Skull with normal antler
pedicles post antler
shedding.
Skull with abnormal antler
growth which prevented
antler shedding on one side
likely due to pedicle, skull
injury or brain abscess.
Mechanical and physical injuries further contribute to
asymmetry. For example, injuries during velvet, insect
damage or damage to the pedicle or skull plate can disrupt
growth, dramatically impacting antler size and shape.
Leg injuries can cause major to minor antler asymmetries,
known as contralateral asymmetry, which disrupts the
transfer of nutrients toward the growing antler side
opposite the injured leg, often resulting in abnormal antler
shape and size.
To better understand antler symmetry in Nebraska's
white-tailed deer herd, we conducted a long-term study
within the Central Platte River Valley. Our research
focused on naturally shed antlers which provided us with
a unique opportunity to evaluate the final state of antler
pairs following growth, rubbing and fighting damage. We
studied more than 200 antler pairs and evaluated both
standard Boone and Crockett Club as well as a suite of novel
antler measurements to determine the most symmetric
measurements between each antler, while additionally
determining symmetric differences between ages. Our
measurements included main beam length, tine lengths,
antler points, main beam and antler tine circumferences,
tine branching angles, pedicle depth and shape, antler
mass, total score and the branching point of each tine.
We found that the most symmetric measurements
between antler sides included main beam length, pedicle
seal area and the initial main beam and tine circumferences.
The least symmetric and most inconsistent measurements
PHOTOS BY RYAN HOLT, NEBRASKALAND
54 Nebraskaland • August-September 2026
