Texas Hunter Finds Massive Shed

A "deadhead" antler, with the skull still attached, differs from a naturally cast "shed" antler. While shed antlers can be freely collected, possession of a deadhead is often regulated. In Texas, a wildlife resource document must accompany a deer head that is not with the tagged carcass, so proper documentation is crucial. The overlap of hunting seasons provides a unique opportunity for outdoors enthusiasts. In much of Texas, bucks shed their antlers from late winter through spring, with a high percentage on the ground by March and up to mid-May in the southern parts of the state. This coincides with the spring turkey season, which in 2026 runs from late March to early May in the north zone and mid-March to late April in the south zone. The size of antlers is measured using the Boone and Crockett scoring system, which adds up measurements of the main beams, tines, and inside spread. For non-typical antlers like the one found, the lengths of all abnormal points are added to the score. To qualify for the all-time Boone and Crockett record book, a non-typical whitetail must have a net score of at least 195 inches. The world record for a non-typical whitetail found dead is a staggering 333 7/8 inches, discovered in St. Louis County, Missouri, in 1981. The largest ever taken by a hunter scored 327 7/8 inches. These massive antlers are a result of a combination of age, genetics, and nutrition. Large and unique antlers can be highly valuable. While most are sold by the pound, trophy-sized non-typical racks can fetch significant prices from collectors. Exceptional antlers scoring over 200 inches can be worth thousands of dollars, with the most famous record-book bucks having insurance valuations of up to $200,000.