On the button buck issue, looking at the shape of the head and body and observing behavior are probably more reliable indicators of whether the deer is a button buck or doe than looking for the button antlers, which may or may not be visible. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission published a pamphlet a few years ago with several factors to look for to avoid shooting a button buck, but I can't find it on-line right now.
Here are some guidelines that are similar to the ones the AGFC published:
Michigan DNR guidelines for distinguishing between button bucks and does 
