Jason N

Occasionally I will see a set of antlers that have "bubbles" on the tines or holes in the beams and tines. These holes look like something burrowed into the antler while it was still in velvet. Those of you that have seen this know what I'm trying to say. Do any of you know what causes these holes? I've heard it's from bugs(what kind I don't know). What causes the "bubbles" or "acorns" on th tines?

Any info is appreciated. Any links or articles are most helpful.

Thanks!

Fullback

I've often heard that warvles cause the anlters to be pitted.....and I've also heard or read that ticks will cause the same thing.

In our line of work, we must be able to play Dixie and the Battle Hym of the Republic, With Equal Enthusiasm.

kodiakhuntmaster

I read in some magazine that it was from ticks that suck on the blood of the antlers while they are in velvet. It had pictures that showed the whole thing. The antler grows around the tick untill it comes out. makes holes up to the size of the end of your finger. They could also be damaged in other ways but mostly ticks.

"Hey ya'll, watch this"

smokepoledoug

I have a deer mounted that has a hole in it's horn and also a 9 point that has an acorn on one of the tines a couple of inches from the tip of the antler. The acorns I have heard are caused by damage to the antler tip while in velvet and the holes by burrowing worms during the velvet time.

model722

This is caused by bugs like the other people have said.

skeeter 7MM

Yeap bugs in the velvet stages. I have a couple racks that exhibit these holes.

Two Beards

The latest issue of "Deer & Deer Hunting" has a
informative article on this topic. Bugs and ticks
while in velvet are the cause.

They also show a picture of a larva/grub that
hatches and grows in the nose of some unlucky
deer! It wasn't my magazine so I only got to
glance at it. After seeing a few pics I handed
it back...<img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>

Jason N

Thanks for the info guys.

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