If we are successful to wrap our tag on the antlers of one of these bucks , take a little time to reflect and be thankful that we have the opportunity to share nature with these magnificent creatures . •
harden into a “ club ”, however , as the summer progressed , the sacks dried up and fell off . According to the biologist , this was likely due to inadequate testosterone development .
This is not an entire list of what may cause deformed or non-typical antlers , but it gives us a good idea what to look for as we go afield this hunting season .
These magnificent animals we pursue every year are much more fascinating than just a crown of antlers they carry , they are real marvels of nature , performing natural processes unknown to any other species .
As summer fades , we will soon be heading to our favorite deer hunting spot or exploring a new one . The antlers will be complete and the velvet will be rubbed off . We ’ ll see the bucks move from alfalfa fields to grasses to herbs to forbs , and will start their annual rutting rituals .
If we are successful to wrap our tag on the antlers of one of these bucks , take a little time to reflect and be thankful that we have the opportunity to share nature with these magnificent creatures . •
Muth shot this buck in late October during the Montana season . The antlers were flexible and had not fully hardened and the buck ’ s testicles were the size of an almond . This could be a classic example of an EHD surviving buck .
This buck had blood sacks below both antlers and a papilloma on his shoulder . The sacks and papilloma dried and fell off leaving him looking like a typical spike .
Wayne Muth has been an outdoor writer and contributor for many outdoor magazines , journals and websites during his hunting career . He is an Official Measurer for Pope and Young , Longhunter ’ s Society ( muzzleloader ), and the ND Big Game Record Book and enjoys sharing his expertise on antlers , horns and scoring . Wayne has been bowhunting for over 40 years and loves to pursue mature mule deer and antelope . He lives in Mandan , ND with his wife Judy . They have 3 adult sons and 4 sweet granddaughters . All photos are by the author and are of wild , free-ranging deer .
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