[antlercrazed]

The Missouri Monarch’s antlers reign supreme after 40 years





Missouri Monarch Deer – Image from the Missouri Department of Conservation

ST. LOUIS — A whitetail deer found dead




ST. LOUIS — A whitetail deer found dead over 40 years ago in Missouri continues to hold the world record for non-typical antlers, showcasing the state’s potential for trophy bucks. This remarkable animal, known as the Missouri Monarch, has become a legend in hunting circles and a point of pride for the state’s wildlife management.
Hunter Dave Beckman found the Missouri Monarch in St. Louis County in November 1981, and he called a state conservation agent about it. The buck’s antlers scored an astounding 333 7/8 points on the Boone and Crockett scale , setting a world record that remains unbroken to this day.

Estimated to be five and a half-years-old at the time of death, the deer showed no signs of injury and is believed to have died from natural causes. Its massive rack , weighing over 11 pounds, featured 44 scorable points. The main beams measured an impressive 24 1/8 and 23 3/8 inches.

Interestingly, the Missouri Monarch had a deformed lower jaw, possibly due to a previous injury. This deformity may have contributed to its extraordinary antler growth, adding to the buck’s unique story.


You can visit a replica of the deer at the Powder Valley Nature Center . It is in the center of the main gallery as you enter through the front door.

Despite challenges from other impressive bucks, including a near-record rack also found in St. Louis County in 2012 , the Missouri Monarch maintains its reign. The state has a reputation for trophy whitetails and highlights the success of the state’s wildlife management practices.

Too bad the guy who found it did the right thing and it screwed him out of getting the antlers for himself. Should have sawed head off and never said a word till few years later

 

[antlercrazed]

Well, there is also the fact that he found it laying on private land, that he didn’t have permission to access. I think I read years ago that the Union (pipe fitters?) that owns that land tried to get the rack back from the state at one point. Obviously unsuccessfully. I can’t remember if the agent that recovered the deer was reported to have or have not requested permission to access the land himself.

Like I said he did the right thing but he should have just kept quiet and kept the rack just like the MDC did instead of giving it to the landowner they claimed it for the state. That’s why government sucks they own everything until you try a make them liable for something, then magically they don’t own it. Like when a deer hits your car.