Antler Deformity Qestion

[JBJTX81]

Have 3 bucks from last year that I expected to all be larger this year. 1 of the 3 actually put on a few inches the other 2 declined big time. I'll post up some pics when I can.

Question. All 3 were very symmetrical last year. All 3 have a weaker left side this year and all 3 appear to have damaged their left mainbeams during the antler growth process and the damage/waviness appears b/w the base and G2.
What could cause this? Genetics? A subpar spring rain fall? They all hurt their left antler on the same protein feeder at the same point during antler growth? This has me scratching my head big time.

[dustinztx]

Are you feeding cotton seed? I have heard that deer will get there antlers caught in the square wire during the growing season which could case deformity? We have never experienced it but just a thought.

[walker1983]

Our deer have learned to bang their head and antlers on the protein feeders to get more feed out. We often see the bigger bucks with crazy looking G2's which I assume is them hitting them against the metal feeder in velvet.
Might be what you have going on?

[B&C]

Our deer have learned to bang their head and antlers on the protein feeders to get more feed out. We often see the bigger bucks with crazy looking G2's which I assume is them hitting them against the metal feeder in velvet.
Might be what you have going on?

Most of ours kick the feeders but have a few that use their antlers....

We have deformities every year but they always seem to clean up the following season.