Might be best to record the stages as per Schmidt for descriptive purposes but to be cautious re:age estimates. As an earlier posting pointed out for Scottish Red deer, American elk (aka wapiti) are very variable with respects to the number of points. See:
Antler growth, males only, highly variable and determined by nutritive status. >5 yr-old males can achieve beams 111cm width and 126 cm long. Six or more points on each side. Yearling males only have single spikes. Males 2-5 yrs of age have intermediate antlers.
Source: Wisdom MJ, and Cook JG. 2000. North American Elk. In: S. Demarais PRK, editor. Ecology and management of large mammals in North America. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Charles E. Stewart, Jr. p 694-735.
Dr. Ariane Burke, Professeure Titulaire,
Universite de Montreal,
Departement d'Anthropologie,
Professeure invitee (2014-15)
Laboratoire d'archeologie prehistorique
Institut J.-A. Forel, Sciences de la Terre,
Universite de Geneve
http://archeozoologie.anthro.umontreal.ca/
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From: Analysis of animal remains from archaeological sites [[log in to unmask]] on behalf of knowles [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: October 17, 2014 4:28 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [ZOOARCH] Red Deer Antler
Dear Jen
I use the measuring points shown in
de Nahlik, A J 1959. Wild Deer. London: Faber & Faber.
Some-one may send you a pdf. If not, contact me again, and I’ll make one.
With best wishes,
Gill Jones
From: Analysis of animal remains from archaeological sites [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jen Wood
Sent: 16 October 2014 21:03
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [ZOOARCH] Red Deer Antler
Hi All,
I have a complete shed red deer antler from a pit from a Roman site and I am attempting to record it fully. I have a photocopy sheet from Schmidt which categorizes the stages of growth from A to F but not actual interpretation of what these stages are. I am assuming age categories. Can anyone enlighten me further or suggest where I can look for further information?
Many thanks
Jen Wood
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