Strange deformed antler

[sundog]

 

[sundog]

It was found by a friend while walking her dog
I have a wee story in my head of what has happened and when but what do you think?

 

[Freeforester]

Damaged in velvet, probably early April, coming to fenced off low ground? Cast following year where it jumped the fence? Or been shot at after dark around same season..

 

[sundog]

There's a hole down the centre of the beam. Infection?

 

[Freeforester]

Looks as if he may have been shot at when moving away from the direction of the lamp… that said, the brow tine is well developed, and probably developed fully as it is below the ‘potential’ impact point of the small calibre weapon. The bez seems to have been affected more from the trauma; I’d like the other 4-6 missing times be taken into consideration, m’Lud.

‘Now, pass me my slippers and meerschaum, my dear Watson’

 

[sundog]

 

[Freeforester]

Thoughts about fly strike too, but that early in the year? Unlikely, though of it came off a staggie then the timing may be nearer May to early June. The wound seems to have undergone a bit of a blow up, but this could also be infection rather than mechanical/ ballistic.

Best stop conjecture now, as much like the puir beast, my head hurts!

 

[sundog]

Aye. I think someone's had a go at a head shot and missed.
Around May because the brow and second tine have already formed.
It's then been cast the following April into a peaty puddle which has stained the main part of the antler but left a tide line round the bottom of the tines.
The sun has bleached the points and then they've been chewed by a passing beast.
I think it's great