On the early grasslands of North America just as on the tundra of northern Alaska today, any individual's odds of survival improve when a predator can take only a few victims from the periphery of a big herd. But in closely packed herds, a wounded animal that attracted predators by blood scent or behavior puts all herd members at risk. Thus combat to settle priorities in status, mating options, or food ideally should be bloodless. The newer antlers were designed for wrestling, not bloodletting. Tines, prongs, and palms all serve as both grappling hooks and shields, ready to engage a rival's weaponry and parry his attack.
Elaborate antlers are the deer clan's answer to the peacock's tail.
A big rack is the combat sign of a healthy, strong male, which is just what the average female deer most wants in a mate. When females also have antlers or horns, Geist notes that the female's weapons match those of the year class of male with which she is most likely to battle. Knowing something of the tale told by antlers and horns makes interpreting what hangs on Alaska cabin walls wryly informative.