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Is he going to make it?

Gern186

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
10,171
201
NW Ohio Tundra
My first thoughts after seeing that series of pictures is that deer is probably dead by now. Pretty serious infection in the head area. I am saying he is dead. Hope he isn't though Phil.
 

bowhunter1023

Owner/Operator
Staff member
48,879
274
Appalachia
Bucks can die suddenly my too, meaning they still have antlers attached. It's a completely different death than suffering through an infection for months, especially during a time when most deer shed. There's sound science out there that indicates stress can cause them to shed earlier than they might otherwise. What Jake said may not be the rule, but it's certainly not wrong either.
 

hickslawns

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
39,721
248
Ohio
I cannot be certain since this buck has shed. . . But it seems like he is missing his left eye. Same property. I am thinking it is the same buck. I hope it is the same buck. That means he has made it this far and I would imagine he is going to make it into next hunting season. Same buck?

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giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
Looks the same to me. It'll be interesting to see what his rack does next year. If anything at all. I've got two bucks that show up every year with a dead eye and normal racks.
 

TimBuckToo

Junior Member
I'd have to say that's the same deer. Looks like maybe he had his rack established and then suffered the eye injury possibly due to an antler in the eye during a fight? Anyhow, next years rack will be likely be interesting!
 

hickslawns

Dignitary Member
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Ohio
Wow, he looks skinny. If we don't have an extended cold snap or deep snow he should survive.

He does look pretty thin, but he did in January too. He made it to March so I am feeling pretty good about it. If he was walking the other way to where I could see if there were any scars on his neck. . .I think I could confirm it is indeed him.
 

hickslawns

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
39,721
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Ohio
Nearly a month has passed. Never did find his antlers. I have an idea where I think they are. I just don't have permission to look for them where they most likely are. I am confident they are not on the properties I have permission to hunt or shed hunt. Antlers or not. . . .I was glad to see this on the card pull today. He is thin, but not as thin as he was a month or so back. He made it thru the winter. Mid November is when his eye was gouged out. It will be interesting to see what his rack does this year.

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finelyshedded

You know what!!!
Supporting Member
31,856
260
SW Ohio
I think you should call this deer Jack. Glad he's appears to be doing better! I'd continue to keep an eye out for him TOO!
 

hickslawns

Dignitary Member
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39,721
248
Ohio
I cannot be certain but I am fairly confident this is my one eyed buck. I zoomed in and it definitely appears he is missing the same eye. Rack looks very similar except larger. Surprisingly, his rack does not appear to be deformed at all. I figured one side would be all jacked up.