concerned about buck fawn antler

this yearling buck damamged his antler a few weeks ago. i am concerned because it keeps getting larger and not falling off. it is probably two or three times this size now. should i let it run its course or do i need to remove it?

You should've removed it when it happened. If he rips it off he is going to bleed to death. If you have any questions give me a call. You need to get it off NOW



Matt Anthony

814-594-9510

I have never dealt with this first hand, but it can be treated. I agree with Matt, this needs some attention.



The reason it is getting bigger is because the blood is filling up in the antler just like a bad bruise. And, as Matt said, if it get banged or cut, there will be a lot of bloodflow.



I have seen this treated with rubber bands and pipe clamps. Anything that will act as a turnicate to stop the bloodflow. The antler will be killed for this growing season. But the buck will more easily recover from this. If it continues, it could end up in a serious antler infection and/or maggot infestation.



Take a pipe clamp and put it around the antler at the lowest portion below the injured area. Tighten the clamp as tight as you can get it. This will cause the antler above the clamp to stop growing and dry up. I have also seen this done with small rubber bands that are used for castrating calves. The same concept in each use.

I had this happen to one of my bucks last year. I treated him and he's doing fine this year. If you need any help or advice call me.

Troy Haller

814-885-6210