Fallow buck antler growth

[jon15]

I just wanted to ask a question. I have been shooting a lot of prickets lately that have what I would describe as buttons for antlers, not the usual single spike of 6”. They have big bases but no vertical growth so are very difficult to identify in low light. They are good bodied beasts and no different in weight to the prickets that show spikes, so I do not think nutrition is the reason. I will put up some pictures of both types I’ve shot on the same ground. Would be very interested in others views knowledge on this.

 

[User00025]

Get a lot just the same, some really long spikes, some looked almost melted and caramelised.
Thought it was something to do with feed but don't think so now as we have some mature bucks with good antlers and some with soft spellers all on the same ground. Must be genetic somewhere.

 

[jon15]

Get a lot just the same, some really long spikes, some looked almost melted and caramelised.
Thought it was something to do with feed but don't think so now as we have some mature bucks with good antlers and some with soft spellers all on the same ground. Must be genetic somewhere.

Horseman, I think that makes the most sense, thought it might just be my area with these button antlers, I’m in Suffolk, where are you?

 

[User00025]

Horseman, I think that makes the most sense, thought it might just be my area with these button antlers, I’m in Suffolk, where are you?

South Lincs.

 

[stalkerboydy]

I'd agree with Fourth Horseman "Genetic" in the last week I've shot similar Prickets in Kent- Surrey - Essex and Suffolk. As for identifying ( sorry for stating the obvious ) look between legs if not study neck colour/size and position of the ears also the way it walks these will indicate Male as opposed to Female. The one i shot this morning first glance was female when after studying what I've suggested it was safe legal good cull animal so i took the shot.

 

[Will mac]

Not always the case but often these button beasts significantly bigger body weights here.

 

[User00025]

Definitely Will, our caramelized bump heads this year are heavier by 10-15 lbs than spiked prickets on same ground.

 

[jon15]

Not always the case but often these button beasts significantly bigger body weights here.

By the sounds of things, everyone has got them. Does anyone know if they go on to be normal headed bucks or do they stay like this and almost become a hummel type fallow?

 

[stalkerboydy]

Can't answer that Jon15 as everyone i get chance to i shoot it as my policy is " even and above the ears it's left "

 

[User00043]

Rockingham Forest area just the same.

 

[User00025]

Rockingham Forest area just the same.

Probably the same genetics Paul, but I think the original Rockingham deer were all melanistic not common.

 

[User00043]

Probably the same genetics Paul, but I think the original Rockingham deer were all melanistic not common.

Yes, 40 years ago on my first permission (only 2 miles from Rockingham Castle) they were nearly all melanistic
It was very rare to see common/menil or white.

 

[Sheamus]

We get the same on the ground here in north Staffs with second year Bucks. Though over the years I have noticed that malformed one`s generally weigh in slightly heavier than the one`s with normal prickett spikes.

 

[jon15]

I shot another one tonight, he was 98lbs clean in the larder. Still don’t know, do they go on to form normal antlers in the following years??

 

[User00043]

I shot another one tonight, he was 98lbs clean in the larder. Still don’t know, do they go on to form normal antlers in the following years??

Judging by his neck I would put him done as a Sorrell possibly even a Sore
Teeth will give you a better indication of his age

 

[FISH BOY]

Definitely Will, our caramelized bump heads this year are heavier by 10-15 lbs than spiked prickets on same ground.

36kg top, bottom 29kg

 

[Boghossian]

Agree the 'button bucks' tend to be heavier than 'standard prickets' - i've checked teeth and they aren't 3/4 yo animals either.

 

[Sheamus]

From personal experiences you will also find similar antler deformities as above in red deer too.

 

[User00025]

The funny thing is most deer on these photos do have a vestige of a spike. Ours either have a full spike(of varying length) or something resembling a prune or half a walnut as if it's been melted.

 

[1894]

Its perfectly normal to have a variety of pricket types. I see this variety in 3 counties. I do know some estates where tall even prickets will be saved in the belief they will make better trophies