Couple of other comments,
There can be a 2.5 yo button buck.. I've seen a few over the years. THey are hard horned and just knots or nubs. Not sure if broke in velvet and never finished or just pure trash but it happens.
As to mature bucks being tasty and tender when processed right, I'd sure like to know the secret... flavor after aging has been ok, but different. And its hard to get rid of the tough, unless tenderized really well or burgered..
I suspect its why you don't buy prime ribeye cuts off an 12 year old 2000 pound bull either... if they can't make it right at a processor, you sure can't at home.
Heck you can see and smell the difference from a 6 plus year old buck and a 2 year old animal every time.
