Funny antlers.

[Matthew Bolton]

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.

[Doc Nock]

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!

[Jerry Jeffer]

This was a 5 point with the left antler having no branching. It also curved around the deer's ear.

[bamboo]

Originally 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!

 

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.....?

[Wudstix]

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.