The world-record rack from an 8-point Minnesota whitetail killed by a poacher in 2009 has attracted many gawkers since the Department of Natural Resources started displaying it at special events around the state.
The antlers are so special, the DNR made seven replicas last year to show off to the public.
But now people can view the actual antlers anytime they want – at DNR headquarters in St. Paul.
"They have been displayed at the State Fair, Game Fair, the Deer Classic and at Turn in Poacher (TIP) and Deer Hunters Association banquets," said Rod Smith, DNR assistant enforcement director. "We wanted a place where people could see them any time of the year."
The DNR had a display case built for the massive antlers in the lobby of its building at 500 Lafayette Road in downtown St. Paul. The lobby, which is near the DNR license center, is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
A guard's desk is nearby. The antlers are estimated to be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
The rack is said to be the largest 8-point typical in the world. The inside of the rack measured 28 3/8 inches, and under Boone and Crockett's scoring system, its gross score was 190 5/8 and its net was 181 — unheard of for an 8-point North American whitetail.
The DNR unveiled the display on Tuesday.
