How to tell Sika deer antlers from those of Reds?

[Tengu]

Looking to expand my collection. I aim to have a set from each deer species in this country.

Sadly the Chinese Water deer is not obliging.

So, how do I tell the sika from the reds?

(if you have any to trade please PM me)

 

[Nugs]

Hey Tengu, as a rough rule of thumb, a Sika will never have more than 8 points.
But more indicative of the species is the angle between the main antler beam and first forward facing tine is roughly a right angle (90 degrees) on a Red, this angle is roughly halved for a Sika.

 

[Tengu]

Righty; on each side?

And the brow tine will be pointing up(ish) rather than out?

 

[Nugs]

For a Sika, thats correct.
If you are collecting cast antlers, its a best guess scenario.
Unfortunately i don't have any antlers at present, 2020 has been a strange year for deer management.