Data from: Unraveling antler progression progression in desert mule deer: implications for common management practices.
Data files
Oct 01, 2026 version files 70.87 KB
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Dryad_Antlers.csv
57.79 KB
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README.md
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Abstract
Antler characteristics are widely used in the management of cervids, including as criteria for harvest and selective culling, yet longitudinal data describing how antler characteristics change as individual animals age remain limited for mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). This dataset contains repeated antler measurements from 54 known-age male mule deer monitored on the privately owned Apache Ranch near Van Horn, Texas, USA. Individual bucks were identified using uniquely identifiable ear tags and were monitored across multiple age classes, allowing changes in antler size and morphology to be tracked within individuals through time.
The dataset is organized with one row representing the antler measurements of one individual at a particular age. Consequently, individuals monitored for multiple years occur in multiple rows representing successive age classes. Variables include individual identification, age, gross and estimated Boone and Crockett (B&C) scores, numbers of typical and scorable antler points, inside spread, right and left main-beam lengths, individual typical tine measurements (G1–G4), circumference measurements (H1–H4), abnormal point measurements, and antler mass measurements. Linear antler measurements and B&C scores are reported in inches, generally to the nearest 1/8 inch.
Antler measurements were obtained from images collected using cameras positioned at supplemental feeders and were made by a certified Boone and Crockett scorer. The study population occurred on private property and had access to supplemental feed throughout the year; these conditions should be considered when comparing antler development with other free-ranging mule deer populations.
The repeated-measures structure of the dataset allows users to evaluate individual antler progression with age, variation among individuals, age-specific antler characteristics, antler asymmetry, development of typical and abnormal points, and relationships among different measures of antler size. The data may also be useful for comparative studies and meta-analyses of antler development, cervid growth, harvest criteria, and age-related changes in antler morphology. Individual identifiers are animal identification codes and do not contain personally identifiable information. Exact locations of individual animals are not provided, and the dataset contains no human-subject data.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.3bk3j9m2f
Dataset overview
This dataset contains repeated antler measurements from individually identified male mule deer monitored across multiple age classes. Individuals are identified using a combination of ear-tag color and tag number. Because the same individual may occur in multiple rows, each row represents measurements for an individual at a particular age rather than a unique animal.
The dataset includes animal identification, age, Boone and Crockett (B&C) antler scores, numbers of typical and scorable points, inside spread, main-beam lengths, individual typical tine lengths, antler circumference measurements, and abnormal point measurements.
There are 302 observations and 39 variables in the dataset.
Antler measurements were recorded to the nearest 1/8 inch. Measurements are retained in the CSV file using the original mixed-fraction format (e.g., 10 3/8 represents 10.375 inches). A value of 0/8 represents a measurement of zero inches or the absence of that particular antler feature.
The data are organized longitudinally, so multiple observations from the same tagged individual represent antler measurements collected at different ages.
Files included
Dryad_Antlers.csv
Comma-separated-value (CSV) file containing individual identification information, age, Boone and Crockett antler measurements, and antler scores.
Number of rows: 302
Number of columns: 39
The file can be opened using any software capable of reading CSV files, including R, Python, Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc, SAS, SPSS, or similar statistical and spreadsheet software.
No proprietary software is required to access the data.
Observation structure
Each row represents the antler measurements for one tagged individual at one age.
Individuals can be identified by the combination of:
Tag_Color + Tag_Num
Because animals were measured repeatedly through time, the combination of tag color and tag number should be used when grouping observations belonging to the same individual.
Age identifies the age of the animal at the time represented by that observation.
Measurement conventions
Unless otherwise specified, linear antler measurements are expressed in inches and were recorded to the nearest 1/8 inch.
Measurements are stored as mixed fractions rather than decimal values.
Examples:
10 3/8= 10.375 inches5 1/2= 5.5 inches7= 7.0 inches0/8= 0 inches
Researchers wishing to conduct numerical analyses may need to convert these character-formatted fractions to decimal inches before analysis.
Boone and Crockett terminology is used for antler measurements. In this terminology, G measurements describe normal antler points (tines), whereas H measurements describe antler circumferences. Right and left measurements refer to the respective antler when viewed from the animal's perspective.
