I live in the NYC suburbs and we're now overrun with whitetail deer. I have a medium-large male who rests in my bushes that has one side of normal antlers and the other side comes out of his head and turns almost straight down. Is this a genetic deformity or the result of a fight? I have read that deer lose their antlers every season. If this is so could he grow a normal set next year if this is fight damage?
Dumb deer antler question
- Thread starter gdbleb
- Start date
Riesel
Gold $$ Contributor
This is probably the result of an injury he had last year, more than likely a bullet or arrow wound. I don't know about NY deer but these deer here will grow an abnormal set of antlers the year following an injury. Next year they will likely be normal, if he makes it that far.
Clancy
Silver $$ Contributor
If the damage is to the pedicle, it will continue to grow abnormally.
If it was damaged above the burr, he will grow a normal set next year.
The third possibility is that he had an injury to his rear leg opposite from that antler, and that will generally work its way out once the injury fully heals.
If it was damaged above the burr, he will grow a normal set next year.
The third possibility is that he had an injury to his rear leg opposite from that antler, and that will generally work its way out once the injury fully heals.
JSH
Gold $$ Contributor
If your concerned about genetics, take him out now.
In the 80’s, before white tail hunting got where it is today, hunted with a bunch of guys that were trying to improve the deer herd. There was a wide spread buck, one horn looked like a mulie, the other looked like a runt spike elk. They swore and be damned he was just old a d would spawn some magnificent offspring.
They left it be for 3-4 seasons. Damn thing finally got hit by a truck.
Forward 30+ years. One of the property owners grand son showed me a trail cam picture. There was a buck of similar looks to the one prior. The grandson went through a bunch of old pics his grandpa had and had a pic of the truck and the messed up buck. His grandpa was surprised and had forgot about it.
About like Democrat’s if they breed.
In the 80’s, before white tail hunting got where it is today, hunted with a bunch of guys that were trying to improve the deer herd. There was a wide spread buck, one horn looked like a mulie, the other looked like a runt spike elk. They swore and be damned he was just old a d would spawn some magnificent offspring.
They left it be for 3-4 seasons. Damn thing finally got hit by a truck.
Forward 30+ years. One of the property owners grand son showed me a trail cam picture. There was a buck of similar looks to the one prior. The grandson went through a bunch of old pics his grandpa had and had a pic of the truck and the messed up buck. His grandpa was surprised and had forgot about it.
About like Democrat’s if they breed.
It could be from a injury during growth or a genetic issue. If he lives until next year and you see him, with the same type of antler growth or a normal one, you will have the answer on this buck.
Remember (you can google information) animals that have ANTLERS loose them each year and grow new one's the next. Animals with HORNS, keep them and just continue growing/adding to the horn year round.
Antlers are shed each year, Horns are not is the simple answer.
Remember (you can google information) animals that have ANTLERS loose them each year and grow new one's the next. Animals with HORNS, keep them and just continue growing/adding to the horn year round.
Antlers are shed each year, Horns are not is the simple answer.
Was setting here drinking my coffee yesterday am watching a doe and fawn eat grass in my yard a hundred yards away.Coyotefurharvester
Silver $$ Contributor
Sept 7 a 8 pointer was caught on my trail can, right after the velvet fell off. The whole rack was bloody, ends of the tines darker and starting to dry. 2 days later most of the rack was white as he had probably been rubbing.
I am blessed on my little cabin on the mountain, deer, fox, bear and so many critters are in the yard every day and night. Some very nice bucks come and go and they are a joy to watch. Some stay year round, even with the snow on the ground.
And I can or could hunt right from the porch/deck. Life is good. ( just one example)
And I can or could hunt right from the porch/deck. Life is good. ( just one example)
Attachments
okie
Silver $$ Contributor
looks like he ran into a ford 150 lol
Old Navy
Gold $$ Contributor
Except for Antelope.
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.