Wyoming Hunter Bagged Rare Double-Horned Pronghorn
A hunter in southeast Wyoming harvested a unique buck that failed to shed its previous year's keratin horn sheaths.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Hunting
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Deb Tonsager-Burke successfully shot a rare pronghorn buck in southeast Wyoming that possessed a double set of horns on one side. The unique anomaly occurred because the animal failed to shed its prior year's sheaths, allowing new growth to develop behind them.
Why it matters
This biological rarity captured the attention of local hunters after photos showed the buck with its unique horn structure during the summer. The occurrence highlights the influence of hormonal factors on the horn replacement cycle in pronghorn populations.
The buck was part of a larger herd of 200 antelope located in southeast Wyoming. Pronghorn horns are composed of keratin and typically follow a cyclical shedding process driven by testosterone levels.
The players
Deb Tonsager-Burke
She is the hunter who identified and successfully harvested the rare pronghorn buck in southeast Wyoming.
The details
After identifying the distinct buck in summer field photos, Deb Tonsager-Burke tracked the animal within a herd of 200 antelope. The buck possessed a secondary set of horn sheaths because it had not shed the previous year's growth, a rare condition that allowed the new keratin sheaths to form directly behind the old ones.
Timeline
In July 2026, the buck lost an extra horn sheath on one side.
On September 22, 2026, Deb Tonsager-Burke shot the pronghorn buck.
Culture Shift
The harvesting of this buck deviates from the standard pronghorn keratin shedding cycle observed in wild populations. It highlights the rare instances where biological anomalies challenge typical wildlife growth patterns.
Local hunters in southeast Wyoming should remain observant of unique physical traits when scouting, as such anomalies can be documented through trail cameras or field photos. This harvest serves as a reminder of the importance of tracking herd health and unique developments in the region.
The takeaway
This case illustrates how hormonal variations can lead to significant physical changes in wild game populations. Hunters interested in rare specimens are encouraged to document their sightings to help local wildlife experts track these unique biological occurrences.
Further reading
For more information on wildlife regulations and hunting in the state, visit Wyoming Hunting.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cowboy State Daily.
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