Unusual Antlers

by
posted on March 6, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
qa_ah2015_fs.jpg (3)

Q: I shot a mule deer in Wyoming last year with very unusual antlers. Every person I have shown them to says they have never seen anything like it. Can you tell me how this could happen?

A: Unusual antler formation can result from various factors. Bucks with noticeably asymmetrical antlers may simply be displaying a genetic trait that will surface in some individuals and can even become quite common in localized populations. Other malformations, includ­ing twisted beams and/or tines, palmation, and misshapen masses with numerous points (often small "stickers") may result from the buck's physical condition. In his book Antlers—Nature's Majestic Crown (Voyaguer Press, 1995), author Erwin Bauer cites," ... injury to the antler or pedicle early in development, screw worm infestations, or ... injuries to the animal elsewhere in the body" as some causes of nontypical antlers.

Latest

CZ 600+ ST3 American 2
CZ 600+ ST3 American 2

#SundayGunday: CZ 600+ ST3 American

On this week's #SundayGunday, we are taking a look at the new-for-2026 design of the CZ 600+ ST3 American, the ST3 being the long- and magnum-action model. Built by the legendary Czech company for the American market, this is a rifle adapted perfectly to hunting on this continent.

How Can Hunters Travel Out of State With Suppressed Firearms?

Getting federal and state agencies out of the way of the citizens who wish to use suppressors to make their guns more polite to their ears and to their neighbors’ is an ongoing, complex and multifaceted effort. There is, however, progress being made thanks to the Trump administration.

A Shared Memory Between Life’s Chapters

Check out this memorable hunting story from member William Scott Aldridge.

Hardware Review: Browning BAR MK 4 Hunter

First, the Browning Automatic Rifle addressed in this article is not the renowned 1918 BAR of military fame. I’ve actually seen an American Rifleman editor hunt hogs with a reproduction 1918 BAR. While it was a spectacle to behold, it’s probably not the optimal choice for the deer woods, but hey, who am I to judge? The Browning BAR we’re talking about in this article is the iconic hunting rifle.

Choice Ammunition—Montana’s Handloaded Factory Ammunition.

Today, we have many more projectile options than we’ve ever had. However, there are still some combinations that aren’t readily available, and some of our older cartridges have become all but unobtainable. Enter a boutique ammunition shop from Montana, the brainchild of Mr. Jon Wemple: meet Choice Ammunition.

Improving Buckshot Performance

Buckshot’s downrange effectiveness varies greatly, from stellar to lackluster, depending on the shotgun/choke configuration and specifics of the load. Here is what you need to know to extract its greatness.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.