Around the areas I hunt we have a weird genetic issue where we get quite a few bucks that grow one big spike and then a nub. Occasionally the spike will make a legit anter with points but the nub stays a nub.
I bring this up because I want to hear y'all's stories about messed up horns that seem to be prevalent in an area. The picture is one of the deer I'm speaking of.
(http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/i433/matthewbolton1/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_0427.jpg)
Here's one.
We also have an area central PA that has some HUGE spikes... I've seen bucks that I swear were pushing 140# and had 12-14" bladed spikes... I've seen some of these bucks for the past 2-3 yrs get bigger bodies and longer horns...but no branching.
There is reported to be a 17" wide 4pt up there... at least 3 yrs old!
I shot this buck a few years ago... still had velvet inside on the palmated area... 7pt, but went about it in a weird way! I don't think he's more than 10" wide!
BTW, our Game Commission in it's infinite broad-brush wisdom, feels all spikes are "late born fawns" so their verboten...and these 2-3 yr old spikes are breeding more and more... I saw dozens of them this year!
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm292/DavidLandis/09buck4-1.jpg)
This was a 5 point with the left antler having no branching. It also curved around the deer's ear.
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f196/jjeffer/94buck-1.jpg)
QuoteOriginally posted by Doc Nock:
BTW, our Game Commission in it's infinite broad-brush wisdom, feels all spikes are "late born fawns" so their verboten...and these 2-3 yr old spikes are breeding more and more... I saw dozens of them this year!
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm292/DavidLandis/09buck4-1.jpg)
doc--- we're getting the same thing up here to---now i've seen a few nice bucks too -but the freakish spikes and monster forks are getting common--the area i hunt in north jersey is getting alot of uneven freaks too--something is going on.....?
Texas has many antler restriction counties that have to be 13" wide if branched antler. Spike on one side is OK I believe. Haven't seen an increase in freaky deer, just in the city limits were they can not be hunted.