What’s up with this Buck?

[eamyrick]

The area I hunt in Texas seems to consistently produce weird bucks. My understanding is that Mule Deer range much wider than Whitetail but this particular spot seems to be full of freaks. Thoughts?

 

[TxxAgg]

So what is the question again?

I'd shoot him.

 

[eamyrick]

So what is the question again?

I'd shoot him.

I’m just wondering if there is any element that contributes to an area with freakish genetic traits? Maybe drought? Also this area is 20 inch inside spread minimum so that’s an issue.

 

[TxxAgg]

I won't say anything if you shoot. Shhhhh

 

[FLATHEAD]

I'd shoot him.
Looks fine to me.

 

[Scottf270]

Once certain traits are present in a local herd, they can become the norm. Where I hunt in Montana has a large number of whitetails that are 9 pointers by eastern count. There are also some weird hybrids once in a while.

 

[ninja master]

Hybrid for sure

 

[hobbes]

Is his right eye in bad shape? If so, did whatever damaged the eye, damage the pedicle? He just looks like something is out of whack on his right pedicle causing the main beam to grow at an odd angle. There's nothing terribly unusual about a buck not being symmetrical.

 

[elkman224]

Could have an injury on the other side of his body which will cause the opposite antler to grow funny.

 

[wytx]

Genetics.
If someone is supplementing with minerals that can affect antlers.
That buck is no hybrid, look at the metatarsal glands to tell.
Looks to b close to 20" also, which I think they should go by antler point restrictions not spread.

Good luck on the mule deer, Texas tends to have some wide bucks.. That buck has mass and good size, looks mature to me.

 

[TheTone]

I’m just wondering if there is any element that contributes to an area with freakish genetic traits? Maybe drought? Also this area is 20 inch inside spread minimum so that’s an issue.

Bummer on the spread, I don’t think he would make it

Super cool buck and I don’t think he has anything wrong with him other than maybe an injury to a pedicle or during antler growth

 

[cuerro viejo]

That is not genetics. That is a product of an injury. He is also blind on one side. Which could be the cause of the deformation

 

[cuerro viejo]

Lock at the antler pedicle, it’s twice the size of other which is 99% normally an injury. Also remember it’s 20 outside not in.

 

[wytx]

Yep , that buck has an injury but the others with the same traits are genetic not injuries, meaning lots of same antler configurations are genetic.
And yes he is 20" outside.
Good mass on him, more than I notice on most Texas muleys.
Good luck, looks like a nice spot to hunt.