In the Know with Antler Terminology

MOOSE ANTLERS

Moose antlers are some of the largest antlers you will find. With an antler that large, it’s no wonder why there are multiple components of the antler. Antlers from different animals have similar and different terminology as it relates to the different parts of the antler. Below are some common terms for Moose Antlers.

• Base or Pedicle - The raised bony rim closest to the skull where the antler originates and attaches to the animal

• Main beam: The thick stalk that grows from the base and supports the palm and brow palm 

• Palm: The flattened areas that extend from the beam 

• Main palm: The outermost and usually widest part of the antler 

• Brow palm: The first antler appendage on the main beam that extends forward 

• Bay: A wide indentation that often separates the brow palm from the main palm 

• Tine or point: A projection that is longer than one inch and longer than it is wide 

• Brow tine: A tine that emerges from the brow palm 

• Spread: The total width between the widest points on each side of the antler 

DEER & ELK ANTLERS

Deer antlers can range from only a few inches in length to weighing several pounds. Below are some common terms for Deer Antlers.

• Base or Pedicle - The raised bony rim closest to the skull where the antler originates and attaches to the animal

• Beam - Central stem of the antler

• Burr – Bony rim of the pedicle.

• Brow Tine – The point at which the first antler branches off.

• G2 Tine – The second branching-off point.

• G3 Tine – The third branching-off mark.

• G4 Tine – Fourth branch on a separate tine of a deer’s antler.

• Fork or Split – End of the antler that forks out into two tines.

• Crown – The top tine on the deer’s antlers.