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.
Missouri Monarch Deer – Image from the Missouri Department of ConservationST. 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.
