ABSTRACT
For thousands of years man has pursued deer and their deciduous ornaments. Native Americans used the antlers of white-tailed deer as tools, for medicinal purposes, and as ceremonial symbols. In fact, deer antlers have been associated with humans for medicinal reasons as far back as 200 ad (Putman, 1988). Today, modern man continues to be fascinated by these intriguing structures. Researchers have debated their purpose (Darwin, 1874; Geist, 1966; Clutton-Brock, 1982) for over a hundred years, while naturalists and hunters alike strive to glimpse a mature male with immense, complex antlers.
