SPORTING ANSWERS
Maximum points for reds
STALKING
Q Is there a maximum number of points that a red deer can grow on its antlers in a year?
A This is a frequently asked question and the answer has changed over time. In the 1990s, the late expert Kenneth Whitehead gave the figure as 62 for a stag shot as far back as 1696 by the man who became King Frederick I of Prussia.
Since then, however, numerous animals in various locations, including the UK, Europe and New Zealand, have been recorded that far exceed this, but none came from the wild — all originated in either deer parks or enclosures. In fact, one from a park in England had a point count of 88 — there were 44 on either side.
Given that truly wild deer rarely exceed a total of 18 to 20 points, animals with a higher count may simply be a reflection of their genetics, environment and diet. No doubt heads of more than 88 points have occurred, but clearly all of these, including King Frederick’s historic one, are the result of manipulation and management, rather
