We don't know if the antlers were retained or if they're the current years growth. They shed them because of a change in testosterone levels. An injury from fighting can cause them to be retained.
OTOH, a buck that valuable probably wouldn't have been penned with other bucks to protect it from an injury that would decrease his value.


β€œIn a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act.”
― George Orwell

It's not over when you lose. It's over when you quit.