Found this interesting

[BUCKSNBULLS]

So, back in Sep. I took this archery bull. If you notice, his left doesn’t match the right. Small split between 5-6, 4th about -4”, and downturned 1st. When butchering, I found there to be larger calcified mass on the right scapula. Didn’t think much of it at the time, as butchering gets old after a few hours. I had told a taxidermist buddy about it, and he kept hounding me to find it and clean it up. Digging through the burn pile last week, I found it. Here’s a couple more pictures of the bull and the scapula from the right front. You’ll notice the small lead fragment.

 

[BOWUNTR]

To me... there's nothing unusual about the antler configuration... they're all different in some way or another. It does look like an injury to the scapula though. Ed F

 

[mjb]

He's been shot before......use to see it all the time on pigs harvested on Tejon..... especially when they did the POR's.
Nice bull!

 

[nicapopolis]

To me... there's nothing unusual about the antler configuration... they're all different in some way or another. It does look like an injury to the scapula though. Ed F

I was confused by that as well, Ed. I wasn't sure if the OP was suggesting that the injury caused the left and right side antler to not match perfectly or if they were un related comments.

Nice bull, good job.

 

[BUCKSNBULLS]

Yes, I am suggesting growth was possibly inhibited or stunted by the injury. Also realize genetics play in. And very few would if ever perfectly match. This particular area, genetics are very typical. Rarely do you see bulls with missing points, antler abnormalities, or down turned points. The couple I have seen with down turned point, match on each side. I’m just suggesting the possibility! If added up there would be a 15-20” deduction on one antler. I’m going to X-ray just to see the damage, severity of bone infection, or any other frags will be found.

 

[paulc]

Looks like the dog would be willing to finish cleaning up the bones for you.
I steamed the horns on a Barbary ram we killed one time to slip them off. Once off there was a bullet lodged in the horn. That was pretty cool. Have found broad heads, old bullets etc in various places on elk and deer. I dont know the answer if injuries or wounds affect antler grown. We have killed some really funky horned elk that have no visible wounds or scars. I have heard the theory before.