Strange happenings

So, today I submitt two different deer for your viewing pleasure. The first is a buck with a large growth on his chest. I have pics of the same buck from last year with no growth. My girlfriend the nurse says she thinks it’s a thyroid goiter. Something I was not familiar with. Did a quick search and they say that low Iodine levels in the soil can cause these types of growths in bucks, and will cause hair loss in does. Seen a few other bucks with smaller growths, but not this big.

That brings me to the second deer. A doe who has seemingly lost all hair between her head and the bottom of her belly. I’ve seen a few other deer with patches of hair loss, but none like her. Hers is severe.

So, all evidence on the table. Is this worthy of reporting to the department of fish and wildlife, and would these deer be considered healthy to eat?

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I have seen bucks like that with injuries or broken arrow. The doe looks like it transitioning summer to winter coats. :dono:popcorn

I'd report the buck. Not sure I would let it get to the kitchen table. Watch the doe. She may look better once her winter coat comes in.

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Originally Posted by MCG1

I'd report the buck. Not sure I would let it get to the kitchen table. Watch the doe. She may look better once her winter coat comes in.

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From some research I did it depends on what the growth is. If it’s a soft tumor and not attached to the bone, it’s safe. Also if it’s not pus filled or strange smelling it’s fine. They say if you harvest the animal with the growth, call a warden to look at it. If they think it’s not safe, they will take the animal and give you a new tag.


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Whacked a nice ten one time with some sort of similar growth on his side , ate fine …:Rofl
His whatever it was was only skin deep and departed with his hide , I thought his was likely a rut wound , yours might be as well , hard to say , smack him if he is big enough to meet your personal and or states expectations and do some fancy surgery is my vote :highfive
Shot a doe one time with a something like that on her upper neck by her head too, she ate fine as well…just saying :Rofl

The doe looks to be like stated , just in summer to winter transition to me , they tend to look pretty odd in some cases when they grow that grey winter coat from that red summer coat , they often look really patchy , the striated marks on her back are from going under fences instead of over them with her fawns …

I tend to think it is only skin deep on the buck as well.