Variable descriptions
Animal identification and age
Tag_Color
Type: Categorical
Units: None
Color of the identification tag associated with the individual animal.
Values present in the dataset are:
- Light Green
- Red
- White
- Yellow
Tag color should be used together with Tag_Num to uniquely identify individuals.
Note: The column name in the supplied CSV contains a trailing space (Tag_Color ). Users importing the dataset programmatically should account for this or remove the trailing space after import.
Tag_Num
Type: Integer
Units: None
Identification number associated with the animal's tag.
Tag numbers are not necessarily unique across tag colors. Therefore, Tag_Color and Tag_Num should be considered together when identifying individual animals.
Age
Type: Numeric
Units: Years
Estimated or known age of the animal at the time of measurement.
Ages are represented in half-year increments:
- 1.5 = 1.5 years old
- 2.5 = 2.5 years old
- 3.5 = 3.5 years old
- 4.5 = 4.5 years old
- 5.5 = 5.5 years old
- 6.5 = 6.5 years old
- 7.5 = 7.5 years old
- 8.5 = 8.5 years old
Antler scores and point counts
Gross_BC
Type: Character/mixed fraction
Units: Boone and Crockett inches
Gross Boone and Crockett (B&C) score for the animal's antlers. The gross score represents the total raw antler measurement obtained using tape-measure measurements according to the B&C scoring approach, prior to deductions that may be applied when calculating a net score.
Values are generally expressed to the nearest 1/8 inch. Some records contain text rather than a numerical score, including Nonscorable and Not measured.
N/A values indicate that a gross B&C score was not recorded in this field.
Est_Gross_BC
Type: Character/mixed fraction
Units: Boone and Crockett inches
Estimated gross Boone and Crockett (B&C) score. This value represents an estimate of the animal's gross antler score rather than a complete tape-measure evaluation. Estimated scores may be based on a visual estimate or a mathematical approximation of the expected gross B&C score.
Values are expressed in B&C inches, generally to the nearest 1/8 inch. Estimated scores should be distinguished from Gross_BC, which represents the gross score obtained from actual antler measurements.
Typical_Pts
Type: Integer count
Units: Number of points
Number of typical antler points associated with the rack.
Typical points are points occurring in the normal antler configuration and meeting the measurement conventions used for the study.
Scorable_Pts
Type: Integer count
Units: Number of points
Total number of antler points considered scorable under the measurement criteria used for the dataset.
This may include scorable abnormal points in addition to typical points.
ttl_mass
Type: Character/mixed fraction
Units: Inches
Total antler circumference ("mass") measurement.
This variable represents the combined circumference measurements used to describe antler mass. Values are expressed to the nearest 1/8 inch.
Spread and main-beam measurements
Inside Spread
Type: Character/mixed fraction
Units: Inches
Inside spread of the main antler beams, measured between the antlers according to the antler measurement protocol.
Right Main Beam
Type: Character/mixed fraction
Units: Inches
Length of the right main antler beam.
Left Main Beam
Type: Character/mixed fraction
Units: Inches
Length of the left main antler beam.
Typical tine measurements
Variables beginning with Right G and Left G represent lengths of normal antler points (tines).
All G measurements are expressed in inches to the nearest 1/8 inch.
A value of 0/8 indicates that the corresponding tine was absent or had zero measurable length.
Right G1
Length of the first typical point (G1) on the right antler.
Right G2
Length of the second typical point (G2) on the right antler.
Right G3
Length of the third typical point (G3) on the right antler.
Right G4
Length of the fourth typical point (G4) on the right antler.
Left G1
Length of the first typical point (G1) on the left antler.
Left G2
Length of the second typical point (G2) on the left antler.
Left G3
Length of the third typical point (G3) on the left antler.
Left G4
Length of the fourth typical point (G4) on the left antler.
Circumference ("mass") measurements
Variables beginning with Right H and Left H represent antler circumference measurements.
All H measurements are expressed in inches to the nearest 1/8 inch.
