This buck has a broken pedicle causing the antler to grow down instead of its natural location . The buck also had sacks of blood thought to be caused by residual EHD effects .
The two photos at left represent a buck with an injured leg that caused a deformed antler .
ment . Due to this lack of testosterone , bucks may not shed their velvet or their antlers . In years during an EHD outbreak , we witnessed several bucks still in velvet well into November and December . EHD will also cause antlers to be very brittle and can break off when trying to drag or move a buck .
Residual effects of EHD can also impact the shedding of antlers . A buck may not lose its antler ’ s due to low testosterone . Subsequently , during the next growing season , antler material may grow around the base of the still attached antler , forming the ‘ Cactus Buck ” look .
Other antler oddities may be seen as well . During the year following an EHD breakout , I photographed a couple of bucks that grew what appeared to be sacks of blood that hung down by each antler . The anticipation was these sacks would
that are harvested and you will find that this holds true .
EHD has created questions in recent years about antler growth and if it is a contributor to odd antler formation . This is a viral disease caused by biting midges that creates a fever , weakness , edema and internal bleeding . Deer can survive EHD , however side effects from the fever and high internal body temps may cause atrophy of a buck ’ s testicles and inhibiting testosterone develop-
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