A True Survivor

This buck first appeared at the feeding area last winter but it was heartbreaking to see him struggle through the snow because he has either a broken leg or dislocated shoulder of his front leg.   He flops his front leg out when he walks and cannot put much pressure on it but he seems to have adapted to this injury.  He also seems to have deformed antlers and I'm not sure if it is a genetic or nutritional issue (although he looks healthy).   It is a testament to his strength and determination that he has survived. 

From the University of Missouri: 

Antler deformations can also be caused by leg injuries, which often result from deer-vehicle accidents. Front leg injuries coincide with antler deformation on the same side as the injury — a front left leg injury will affect the left antler. Rear leg injuries coincide with antler deformation on the opposite side — a rear left leg injury will affect the right antler. Depending on the severity, injuries to the leg may result in deformations to the antler in consecutive years or the deer may make a full recovery. The biological mechanism controlling this relationship between leg injuries and antler deformations is not fully understood but is thought to be associated with reallocating nutrients toward healing the leg injury, instead of antler growth.