Been interesting to see these fights. Bucks still locked up on does here, noses to the air and to the ground today when I was doing work at the place. Had a little snow last night pictures from the last two day.

I've seen bucks spar many times but only a few all out knock down/ drag out ones between mature bucks. It I sight to witness the power.

That last buck is a beauty.

Dry summer?

Osky

I’ve seen 2 knock down drag out fights before and it’s no wonder a lot of mature bucks die after the rut. When it comes to rattling, there is no way a human could duplicate the intensity or last the duration of a true fight.
These were Whitetails I watched and I’d made up my mind even if one came within range afterwards I wasn’t shooting. Even the loser had my respect that day.

never witness a buck fight

Good morning from Southern Indiana 25* real feel 17*

Awesome pictures

That heavy horned mule buck must have been locked up pretty good to break them off. I have noticed a couple others with broken tines this year when I'm there working.

Found a BUSTED OFF complete right side once while trapping once along the river.

Was duck hunting the other weekend and heard a loud THWOCK! up on a ridge about 200 yards away, then another THWOCK!!!, as if a big man was wailing on a tree with a ax handle. At first I didnt have any idea what ti was then I heard the classic rattling of fight and I swear even leaves and brush being torn up. Went on for 5 mins or so then silent for 10 mins then another THWOCK and 10 or 15 seconds later more of the classic noise.

That THWOCK was very loud and unlike any other sound I have every heard, I am assuming they were some big boys mixing it up on that ridge.


Mike

Seen some sparring but came across an area that was torn to heck deep gouges in the dirt trees had bark torn off and deer hair embedded in them about 50 yds wide broken limbs and small trees alover thinkin it was serious
Don't know Osky quite a few sightings and cam pics of Bucks with broken tines or 1 side missing in my area this year

On the farm Dad and I have hunted for about 20 years, every single buck we've shot has had significant antler damage. More than just missing tips. Entire tines, including brow, and even some busted main beams.

A very sharp guy in Montana told then illustrated to me how the water conditions had a significant affect on antler growth in both deer and elk.
It is particularly evident in elk but shows in deer as well. Dry years make fragile antlers.
His ranch had plenty of rain this year, not a banged up rack to be found and he has plenty to look at. Just a year or two ago it was the opposite where nearly all had breaks of one kind or another.
Hence I asked had it been a dry summer up there?

Osky

Osky, yes very dry and also the year before was dry.