Antler characteristics can be determined by a number of factors, including genetics.
QUESTION: What causes all of these kickers, especially on the bases?
ANSWER: Several things influence the shape, size and configuration of deer antlers, including age, nutrition, genetics and injury.
For example, most yearling bucks sport spikes or 4-point racks – but some grow six or even eight points when there’s ample nutrition and perhaps the right genetic potential.
As the name implies, most bucks sport typical racks, but some suffer an injuries that affect antler growth, or they might be genetically pre-disposed for a non-typical rack. The latter instance may not express itself until the deer gets older.
After a buck reaches maturity, skeletal growth ceases and, with adequate nutrition, more resources are available for antler growth, which is why mature deer generally grow larger racks. That additional growth adds mass and tine length, but can also result in more non-typical or abnormal points.
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