Schultz...I wouldn't sweat it...Your genetics won't change that drastically in that short a time span...I'd put money that the year to year fluctuation has to do with food, stress, disease, drought, etc....These are the tangible things that go into antlers, which can effect little bucks and big bucks alike...Early in life they are geared towards body growth with antlers as a side effect, so any of these factors could drastically reduce antlers (would be 6 pt to forks or spike)....


Just my guess, but it isn't a change in genetics of your herd, Im betting it is a year to year fluctuation in something more tangible such as a food or mineral shortage this spring/summer, perhaps a late summer drought, added pressure creating excessive stress, alot of things can effect antlers.

Take with a grain of salt, your experience is five fold of what I have, just taking a guess at it from what I have seen here. EHD demolished alot of herds last year around here, and on some farms the difference is definately noticeable.