Just how common are drop tines?

[jljjdye]

Just curious if it is a pretty common thing for most hunters to have seen drop tines on a deer?

[Mr. Whiskers]

I've seen 1 free range deer with a drop tine in 37 years of hunting.

[BrandonA]

Not that common... But really depends on the local area. On our old ranch in Menard in 10+ yrs one drop tine. Our place in Mills Cnty. Last year saw 2 bucks with drops. This yr have 3 on film including a double drop.

[CWKATTNER]

I shot one in 2003. TPWD game biologist told me 1:250,000 bucks have a drop.

[BigRed323]

Never seen one

[HoustonHunter]

Been hunting for a long time and never seen one.

[Fajkus7]

On our place in San Saba I got pictures or a 2 year old main frame 8 with a drop this year. SUPER excited about what this deer could be in 3 or 4 years. Only free range drop tine I've ever seen.

[talltexasshoote]

Seen two in my life. Both were young.

[duckiller]

Never seen one outside a pen.

[BrandonA]

I think drops are a rare genetic trait... Somewhat similar to brows tine length and mass. Some areas are known for mass, width, tine length, points, and trash.

[Big pig]

Less than 5 in 50 years. But there were some bad leases during the early years.

I prefer mass, but it's cool too see one.

[Razrbk89]

I've never seen one alive or dead. They're definitely not common up here.

[DOUBLE.A]

Bottom right. Forked drop. Shot him about 7 yrs ago in Houston county. Biologist at talents said he was 2.5 yrs old. I saw one other drop. Was a huge deer. Not in bow range and only for a few seconds.

[Possum9]

Out of my 7 good bucks I have killed 2 had drop tines one was 7 in and the other was 4. I would like to post pictures just haven't figured it out yet. If someone could tell me how to post from I phone I will put them up. Also all were low fence in Anderson county.

[Muddy Bud]

I have seen two free range drop tine bucks in my life time. But quite a few live high fenced ones.