Sorry, no pic. Last year we had a forkhorn that had a third antler protruding from his forehead. I saw him again this year and he's at least 2.5, maybe even 3.5. However, he's still just a 9" wide forkhorn with a big body and a third 8" beam. Given that his third beam is 'unbranched', would he qualify as having one unbranched antler and therefore be legal to shoot?

That is a good question, never saw that stated in the regs, other than at least 1 unbranched antler, i would think it is possible. But probably need to call the GW to verify first. Better safe than sorry.

I just spoke with the former cass county warden and he told me he would have written a ticket, though if your able to show proof of this being a recurring thing(not just injured this year) that other wardens may not write you a ticket.

Better to contact your local warden.

I questioned this last year a good bit... no warden liked my argument lol mainly because they base a deer as having two MBs no more

I would say no, but call your local GW.

kinda what I was thinking too...only two mainbeams

I think this is one of those 'letter vs spirit' issues. Usually letter wins out, and the letter says 'one unbranched antler', which he has. I don't think I'll ask the warden as I doubt we'll shoot him. I'd love to get a pic; I may move some trail cams to that spot.

He's kind of sneaky anyway, we saw him once last year and once this year despite 14 and 11 sits, respectively, in his area. When I saw him the other day and he had not really progressed, I thought he might be one to cull if he showed up again. He added less than 15" of growth this year.

I'd pop him if I felt the need to do so with a clear conscience.

No