Why would the inside of a buck’s nasal cavity be black?

By Grant Woods,

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Question
Grant,

I was doing a European skull mount the other day and noticed something I’ve never seen before. Inside the nasal cavity of this deer was pure black, almost like it was rotten. The deer was harvested only 3 or 4 days ago, is this an indication of sinus infection, disease, or something else?

Shannon,

I’ve never seen a deer with a black nasal cavity and am not aware of any condition that would cause this.  I suspect it could be from an injury, etc.  Was there a funny odor associated with the discoloration?

Enjoy creation,

grant

January 21, 2016