What Are Non Typical Deer Antlers?
Non typical deer antlers refer to antlers that grow in abnormal shapes and formations. Unlike the symmetrical and branched shape of typical deer antlers, non typical antlers can take on bizarre and irregular shapes with abnormal points, bends, and branches.
Causes of Non Typical Deer Antler Growth
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of non typical deer antlers:
- Genetics - Some deer may have genetic predispositions that lead to irregular antler growth patterns.
- Injury - If a deer damages its pedicle (the part of the skull that antlers grow from) as a fawn, it can disrupt normal antler growth.
- Age - As deer mature, trauma to the pedicles over time can cause abnormal antler growth.
- Hormones - Imbalanced or fluctuating testosterone levels may trigger atypical antler growth.
- Tumors & Growths - Abnormal tissue or tumor growths on the pedicles can displace normal antler growth.
Genetic Factors Behind Non Typical Antlers
One of the main contributors to non typical deer antlers are genetic factors. Here’s a deeper look at how genetics influence irregular antler growth:
• Some bucks inherit genes from parents or ancestors that make them genetically prone to growing non typical racks.
• This genetic predisposition gets passed down from generation to generation, and some bloodlines are more well-known for non typical antlers than others.
• Even if a buck comes from parents with typical antlers, spontaneous genetic mutations can still lead to the expression of non typical antler characteristics.
Physical Damage and Non Typical Racks
Injuries to a deer’s pedicle or antlers can also lead to antler abnormalities later on. Here are some ways physical trauma causes non typical growth:
• Bucks who injure pedicles as fawns may heal with scar tissue or physical deformities that displace future antler growth.
• Trauma from fighting during mating seasons can damage growing antlers, leading to abnormalities the following year.
• Older bucks with years of built up scar tissue on injured pedicles are more likely to develop non typical racks.
Age and Hormones Behind Antler Growth
A deer's hormones and age also influence the way their antlers develop:
• As testosterone levels peak when a buck reaches sexual maturity, antler growth accelerates.
• Fluctuating testosterone can disrupt symmetrical antler development.
• Older bucks have longer exposure to pedicle trauma from fighting and antler growth, increasing chances of abnormalities.
• Later in life, testosterone levels begin to drop, which can slow antler regeneration leading to irregular shapes.
Spotting a Buck With Non Typical Antlers
Being able to identify a non typical deer rack comes down to spotting some key characteristics:
• Lots of irregular points and bends that appear random and asymmetrical
• Bumps, knots, or strange shapes along the main beams
• Noticeably mismatched antlers on the right and left side
• Abnormal curves that seem out of place from a typical rack
Scoring Non Typical Deer Antlers
To score non typical antlers, judges measure the same parts of the rack as a typical deer. The difference is they also add up the total length and number of abnormal points and protrusions.
• First each main beam is measured along with all typical tines and circumferences.
• Then every abnormal point longer than 1 inch is also measured and tallied.
• Total non typical points must exceed typical points by at least 30% of the rack's score to qualify.
This scoring system accounts for both normal and irregular antler growth to give an accurate overall score.
Hunting Deer With Non Typical Antlers
Bucks with non typical antlers are rare trophies for hunters. Here is some key information about hunting these unique deer:
• Numbers - Nationwide, only about 1 in 5,000 whitetail bucks grow non typical racks.
• Location – Find areas with older deer and look for rubs high up on trees that may indicate a tall non typical rack.
• Pedigree – If local bloodlines are known for non typical antlers, chances increase in that area.
• Patience – Be prepared to dedicate more time and effort to have a chance at harvesting a buck with special antlers.
Because they are so rare, deer with non typical antlers are some of the most prized big game animals a hunter can successfully pursue.
FAQs
What percentage of deer grow non typical antlers?
Only around 1 in 5,000 white-tailed deer bucks grow non typical antlers. This makes them a rare sight.
How can you tell a deer has non typical antlers?
Look for mismatched, asymmetrical antlers with abnormal points and shapes that appear random rather than branched. Bumps, knots, and strange curves indicate non typical growth.
Can deer genetically pass down non typical antlers?
Yes, genetics plays a major role. Some bloodlines are predisposed to non typical racks being passed down across generations.
At what age do deer start growing non typical antlers?
Younger deer tend to have typical antlers. Non typical growth usually starts later in life as trauma, hormones, and age contribute to abnormalities.
Why hunt deer with non typical antlers?
Because of their rarity, bucks with non typical racks are prized trophies for hunters. Their unique and irregular shapes also make them more valuable scoring-wise.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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