Shoot - Shovel - and Shutup

Problem solved.

They didn't lose your antlers, if it was me I would bring the authorities into it. And would never give them any business again.

Howler covered most of it.They also make jewelry,and knives with them.Hmm..makes me think,could someone make a custom striker with one?

do some of you make it a point to make a bad day worse or is it normal?

allseason, what do you mean by that? I would have called the
cops then and there. I mean when, in years past when I did
drop my deer off at the butcher I expected the rack to be there
when I returned for my meat!

What are you implying? Things are different in different areas and all 11pts aren't equal. I still can't understand how anyone would leave any antlers that they were planning on keeping at a processors. Why would you do that? There is no reason for it. Take them with you when you go!! You think maybe he should make the same mistake twice?

I'm not sure about other states , but here there is a damn good "reason for it" , it's required by law. When we tag a buck , the tag is attached to the antler , the registration tag is also attatched to the antler. Both tags are required by law to remain with the animal.

I've never heard of a processor losing someones antlers, around here anyway , especially considering it would be illegal to transport the meat home without the tags. It would also be illegal to process the meat without the tags.

If I were in your situation I would press legal action imediately. I would bet your antlers would show up real quick. If he doesn't have them , he sure as hell knows who does.

If you took a picture, go to a taxidermist and try to get a price estimate for a replica of them. (it wont be cheap) They'll either have to come up with your rack or pay the bill. If they refuse, take em to small claims court or file a claim on their liability insurance for their failure to exercise proper care custody and control.

If nothing else, they will be more careful in the future either not to steal or in preventing theft from others. That wont replace your rack but it may help other hunters whopatronize this idiot

They are thieves. In Texas, we almost always just gut it and take it to the processor. I have had meat and hides stolen, but never antlers. I have heard of antlers stolen here. To have our antlers removed, we need to have a receipt with the meat before it is completel processed. Without that, it is a poached animal. I once had my meat stolen. I was 16. I went back with my dad and they forked over meat, gave me my money back, and gave me a free processing. I threw the coupon away. The processor I used to use sells the left over antlers at the end of the year for about $30 per set for rattling antlers. They sell the scrap, hides, and hoofs to the fertilizer company. It is in there best interest to keep as much as possible. Your arn't paying them per pound. Another processor lost my dad's first hog he ever shot. They made it up to him by giving him some rancid old pork chops.

Call the Game Warden.

clearly by stating there antlers not horns doesnt help much..

MAN you must be uptight.