varies with weight, gait, and substrate, so wide heart-shaped tracks don't reliably indicate a buck.
- Matt Ross warns soft mud and fast movement can make toes spread regardless of sex.