Right H1
First circumference measurement of the right antler.
Right H2
Second circumference measurement of the right antler.
Right H3
Third circumference measurement of the right antler.
Right H4
Fourth circumference measurement of the right antler.
Left H1
First circumference measurement of the left antler.
Left H2
Second circumference measurement of the left antler.
Left H3
Third circumference measurement of the left antler.
Left H4
Fourth circumference measurement of the left antler.
The H1–H4 measurements collectively characterize antler circumference or "mass" along the main beam.
Abnormal point measurements
Abnormal point variables contain the lengths of measurable abnormal or non-typical antler points.
Measurements are expressed in inches to the nearest 1/8 inch.
A value of 0/8 indicates that no corresponding abnormal point was present.
Multiple columns are provided because an individual antler can possess more than one abnormal point.
Right antler
Right Abnormal 1
Length of the first recorded abnormal point on the right antler.
Right Abnormal 2
Length of the second recorded abnormal point on the right antler.
Right Abnormal 3
Length of the third recorded abnormal point on the right antler.
Right Abnormal 4
Length of the fourth recorded abnormal point on the right antler.
Right Abnormal 5
Length of the fifth recorded abnormal point on the right antler.
Left antler
Left Abnormal 1
Length of the first recorded abnormal point on the left antler.
Left Abnormal 2
Length of the second recorded abnormal point on the left antler.
Left Abnormal 3
Length of the third recorded abnormal point on the left antler.
Left Abnormal 4
Length of the fourth recorded abnormal point on the left antler.
Left Abnormal 5
Length of the fifth recorded abnormal point on the left antler.
Left Abnormal 6
Length of the sixth recorded abnormal point on the left antler.
Left Abnormal 7
Length of the seventh recorded abnormal point on the left antler.
Data-format considerations
Antler measurements are intentionally represented as mixed fractions because measurements were recorded to the nearest 1/8 inch.
When importing the dataset, software may therefore interpret measurement columns as character/text variables rather than numeric variables. Users conducting quantitative analyses should convert these values to decimal inches.
For example:
5 5/8 = 5.625 inches.
Care should also be taken when opening or saving the dataset with spreadsheet software. Some spreadsheet programs automatically interpret fractional measurements such as 5/8, 6/8, or 7/8 as calendar dates rather than fractions. Measurement fields should therefore be imported as text when possible.
Software requirements
No specialized software is required to access the dataset.
The CSV file can be read with commonly used statistical software. Examples include:
R
antlers <- read.csv("Dryad_Antlers.csv",
stringsAsFactors = FALSE,
check.names = FALSE)
Python
import pandas as pd
antlers = pd.read_csv("Dryad_Antlers.csv")
Spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Excel and LibreOffice Calc may also be used, although users should ensure that fractional antler measurements are imported as text so that values are not automatically converted to dates.
Recommended individual identifier
Because tag numbers may occur with different tag colors, researchers analyzing repeated observations should construct an individual identifier using both Tag_Color and Tag_Num.
For example:
Light Green_2
represents tag number 2 with a light-green tag.
Observations sharing the same tag-color/tag-number combination but having different ages represent repeated measurements of the same individual.
Dataset use
The dataset can be used to examine age-related changes in antler size and morphology, individual variation in antler development, typical and abnormal point development, antler asymmetry, and longitudinal patterns in Boone and Crockett antler measurements.
Users conducting longitudinal analyses should account for repeated measurements of the same individuals rather than treating all 302 rows as independent animals.
Author contact information
J. T. French
Sul Ross State University
Borderlands Research Institute
M. E. Bell
Sul Ross State University
Borderlands Research Institute
Associated publication
French, J.T., M.E. Bell, T.S. Janke, J.J. Celaya, C.E. Gonzalez, L.A. Harveson. 2026. Unraveling antler progression in desert mule deer: implications for common management practices. Wildlife Biology.
Notes
The data are provided in their original measurement units and largely retain the original field/data-entry convention of recording antler measurements to the nearest 1/8 inch. Users should consult the associated publication for additional information regarding study design, animal population, antler measurement procedures, and statistical analyses.