I would think smarter in different ways. Does are raising babies and finding food to feed the herd as well as trying to stay alive. A buck has a target on his back from the time he has 3inch spikes on his head. Hes just trying to stay alive. Ive always thought bucks were more scared than smart. Seems like to me they stay in a mode similar to a frightened juvenile horse, if youve ever been around one of those. That is except when theyre in rut.
