An old doe may leave a larger track than a middle-age buck. And a doe that spends most of her time on soft soil may leave a larger track than a same-age buck that lives over hard, rocky soil. Still, if you find a track that's huge compared to others in the same area, it's probably worth your attention. It may belong to an old doe, but if it belongs to a buck, it's probably a good buck. Also, keep in mind that old tracks often appear misleadingly large.
Fresh tracks have sharp, distinct edges, while old tracks show edges that are dull and vague.
Although doe tracks are sometimes splayed, those of bucks tend to be splayed more often and more widely. A deer's dewclaws register as two small round prints behind the main track. In many cases, dewclaw prints indicate only that the deer was sinking in soft earth, such as mud or sand. Drag marks are most easily seen and most reliable on a light blanket of snow, registering as long, narrow troughs cut in the snow between individual hoofprints. In deeper snow, however, does may leave drag marks as well.