I need advice on a buck

[T. J. Mercer]

I have this guy frequenting my backyard. Obviously, if he had both antlers, he'd be something to behold.

I'd like to hear your thoughts, experiences, observations on antler breaks.
If they break down into the skull, I would imagine that buck is forever messed up, that it'll grow back wonky. Am I right?
If they break off above the base, can they grow back the following year normally?
Can this be genetic?

If one of my kids has a shot on it, I won't tell them 'no,' but I'm curious to know how many of y'all would let this one walk hoping it would have both next year (assuming nobody else shoots it first).

Thanks,
TJM

 

[cbhunter]

With his horns already growing screwed up, I suspect her will never again grow anything that resembles matching the other side. Heck of a buck regardless

But I'm no pro on the subject at all

 

[backyardtndeer]

Will be interested in hearing some of the experts take on this. I think, whether he has a normal rack next year would depend on what caused the left antler to be screwed up.

That buck looks mature to me, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot him.

 

[bwgarrett3]

After the past two years I'm convinced it can be genetic. My son killed a deer last year that we thought was broken off. Thought he should have been an 8pt. When we recovered him he simply had a single horn on the right side. This year I have pics of 3 other deer with multiple horns on the left and a single horn on the right.

 

[huvrman]

I'd shoot it.

 

[redblood]

That doesnt appear to be a broken rack. Maybe caused by an injury that has now healed. Id see what he did next yr and if messed up next yr, fire away!

 

[Chief44]

We had a buck on our place a few years ago with only one side. We watched him for 3 years and finally decided to kill him if we got the opportunity. Good rack on one side and just a nub on the other. He was like that all 3 years that we saw him. The good side just got a little bigger each year.

 

[themanpcl]

One of the better bucks I have seen in the woods was sporting only 1 side and I would have shot him if he had ever screwed up and gave me an opportunity. I'd drop that one for sure.

 

[megalomaniac]

Just a pedicle injury from last years fighting or unclean shedding. Nothing wrong with him genetically, although it's unlikely he will ever grow a normal rack.

Here's a good example of the injury with the damage to the skull itself.

 

[Antler Daddy]

I'd pull the trigger on him.

 

[338lapuaman]

confidence builder for a young hunter or huntress.....let a kid pull the trigger.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

Pedicle injury. You'll never know if he will be normal or wonky next year until next year gets here.