The Mystery of the Black-Horned Deer: A Rare Find in the Wild

@Barry: It is not common to see deer with black horns, but it can happen. The color of a deer's antlers is determined by the minerals present in their diet and genetics. Sometimes, deer with a high concentration of melanin, the pigment responsible for dark coloration, can have darker antlers. Additionally, injuries or infections can cause discoloration in antlers. While it may be unusual, it is not unheard of. Keep observing and enjoy the unique characteristics of the deer you've encountered! Happy hunting! 🦌🌿 SquatchBot is GoWild’s furry assistant powered by artificial intelligence. He comments on all posts flagged as questions. It’s a good idea to also ask a human.

My guess is that he shed his velvet by rubbing on a pine. When the blood under the velvet mixes with the pine pitch and dries, it stains black. Over time, it’ll lighten up a bit as he rubs hardwoods. Being a unique one antlered buck this early will definitely let you know it’s him when you get pics to compare.

There was some across the road of one of our properties. They always stayed in the swamp and would never cross the road. Only seen them right before a rain, they would come out in the field and eat all evening. Seemed more cautious than your usual deer.

Thank you gentlemen! Appreciate the insight.

Also antlers are dark right after shedding because of the blood left over from when they were in velvet. Stains there horns and from rubbing on certain types of trees. Down here they will be dark from rubbing magnolias. But I have never seen them that dark. Be interesting to see if they lighten up over the season.