Cryptorchid bucks...MT

[Mtnhunter1]

Might be an above average year for cryptorchid bucks in MT??

While poking around looking for lopers I have seen multiple bucks sporting velvet antlers. Very odd to see several velvet RACKED bucks in a group with only a spike and forky being hard horned.

Example: Photos taken Saturday, Oct. 15th.

 

[MThuntr]

Last year there were a bunch of reports. Some were talking about it possibly being linked to CWD or EHD or some else. Also shrunken or missing testicles. I don't remember what or if there was an official answer. I feel like there's a thread here somewhere. Central MT seems to have a higher amount at least that's what my ADD rattled brain is trying to remember.

 

[MThuntr]

Found it

Disease blamed for velvet-antlered bucks shot during hunting season

Hunters across north-central and northeast Montana reported seeing a large number of mule deer bucks in velvet this hunting season, according to Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

billingsgazette.com

 

[jpcoll01]

My cousin shot a nice wide forky in WY a couple weeks ago still in full velvet. Someone said that he likely didn't have testicles, but we didn't even look to see as we were working him up in the dark. This is super interesting.