I have hung a ton of antlers in trees over the years, just like that. Not as much anymore the last year or two as I think it just eggs on more atv users to blast through the areas I find these small ones (when they can find antlers "hanging" like Christmas ornamants). Anymore I haul out (or hide forever under a log) pretty much anything I find.
I have some photos of a "one day honey hole find" from NM a couple years ago near the Mescolera-Apache. Picked up 38 antlers in one september afternoon, all small 2 to 4 yr old bulls (4X5X, small 6X). Hung them all in a few big cactus lookin things, was pretty funny. Ill have to scan pics I guess to post, Ill give it a try though.
Maybe somone had alot more than they could carry when they left that little guy hangin for you. Good finds for fall. Good luck this season.
life IS good